Hydrogen will help decarbonize our commercial vehicle traffic

Source: The post is based on the article “Hydrogen will help decarbonize our commercial vehicle traffic” published in “Live mint” on 3rd July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Climate Change – Decarbonization

News: The article discusses the potential of hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine vehicles for commercial transport in decarbonization of transport sector.

India, despite having per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions less than half the global average, is the world’s third-largest emitter. India also ranks eighth worst on air quality.

Road transport contributes to about 10% of India’s emissions, with over a third coming from medium and heavy commercial vehicles.

What is the suitability of the available options to decarbonize the vehicle fleet in India?

1) Battery-electric vehicles – These vehicles are not economically viable suitable for commercial transport in India due to factors, like;

• Unlike European trucks, Indian commercial vehicles do not carry heavy payloads. Therefore, it becomes difficult to justify the high purchase cost of battery powered vehicles, which is twice as much as diesel vehicle.
• Battery weight will reduce the payload capacity of a truck.

2) Hydrogen-fueled vehicles – These vehicles can be powered by either fuel cells or conventional internal combustion engines.

Hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles are even more expensive, and they are suitable for long-distance usage(400-500km), which is not usual for India’s usual commercial vehicles.  Also, fuel cells require pure hydrogen, which adds complexity to the supply chain.

Hydrogen-Fuelled Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles are far more suitable for India’s conditions. 1) These vehicles are 20-40% more expensive than diesel carriers, which is much less compared to other low-emissions alternatives. 2) They can carry almost the same load as a diesel truck and suit Indian conditions, characterized by variable loads and travel of 250-300km per day. 3) Such vehicles also do not have stringent requirements of hydrogen purity and can be refueled in 15-30 minutes, compared to hours for battery-run electric vehicles.

What are the measures required to promote adoption in Hydrogen-Fueled Internal Combustion Engine?

First, this technology needs to be given priority in the Indian automotive sector. This assistance can be in the form of technology partnerships, research and development grants, and regulatory support.

Second, there is a need to reduce the cost of hydrogen to about $2.5-$3 per kilogram.

Third, adapting existing fuel stations to dispense hydrogen.

Fourth, extending existing production-linked incentive schemes for local Electrolyzer manufacturing beyond the current 2027 expiration.

The transition to hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion engine vehicles could be a great opportunity for India as the hydrogen economy is still nascent globally.