By Priya Singh
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Updated On: 08-Sep-2023 06:22 AM
Under the agreement, Ashok Leyland will deliver ten state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell buses to NTPC. These buses will be deployed in select regions to assess their operational performance and environmental impact.
Ashok Leyland, a Hinduja Group flagship firm, will supply roughly ten hydrogen fuel cell buses to NTPC. This is India’s first fuel cell bus that will commercially ply on the country’s roads.
Ashok Leyland, one of India's leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, has inked a significant deal with NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) to supply ten hydrogen fuel cell buses. The collaboration marks a significant step towards promoting green and sustainable transportation solutions in the country, with the potential for a substantial increase in order size in the future.
Ashok Leyland, a Hinduja Group flagship firm, will supply roughly ten hydrogen fuel cell buses to NTPC for use in operations in Leh and Ladakh.
According to Shenu Agarwal, MD of Ashok Leyland, the vehicle is now being tested in the region and is expected to be completed within the next few weeks.
Agarwal stated that while the present order is for approximately ten vehicles, NTPC may place additional orders for similar vehicles. The partnership between Ashok Leyland and NTPC reflects a shared commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of public transportation and promoting eco-friendly mobility alternatives.
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Hydrogen fuel cell technology is considered a game-changer in the field of electric vehicles, offering several advantages such as zero emissions and extended driving ranges compared to traditional battery-electric buses.
Under the agreement, Ashok Leyland will deliver ten state-of-the-art hydrogen fuel cell buses to NTPC. These buses will be deployed in select regions to assess their operational performance and environmental impact. The initial order signifies the first step in transitioning towards sustainable public transportation solutions.
Hydrogen fuel cell technology generates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapour being the only byproduct. This clean energy source is particularly appealing for large-scale transportation applications, where long driving ranges and rapid refuelling are essential.
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With an installed capacity of 73,024 MW (including JVs), NTPC is India's largest power utility, with aspirations to grow to 130 GW by 2032.
While the initial order comprises ten buses, both Ashok Leyland and NTPC are optimistic about the potential for future expansions. The success of this pilot project could lead to a more substantial order, further bolstering the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in India's public transportation sector.
As India intensifies its efforts to combat air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, initiatives like the Ashok Leyland-NTPC collaboration are critical in driving the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transportation solutions.
This partnership not only paves the way for cleaner public transportation but also positions India as a player in the global shift towards hydrogen fuel cell technology, which holds immense potential for a greener future.