Delhi To Introduce Zero-Emission Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses

In a groundbreaking move, Tata Motors, in association with Indian Oil Corporation, has taken another step towards sustainable transportation by launching the testing of India’s first-of-its-kind Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered Bus. Rising pollution levels in major cities across India has been an insurmountable problem for a while now, rendering cities like New Delhi almost unlivable with fatal level of pollutants in the air.

In an effort to combat this, the government has taken several steps in the last few years, the most notable of them being the Odd-Even rule implemented in the Capital for a few months. While not the most successful of campaigns, it helped shed light on the dangerous level of pollution in the city and the urgent need to do something about it. The Indian sustainable movement has recently been gaining major traction across all industries, with big name corporations like Tata Motors taking increasingly environmentally conscious steps in a bid to undo the damage worth decades of irresponsible energy practices.

Developed in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the Hydrogen Fuel cell powered bus is a zero-emission vehicle best suited for mass inner-city transportation. This is how it works: The fuel cell is supplied with Hydrogen and Oxygen to generate electricity and the only waste generated is water and heat, both of which can be further utilised. The hydrogen fuel cell technology offers 40%-60% efficiency in converting chemical energy into power, making it three times more efficient than a traditional combustion engine. It also ensures 50% reduction in fuel consumption, according to Financial Express.

The buses are manufactured in India, in conformity with the Make In India campaign launched by the government in 2014. Making the environment a priority, Tata Motors had previously launched the CNG buses, currently in use in the country since 2010. “We have consistently been developing and manufacturing products that can contribute to CO2 reductions across all road transport segments and with early investments in new technologies, we are geared up to further strengthen our market leadership. With our new range of Future ready buses, we will continue to play an active role in mass public transportation, with a commitment towards striking the right balance between sustainable growth and profitability,” Ravindra Pisharody, Executive Director - Commercial Vehicles, Tata Motors, told NDTV. The Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered buses will be extensively tested before being introduced to the circuit.

Electric buses have already been in extensive use throughout the world as the transportation world’s axis has shifted towards making clean energy vehicles. From hybrids to completely electric, sustainable vehicles are slowly taking over the industry.

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