EKA Mobility, KPIT, and BPCL collaborate to deploy hydrogen fuel cell bus in Kerala • EVreporter

EKA Mobility, a provider of electric mobility solutions backed by Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (Japan) and VDL Groep (Netherlands), has partnered with KPIT Technologies and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) to introduce a 9-meter hydrogen fuel cell bus at Cochin International Airport (CIAL), Kochi.

The hydrogen fuel cell bus, designed for over 30 passengers, will operate at CIAL as part of a Proof of Concept (PoC) project with a three-year operational period. The bus was showcased at the Global Hydrogen & Renewable Energy Summit held in Kochi on March 12 and 13.

Under this collaboration, EKA Mobility integrated KPIT’s hydrogen fuel cell technology into its 9-meter electric bus, while BPCL developed the hydrogen generation, dispensing, and refueling infrastructure in Kochi. This initiative includes both vehicle deployment and the establishment of necessary hydrogen infrastructure to support operations.

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.”

Mr. Kishor Patil, Co-founder, MD and CEO of KPIT Technologies, said, “Building sustainable solutions by reimagining mobility is at the heart of KPITs 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” 

This initiative is part of Kerala’s plan to reduce carbon emissions and assess the feasibility of hydrogen-powered commercial transportation. The project will test the use of hydrogen fuel cell buses in India and examine the potential for investment in hydrogen infrastructure. It will also provide insights for policy discussions on the expansion of hydrogen-based mobility solutions.

Also read: EKA Mobility and KPIT Technologies partner to develop electric powertrain components