India has started pilot projects for hydrogen-powered buses and trucks on 10 major highway routes, including Pune-Mumbai, Delhi-Agra, and Ahmedabad-Surat. The trials aim to test hydrogen fuel cell technology under different traffic and climate conditions. Hydrogen vehicles produce only water vapor as exhaust, making them a zero-emission option for long-haul commercial transport where battery electric faces range and charging limits. The government sees this as a way to cut oil imports and transport sector emissions. But the program still faces big hurdles. Green hydrogen production costs remain high, and building a network of refueling stations will take years and serious capital. These pilots will help figure out whether hydrogen can work at scale for Indian roads or if it stays a niche solution.
