EKA Mobility, KPIT, BPCL Collaborate to Launch Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses in Kerala |
In a significant step towards promoting clean mobility in Kerala, EKA Mobility has joined hands with KPIT Technologies and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to introduce a 9-metre hydrogen fuel cell bus at Cochin International Airport in Kochi. Supported by global partners Mitsui & Co. from Japan and VDL Groep from the Netherlands, EKA Mobility aims to support Kerala’s net-zero goals through this initiative. This marks the first deployment of its kind in the state and highlights the growing focus on hydrogen-powered vehicles in India’s commercial transport sector.
A hydrogen fuel cell bus with seating for over 30 passengers will operate at Cochin International Airport as part of a three-year Proof of Concept (PoC) initiative. The bus was recently showcased during the Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit held in Kochi on March 12 and 13. In this joint effort, EKA Mobility fitted its 9-metre electric bus with hydrogen fuel cell technology developed by KPIT, while BPCL set up the necessary hydrogen production and refuelling facilities in Kochi. Together, these companies are not only deploying a zero-emission vehicle but also building the complete infrastructure needed for hydrogen mobility, setting an example for sustainable transport in Kerala.
Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & CEO of EKA Mobility, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating: “At EKA Mobility, we are devoted to pioneering clean energy solutions for sustainable urban transportation. 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, said, “Building sustainable solutions by reimagining mobility is at the heart of KPIT’s vision. 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.”
