Indian Oil equips Indian Army with green hydrogen fuel cell bus for use in Delhi-NCR

Indian Oil has signed an MoU with the Indian Army for the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility
 

New Delhi: Indian Oil has taken a significant step towards sustainable transportation by handing over a state-of-the-art green hydrogen fuel cell bus to the Indian Army for use in the Delhi-NCR region. On this notable occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Indian Oil and the Indian Army to spearhead the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility.

This strategic partnership aims to promote sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions, as emphasized in an official statement by Indian Oil.

The handing over and signing ceremony took place at the prestigious National War Memorial, India Gate, New Delhi, attended by Chief of Army Staff (CDS) General Manoj Pande (PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC); Indian Oil's Chairman SM Vaidya, along with senior officials from both Indian Oil and the Indian Army.

During the event, General Pande highlighted the long-standing collaboration, stating, "The partnership between Indian Oil and the Indian Army spans over six decades and is built on an unbreakable bond of trust. The Indian Army is committed to exploring and adopting innovative technologies that enhance our operational capabilities while ensuring environmental sustainability. We will be testing one of the hydrogen buses, and I must thank Indian Oil for choosing the Indian Army as their partner."

Expressing his enthusiasm, Indian Oil's Chairman remarked, "It is indeed a very momentous day today that a bus which is part of the green hydrogen fuel cell bus fleet will now be operated by the Indian Army. This collaboration with the Indian Army is a landmark step towards a greener and more sustainable future. Indian Oil is currently operating 15 fuel cell buses in the Delhi-NCR region, accumulating a total mileage of 300,000 kilometers, i.e., 20,000 kms on each bus.”

According to Indian Oil, this initiative aims to advance hydrogen and fuel cell technology for heavy-duty e-mobility, positioning the Indian Army as a pioneer in evaluating this technology in collaboration with Indian Oil, India's premier energy company. The project will assess the performance of fuel cell electric buses for public transit in the challenging climatic conditions of the Delhi NCR region, analyzing the impact of local fuel and air quality on the performance of fuel cell systems and vehicles. Additionally, it will evaluate the effectiveness, longevity, and operational reliability of fuel cell buses intended for public fleet utilization.

"This initiative marks a pivotal step in the journey towards sustainable transportation, setting a precedent for future collaborations aimed at advancing green hydrogen and fuel cell technologies in India," Indian Oil further added.