Wednesday, October 29, 2025
By Kamal Swami
Tata Motors & IOCL Unite for Zero Emission Transport
In today’s scenario, when countries across the world are shifting towards emission-free public transport facilities, India is making a decisive move with the introduction of hydrogen-powered buses. According to reports, the homegrown carmaker Tata Motors and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) have joined hands to develop Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Buses (FCEBs) — vehicles that operate without diesel or the need for electric charging.

These next-generation buses use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity. These buses are quite different from the diesel-powered buses and release pure water vapour instead of smoke and greenhouse gases like diesel buses. These buses produce zero emissions and minimal noise. The project was first announced in 2023, but has not yet been officially initiated for public use; however, it has already gained huge popularity on the Internet. A video shared by a content creator displays Tata’s 12-meter hydrogen bus, explaining the full operational process of the bus from the storage of hydrogen to its flow through pipelines to the fuel cell system at the rear of the vehicle, where it reacts with oxygen to produce electricity. This electricity powers the motor, enabling the bus to glide smoothly through city streets.
From the video, it can be seen that the bus performs all the tasks from refuelling to superior performance with full efficiency. Its low-floor design accommodates around 35 passengers, enhancing comfort and accessibility. The initiative is part of Tata Motors’ ongoing commitment to green mobility and innovation. The company has been working with IOCL since June 2021, when it received a project to manufacture 15 hydrogen-powered buses for testing in Indian conditions. These buses were designed and built at Tata’s Pune R&D centre, undergoing extensive trials to ensure safety, durability, and efficiency.
The project has received mixed reactions from the public, where many appreciated Tata Motors' endeavours for its sustainable approach, while some raised questions about the challenges of hydrogen production and storage. Nevertheless, industry experts consider the project a milestone for India’s clean energy mission and a step closer to the country’s goal of reducing its carbon footprint in the transportation sector. With hydrogen fuel cell technology gaining traction globally, Tata Motors’ initiative signals that India’s clean public transport future is already in motion.