Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday jointly demonstrated India’s commitment to clean mobility by taking a ride in a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle in New Delhi.
The two ministers travelled in the Toyota Mirai fuel cell electric vehicle, with Pralhad Joshi personally driving the car from Bharat Mandapam to the residence of Nitin Gadkari. The symbolic journey was aimed at highlighting the government’s push towards green hydrogen, zero emission transport and sustainable mobility solutions as part of India’s broader clean energy transition.
The demonstration underscored the convergence of renewable energy and clean transport policies, with hydrogen emerging as a key pillar of India’s strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, cut carbon emissions and promote energy security. The initiative aligns with national efforts to scale up green hydrogen production and create an enabling ecosystem for its use across sectors, including transportation.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles generate power through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, producing electricity to run the vehicle while emitting only water vapour as a by product. This makes them a zero emission alternative to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and an important option for decarbonising long distance and heavy transport.
The Toyota Mirai, a second generation hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, represents one of the most advanced examples of this technology globally. It offers a driving range of around 650 kilometres on a single refuelling and can be refuelled in under five minutes, combining the convenience of conventional vehicles with the environmental benefits of clean energy.
By showcasing the Mirai on Indian roads, the ministers highlighted the potential of hydrogen based mobility to complement electric vehicles and accelerate the transition to cleaner transport. The demonstration also reinforced the government’s intent to promote innovation, encourage industry participation and build public confidence in emerging clean technologies.
The joint ride reflects India’s broader vision of integrating renewable energy, clean fuels and modern transport infrastructure to support sustainable economic growth while addressing climate change and urban air pollution challenges.
