Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) formally exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), an autonomous body under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), at MNRE headquarters in New Delhi. The exchange took place in the distinguished presence of Pralhad Joshi, Hon’ble Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India. This collaboration marks a meaningful step in strengthening India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission and reinforcing the country’s long-term commitment to carbon neutrality.
As part of the agreement, Toyota Kirloskar Motor handed over its hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle, the Toyota Mirai, to NISE. The vehicle will undergo comprehensive real-world testing to evaluate its technical performance and operational feasibility under Indian driving conditions. This partnership brings together industry expertise, scientific research, and public policy to support the development of a secure and sustainable hydrogen-based energy ecosystem in India.
Under the terms of the MoU, NISE will conduct an in-depth study of the Toyota Mirai across multiple performance indicators, including energy efficiency, real-world driving range, handling characteristics, refuelling patterns, terrain adaptability, winter and cold-weather operation, and overall durability. The evaluation will also assess the vehicle’s suitability for Indian roads, traffic density, dust exposure, and varying climatic conditions.
The MoU exchange ceremony was attended by Shripad Yesso Naik, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power; Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Abhay Bakre, Mission Director, National Green Hydrogen Mission; Dr Mohammad Rihan, Director General, National Institute of Solar Energy; along with senior leadership from Toyota Kirloskar Motor, including Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Governance, and other senior executives.
Speaking at the event, Shri Joshi, Hon’ble Union Cabinet Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, said, “India’s clean energy transition is now entering a phase of on-ground execution. The collaboration between the National Institute of Solar Energy and Toyota Kirloskar Motor, along with the deployment of a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle for evaluation, is a significant step under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Such partnerships are vital for strengthening domestic capabilities and advancing our goals of energy security and carbon neutrality.”
Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President and Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, remarked, “Testing the Toyota Mirai in real-world Indian conditions will provide valuable insights into the viability of hydrogen as a scalable mobility solution. This initiative reflects our commitment to introducing advanced technologies while actively supporting India’s clean energy and sustainable transport objectives. We appreciate the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for its forward-looking vision and collaborative support, which will play a key role in shaping India’s journey toward net-zero emissions.”
Mr Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, added, “Our approach to sustainable mobility is built on multiple technology pathways, including hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicles, battery electric vehicles, strong hybrid systems, and alternative fuels. This partnership with NISE and the handover of the Toyota Mirai reaffirm our commitment to India’s Green Hydrogen Mission and the development of future mobility solutions powered by clean and indigenous energy. Hydrogen fuel-cell technology, alongside other low-emission solutions, will be instrumental in helping India meet its energy independence and net-zero targets.”
The Toyota Mirai is a second-generation hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle that generates electricity through a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapour as the only emission. Offering a driving range of nearly 650 kilometres and a refuelling time of less than five minutes, the Mirai represents one of the most advanced zero-emission vehicle technologies currently available.
This collaboration supports India’s evolving hydrogen policy framework and contributes to national priorities such as deep decarbonisation, energy self-reliance, and diversification of clean mobility solutions. Toyota Kirloskar Motor remains committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through net-zero emissions across the entire vehicle lifecycle, supported by renewable energy adoption, efficient resource utilisation, water conservation, and environmental stewardship.
