Bharat Benz and Reliance Industries Unveil India's First Intercity Luxury Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus

Bharat Benz, in collaboration with Reliance Industries, showcased India's first intercity luxury concept coach to be powered by Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology. The bus was showcased at the 4th Energy Transitions Working Group meeting held in Goa between 19-22 July 2023.

This coach is powered by Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology, a major step towards achieving the nation's green mobility objectives. This study will also help understand how viable H2 Fuel Cell technology is for inter-city travel.

The bus has a Gross system power of 127 kW and a Net power of 105 kW, which is equivalent to 296 bhp, which aligns with the performance standards of current Diesel buses employed for intercity applications. The bus can go up to 400 km on a single hydrogen fill.

Nitin Seth, CEO, New Mobility, Reliance Industries said, “This luxury intercity coach is powered by a Fuel cell system, which is designed and developed by Reliance Industries, using state-of-the-art components from international partners with significant localisation. The Bus will undergo extensive trials validation & safety trials over the next 12 months.”

In a social post, Bharat Benz said, “This H2 Fuel Cell inter-city luxury concept coach is the result of a collaboration between BharatBenz and Reliance Industries Limited and will be used to conduct an advanced engineering study to explore the viability of Hydrogen Fuel Cell as a propulsion alternative for the future.”

This mission aims to synergise the demand and supply of green hydrogen. Currently, Indian transport accounts for 25-35 per cent of PM 2.5 emissions, with 80 per cent of crude oil being imported.

Written By: Ronit Agarwal