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Pralhad Joshi, Nitin Gadkari Take Ride in Hydrogen Car

2026-01-07

Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari took a joint ride in a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV), underscoring the government’s commitment to promoting green hydrogen and clean mobility solutions in India.

The ministers travelled in the Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicle, with Joshi himself driving the car from Bharat Mandapam to the residence of Gadkari. The demonstration was aimed at highlighting the viability of hydrogen-based mobility as a key component of India’s transition towards low-carbon and sustainable transport systems.

The Toyota Mirai is a second-generation hydrogen FCEV that generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. The only by-product of this process is water vapour, making it a zero-emission vehicle with no tailpipe pollutants. With a driving range of around 650 km on a full tank and a refuelling time of less than five minutes, the Mirai is considered one of the most advanced hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles globally.

Officials said the demonstration aligns with the government’s broader efforts to build a green hydrogen ecosystem, covering production, storage, transportation and end-use applications. Hydrogen-based mobility is being positioned as a complementary solution to battery electric vehicles, particularly for long-range and heavy-duty transport segments where quick refuelling and extended range are critical.

The joint ride by the two ministers also reflects inter-ministerial coordination to promote clean energy adoption across sectors. While the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is leading efforts on green hydrogen production, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is working on enabling infrastructure and regulatory frameworks to support alternative fuel vehicles.

The initiative is expected to raise awareness about hydrogen fuel cell technology and encourage greater industry participation, innovation and investment in clean mobility solutions, supporting India’s climate commitments and long-term energy transition goals.

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