Union Ministers Take Joint Ride in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle to Highlight Clean Mobility Push

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday undertook a joint ride in a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), signalling the government’s ongoing focus on alternative fuel technologies and clean mobility.

The demonstration involved the Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicle, which was driven from Bharat Mandapam to Nitin Gadkari’s residence. Joshi took the wheel for the drive, which was organised to showcase hydrogen-based transportation as part of India’s broader clean energy transition.

The Toyota Mirai is a second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The process emits only water vapour, with no tailpipe carbon emissions. According to specifications, the vehicle offers a driving range of around 650 kilometres and can be refuelled in less than five minutes.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are being evaluated globally as a potential zero-emission alternative for long-range and high-utilisation transport, particularly where fast refuelling and extended driving range are required. In India, hydrogen mobility forms part of wider policy discussions linked to the National Green Hydrogen Mission and the decarbonisation of the transport sector.

The joint demonstration by the two ministries highlights coordination between renewable energy and road transport portfolios as the government explores pathways to reduce emissions from road mobility through emerging technologies.