Hyundai and IndianOil start hydrogen car trials in India
Hyundai has handed Indian Oil Corporation the keys to a brand new NEXO hydrogen fuel cell car to kick off a two-year on-road trial aimed at seeing whether hydrogen cars can stand up to Indian roads – and Indian drivers.
The trial, formalised this week through a Memorandum of Understanding, will see IndianOil run the NEXO for 40,000 kilometres in real-world conditions.
Not a test track or a controlled pilot – but everyday use on some of the world’s most dangerous and unpredictable roads.
Hyundai will work alongside to track reliability, servicing, and total cost of ownership.
A shift in focus
Most of India’s hydrogen efforts so far have centred on commercial vehicles and industrial use. This is different.
It’s a long-term test of a production fuel cell car being used like a regular private vehicle, with the aim of assessing how it performs, how much it costs to run, and whether it makes sense for wider adoption.
The NEXO will be operated by IndianOil, with Hyundai closely involved in the analysis. The companies will evaluate service intervals, durability, and maintenance costs – data that would help determine whether fuel cell vehicles are a viable, clean new option for India’s passenger car market.
“As India’s foremost smart mobility solutions provider, it is our firm resolve to innovate with future-ready technology”, said Unsoo Kim, Managing Director of Hyundai Motor India.
“Together with IndianOil, we aim to unlock the potential of green hydrogen as a transformative energy source – making it accessible, affordable, and sustainable.”
Part of a broader hydrogen roadmap
The NEXO trial is one part of Hyundai’s wider hydrogen strategy in India. The company is also working with IIT Madras to develop a Hydrogen Innovation Centre focused on component testing, early-stage R&D, and startup support.
IndianOil is expanding its presence across the hydrogen value chain – from green hydrogen production to future refuelling infrastructure – as part of the country’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
“Fuel cell technology holds immense potential in significantly aiding net carbon neutrality,” said Dr Alok Sharma, Director of R&D and Board Member at IndianOil. “This collaboration will enable us to conduct in-depth studies and advance efforts towards realising a greener mobility ecosystem.”
If the trial delivers strong results, it could help make the case for hydrogen cars in countries where charging infrastructure is limited – or where long range and quick refuelling remain priorities.
