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Toyota and NISE Join Forces to Evaluate Hydrogen-Powered Mirai, Advancing India’s Green Hydrogen Mission

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), operating under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, marking a significant step forward for the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

The MoU was exchanged in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi. The collaboration reinforces India’s push to integrate hydrogen-based mobility within its broader clean energy and decarbonisation strategy.

Under the agreement, Toyota Kirloskar Motor has provided its hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle—the Toyota Mirai—to NISE for extensive on-road evaluation. The study will examine how the Mirai performs across India’s diverse climatic zones, terrains, and real-world driving environments.

NISE will assess a wide range of performance parameters including fuel efficiency, practical range, refuelling behaviour, drivability, climate resilience, and overall suitability for Indian roads and traffic patterns. Insights from the evaluation are expected to support early adoption and policy development for hydrogen mobility in India.

The agreement ceremony was attended by key officials such as Union Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik, MNRE Secretary Santosh Kumar Sarangi, National Green Hydrogen Mission Director Abhay Bakre, and NISE Director General Dr. Mohammad Rihan. Senior Toyota leadership, led by Vikram Gulati, Country Head & Executive Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Governance, also participated.

Speaking at the event, Minister Pralhad Joshi emphasised that the partnership represents a meaningful advancement in the National Green Hydrogen Mission, reflecting the transition from planning to practical implementation of clean energy solutions.

Toyota executives highlighted the significance of the study in determining the viability of hydrogen as a mainstream mobility pathway in India. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer and Senior Vice President at TKM, noted that testing the Mirai under India’s unique conditions will provide crucial insights into the future of hydrogen-powered transportation.

Vikram Gulati added that Toyota remains committed to a diversified clean mobility approach, incorporating fuel-cell electric vehicles, battery EVs, strong hybrids, and alternative fuel options to support India’s long-term carbon neutrality goals.

The second-generation Toyota Mirai, a hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle, emits only water vapour at the tailpipe. Offering a driving range of roughly 650 km and a refuelling time of under five minutes, it stands among the most advanced hydrogen mobility technologies available globally.

This partnership aligns closely with India’s evolving hydrogen policy landscape and strengthens Toyota Kirloskar Motor’s pledge to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 through renewable energy, circular resource utilisation, and sustainable manufacturing practices.