Wedoany.com Report-Mar 18, EKA Mobility, KPIT Technologies, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have collaborated to launch a hydrogen fuel cell bus at Cochin International Airport (CIAL) in Kochi, Kerala. This marks the first-ever deployment of a hydrogen-powered bus in the state, underscoring these companies' commitment to sustainable transportation.
The 9-meter bus, designed to accommodate over 30 passengers, will operate at CIAL under a Proof of Concept (PoC) project expected to last three years. This initiative aims to demonstrate the viability and benefits of hydrogen-based public transportation while gathering valuable operational data and insights for future expansions.
BPCL has developed and installed the necessary hydrogen infrastructure at CIAL, including facilities for hydrogen generation, dispensing, and refueling. The bus was showcased prominently at the Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit in Kochi on March 12 and 13, 2025.
This collaboration leverages the specialized expertise of each participating company: EKA Mobility provides the electric bus platform, KPIT Technologies integrates hydrogen fuel cell systems, and BPCL manages the hydrogen supply infrastructure.
According to Sudhir Mehta, founder & CEO of EKA Mobility, "The introduction of our hydrogen fuel cell bus in Kochi highlights our commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility. With our strong equity alliances and engagement with BPCL and KPIT, we seek to speed India's transition to hydrogen-powered public transportation."
Kishor Patil, co-founder, MD and CEO of KPIT Technologies, added, “We have been persistently working on Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology and other green solutions. We are pleased to be technology partners in this collaboration with EKA Mobility and BPCL, where we come together as an ecosystem around Hydrogen Fuel Cell powered buses to power net zero ambitions of large infrastructure projects in Kerala."
The deployment at CIAL will serve as a pivotal model to demonstrate and refine the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen mobility, potentially influencing broader policy initiatives and investments in green hydrogen across India. The project's ambition extends beyond vehicle introduction, aiming instead to establish a replicable hydrogen transportation ecosystem for widespread adoption across other regions.
