Union Minister travels in hydrogen-powered car as a strong indication of a shift in stance by the Centre

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Last Updated31/03/2022

The Union Transport Minister travelled to the Parliament House in a hydrogen-based Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV)
It could be interpreted as a strong indication of a shift in stance by the Centre that has so far backed conventional battery-powered electric vehicles, or BEVs.

Typically, there are four broad categorisations of electric vehicles—conventional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), BEVs and Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs)
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): Low-emission vehicles that use an electric motor to assist gas-powered engines. All energy comes from gasoline.
Battery Electric Vehicles( BEVs): Powered solely by an electric battery, with no gas engine parts and zero emissions.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Similar to a Hybrid, but with a larger battery and electric motor. Has a gas tank and a charging port.
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) : combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, which runs the motor.
Since they’re powered entirely by electricity, FCEVs are considered EVs, but unlike BEVs, their range and refuelling processes are comparable to conventional cars and trucks.

It is hydrogen produced by splitting water by electrolysis.
In a hydrogen-powered car, the gas is stored in a high-pressure tank and is transferred to the fuel cell to generate electricity created by a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen.
It is a zero-emission fuel.

Comprehensive National Hydrogen Energy Mission: Prime Minister while speaking at the 3rd Re-inVest Conference in November 2020, had announced plans to launch a comprehensive National Hydrogen Energy Mission.
Hydrogen Energy Mission: proposed in the Union Budget for 2021-22 by the Finance Minister
Aim: to generate hydrogen from green power sources
13-point Green Hydrogen Policy: announced by Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Aim: detailing the various incentives and ways to manufacture green hydrogen.

Delhi is the first city in India to have buses that run on hydrogen-spiked compressed natural gas (H-CNG).
H-CNG is a CNG that contains 18 percent hydrogen and is manufactured straight from natural gas without the need of normal mixing.
In Leh and Delhi, NTPC Ltd is running a pilot programme with ten hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric buses and fuel cell electric automobiles.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) made an announcement proposing changes to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
It comprises guidelines for evaluating the safety of hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars.
It will serve as a supplementary regulatory framework.

Issues with Infrastructure: A major impediment to the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell cars has been a lack of fueling station infrastructure.
Hydrogen production is an energy-intensive process
High R&D : This modern technology needs further research in order to make the procedure inexpensive and scalable.
Hydrogen transportation: Gaseous hydrogen is very combustible and difficult to transport. Safety is seen as a major priority.

Electrolyzer expenses and supply chain logistics must be reduced.
Policymakers should also think about how to build legal frameworks that promote the incorporation of the hydrogen-based economy.
Public investments must be carefully planned and channelled in this field

Prelims take away

Mains Track

Discuss the significance and associated challenges in adopting hydrogen-powered vehicles in India.