Gujarat’s EV policy to get HYDROGEN boost

Gujarat is set to take its clean mobility ambitions beyond electric vehicles by incorporating green hydrogen into its upcoming EV policy. The state government plans to offer incentives and subsidies for hydrogen-powered vehicles and related infrastructure, making Gujarat the first state in the country to formally promote green hydrogen as an alternative transport fuel.

The initiative builds on Gujarat’s Green Hydrogen Policy announced last year, which targets production of 3 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) of green hydrogen by 2035. The government expects the sector to attract investments of nearly Rs 5 lakh crore across green hydrogen production and renewable energy projects.

Senior government officials said the focus will now shift to developing the ecosystem required for hydrogen mobility, particularly refuelling infrastructure. Although hydrogen fuel-cell technology is already commercially available and is being tested in passenger vehicles by Japanese and German manufacturers, the absence of refuelling stations remains the biggest obstacle to large-scale adoption.

Officials said both the government and private players are expected to invest in hydrogen refuelling networks over the coming years. Modern stations are likely to incorporate AI and IoT-based monitoring systems to remotely track fuel supplies, enhance operational safety, predict demand and minimise downtime.

The Centre has also advanced hydrogen mobility initiatives. India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen-powered train has successfully completed high-speed trials, while hydrogen fuel-cell technology is being evaluated for wider automotive applications.

Through the proposed policy, Gujarat aims to complement its electric vehicle strategy with hydrogen-powered transport, particularly in segments where battery-powered vehicles may not be the most practical solution.

The new EV policy is expected to be announced shortly. With the 2032 Commonwealth Games on the horizon, the state is targeting cleaner air and lower carbon emissions by promoting both electric and hydrogen-powered mobility through a package of incentives.