BharatBenz, RIL showcase hydrogen powered intercity luxury concept coach

BharatBenz in association with Reliance Industries on Wednesday showcased India’s first luxury urban vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Unveiled at the fourth meeting of the Energy Transitions Working Group under India’s G20 Presidency in Goa, which will be held from July 19-22, the concept trainer will be used to conduct an advanced engineering study to explore the feasibility of a hydrogen fuel cell as a propellant alternative for the future, according to a statement.

The hydrogen fuel cell propulsion technology used in BharatBenz’s bus chassis was developed in-house by Reliance Industries and is designed to offer a range of around 400km, it says.

This study will also help understand the viability of H2 fuel cell technology for intercity travel, according to the release.

The G20 Energy Transitions Working Group was created to address the global challenges of energy transition and sustainability, and includes representatives from G20 countries, international organizations and other stakeholders.

Earlier on February 6, 2023, Reliance Industries (RIL) unveiled India’s first hydrogen internal combustion engine technology solution for heavy trucks announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at India Energy Week in Bangalore.

BharatBenz said it pioneered many industry-first technologies that kept its trucks and buses ahead, adding that Reliance Industries is now making advanced strides in hydrogen propulsion technologies of the future.

This luxury intercity bus is powered by a fuel cell system, designed and developed by Reliance Industries, using state-of-the-art components from international partners with significant localization,” said Nitin Seth, CEO of New Mobility, Reliance Industries, in a LinkedIn post.

An intercity bus can travel about 400 kilometers on a single hydrogen canister and can bring long-distance travel between cities on clean fuels such as hydrogen, he said.

He added that the bus will undergo extensive trials and health and safety validations over the next 12 months.

India, earlier in January this year, launched the National Green Hydrogen mission, which will require a synergy of demand and supply and an innovative and affordable solution, he said in the post. He added that mobility plays an important role in the aforementioned mission as Indian transport contributes 25-35 percent of PM 2.5 emissions as well as 80 percent of the crude oil is imported at a cost of more than $100 billion to the treasury, according to his LinkedIn post.