Tata Motors sets up new R&D facilities in Pune; aims to develop hydrogen propulsion systems

Indian passenger and commercial vehicles manufacturer Tata Motors has opened two research and development (R&D) facilities in line with its mission to provide sustainable mobility solutions. The facilities house of an engine test department for the development of hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) along with infrastructure required for storage and distribution of hydrogen fuel for the fuel cell and H2ICE vehicles.

Tata Motors hydrogen-powered vehicle technology development facilities

Tata says that these facilities are another step towards carbon neutrality, leveraging hydrogen as a clean energy source. The new R&D facilities shows a new direction of the company in terms of its goal that likely involve creating a sustainable alternative not only to ICE but also for the trending battery electric vehicles.

Tata Motors had previously showcased a line-up of commercial vehicle concepts at Auto Expo 2023. The range included its flagship Prima tractor, a heavy commercial vehicle in two versions: a hydrogen internal combustion engine and fuel cell technology, and new-gen hydrogen fuel cell bus. In fact, Tata Motors handed over two hydrogen fuel cell powered buses to the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) on 25 September, 2023. In June 2021, Tata Motors had secured a tender from IOCL to deliver 15 FCEV buses to evaluate the potential of hydrogen-based PEM fuel-cell technology in India. If successful in assessment, the FCEV buses could be a mass transport solution for inter and intra-city travel.

Tata Motors currently offers a variety of alternate fuel options across its line-up, including petrol, diesel, battery-electric, hybrid, CNG, LNG, Hydrogen ICE, and Hydrogen Fuel Cell. It is even the front runner in the Indian EV space. The Nexon EV, Tiago EV, and Tigor EV has been a great success for the carmaker.

Commenting on the occasion, Girish Wagh, Executive Director, Tata Motors, said, "Tata Motors has been leading the global mega-trend of sustainable, connected and safer mobility in India. We believe hydrogen to be the fuel of the future, especially for commercial vehicles. With the opening of this dedicated R&D facility to develop and indigenise hydrogen propulsion technology, we are entering a new era of technological innovations and advancements in green mobility. The resulting benefits from an altogether new class of powertrains and engines will take our customers and our nation future forward."

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