Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has signed a key Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IndianOil) to evaluate the long-term feasibility of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in India. This collaboration is aimed at accelerating the adoption of sustainable and clean mobility solutions in the country, with a strong focus on building a green hydrogen ecosystem.

Hyundai NEXO Begins Two-Year Real-World Testing

Under this strategic MoU, HMIL has handed over one unit of the Hyundai NEXO hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) to IndianOil for extensive road testing in Indian conditions. The trial will run for two years, during which the NEXO will be driven across various terrains for around 40,000 kilometres. The testing will assess the vehicle’s performance, reliability, and longevity under local conditions, providing valuable data for hydrogen-powered mobility in India.

A comprehensive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis will also be conducted to evaluate long-term running and maintenance costs. The objective is to provide insights into the real-world economic and environmental advantages of hydrogen mobility.

Hyundai NEXO: India’s First Hydrogen SUV Trial

The Hyundai NEXO is a global flagship hydrogen FCEV powered by a 95 kW fuel cell system paired with a 40 kW battery. This setup generates a combined output of 135 kW (around 183 PS) and 395 Nm of torque. The NEXO can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds and offers an impressive WLTP-claimed driving range of 666 km. It can be refueled in under five minutes, making it one of the most practical zero-emission vehicles available. Built on a dedicated FCEV platform, the NEXO also includes advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), a tech-rich interior, and a sleek aerodynamic design.

HMIL first showcased the NEXO at Auto Expo 2020 and again at Auto Expo 2023. While there is currently limited hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in India, this collaboration with IndianOil is expected to pave the way for future development.

Strategic Comments from Hyundai and IndianOil

Commenting on the MoU signing, Mr. Unsoo Kim, Managing Director, HMIL, said,

“As India’s foremost smart mobility solutions provider, it is our firm resolve to innovate with future ready technology. By signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Indian Oil Corporation, a pioneer in India’s energy sector, we aim to combine world-class Hydrogen fuel cell technology with Indian expertise. Together, we seek to unlock the potential of Green Hydrogen as a transformative energy source making it accessible, affordable, and sustainable. We are confident this collaboration will serve as a critical step in demonstrating the potential of hydrogen as an alternate sustainable fuel source in the times to come.”

Dr. Alok Sharma, Director (R&D) and Board Member – IndianOil, added,

“As India’s largest public-sector energy entity, we at IndianOil are proud to be catalysts in the Government of India’s vision to attain energy security and reduce fossil fuel imports. We believe Hydrogen fuel is a vital component of India’s clean energy roadmap, and fuel cell technology holds immense potential in significantly aiding net carbon neutrality. This collaboration with Hyundai Motor India will enable us to conduct in-depth studies in fuel cell technology and advance efforts towards realizing a greener mobility ecosystem.”

Driving India’s Green Hydrogen Ecosystem

Hyundai is taking steps beyond this MoU by collaborating with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) to establish a Hydrogen Innovation Centre. This centre will support research, testing, and innovation for startups and OEMs, aiming to boost India’s hydrogen vehicle infrastructure and component development.

The NEXO project is part of Hyundai’s wider commitment to offer a full range of powertrains, including ICE, CNG, hybrid, electric, and hydrogen. While Hyundai is the first OEM to start hydrogen passenger vehicle testing in India, other major players like Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Mahindra & Mahindra are also investing in hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. Tata Motors recently began trials of hydrogen heavy-duty trucks, while Ashok Leyland and Mahindra & Mahindra are preparing for launches over the next few years.

With this collaboration, HMIL and IndianOil aim to validate the practicality of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in India, laying the foundation for a clean, self-reliant, and future-ready mobility ecosystem.