Indian Oil Receives Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses from Tata Motors

• Published On: 26 September 2023
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Tata Motors delivers two hydrogen fuel cell buses to Indian Oil and pipeline 13 more in future.

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) has received two hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) buses from Tata Motors. In addition to other Ministry personnel, Hardeep Singh Puri, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, attended the inauguration of these buses. With Tata scheduled to provide 13 more buses to IOCL, these types of buses are seen as potential options for both intercity and intracity transit needs. Back in 2021, the firm had won a bid to provide 15 FCEV buses to IOCL.

The 12-meter-long buses are built with passenger comfort in mind. They have a low-floor design for simple entry and exit with a capacity for seating of up to 35 passengers. They were developed at Tata Motors' research and development plant in Pune. Before being delivered, the buses, according to Tata, underwent a rigorous road inspection and validation process.

According to Tata, the buses' power supply comes from a 70 kW fuel cell and a 350-bar hydrogen storage tank. Along with ESC, electronic braking systems, and telematics buses also have these features. 

The introduction of the FCEV bus was a result of the government's progressive policies, IOCL's emphasis on readiness for the future, and Tata Motors' R&D expertise, all of which worked together to realize the common goal of clean mobility in India, according to Girish has Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors. The delivery of these buses today represents the beginning of a new era for intercity mass transit and is a step closer to realizing the dream of sustainable transportation.

Fuel cell technology, which uses hydrogen as its main fuel source, has been gaining ground in the area of electric transportation. By effectively converting oxygen and hydrogen into water, this process also generates electrical energy. When contrasted to their battery-powered equivalents, fuel cell vehicles also have advantages including longer operating ranges and quicker refueling periods.