Hyundai Motor Company is accelerating its push into hydrogen mobility in India through a new partnership with Indian Oil Corporation, the country’s largest state-owned energy enterprise.
In a statement released Monday, Hyundai said its Indian subsidiary had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil to launch a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) pilot project — a move aligned with Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Euisun Chung’s broader vision of a “hydrogen society.”
As part of the agreement, Hyundai will provide a NEXO FCEV to Indian Oil for long-term road testing under local conditions. The two-year pilot aims to cover more than 24,855 miles, assessing the vehicle’s performance in India’s diverse climate and road environments.
The project represents India’s first official hydrogen vehicle demonstration — a significant milestone as the country accelerates its investment in clean energy infrastructure.
The two companies will also conduct a comprehensive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) study, analyzing factors such as durability, maintenance costs, and operational stability. The goal is to evaluate the economic feasibility of hydrogen-powered vehicles for both private and commercial use.
Hyundai and Indian Oil also plan to gather real-world data on hydrogen storage, supply chains, and fuel cell operations. This information will support broader efforts to localize hydrogen technologies within India.
The initiative follows Chairman Chung’s visit to India in early 2024, during which he pledged to invest part of Hyundai’s $742 million local expansion into hydrogen innovation. This includes $21.6 million earmarked for a hydrogen valley hub, and an additional investment of approximately $21.1 million to establish a Hydrogen Innovation Center at IIT Madras, scheduled to open in 2026.
India has signaled a strong commitment to clean energy, and the Hyundai–Indian Oil collaboration could play a pivotal role in shaping the country’s hydrogen future.
