Diesel's Long Tail and Hydrogen's Emergence in India's Automotive Industry
Key Ideas
  • Despite the slow adoption of alternative fuels like battery electric vehicles, diesel continues to dominate long-haul and mining applications in India's automotive industry.
  • Cummins India remains committed to investing in alternative fuels, including hydrogen, through their 'Destination Zero Strategy', focusing on technology agnostic solutions.
  • India is making significant strides in hydrogen development and infrastructure, with Tata Cummins Pvt Ltd inaugurating a manufacturing facility for hydrogen-based internal combustion engines in Jamshedpur.
  • While the domestic commercial vehicle industry in India faced sluggish growth in FY25, there are positive expectations for recovery and potential growth in FY26, according to industry experts.
Diesel, a longstanding fuel in the automotive industry, continues to hold a central position despite the gradual push towards greener technologies. Cummins India, a subsidiary of Cummins Group, acknowledges the slow adoption rate of alternative fuels like battery electric vehicles due to challenges such as infrastructure, cost, and regulations. This has led to diesel maintaining its dominance in key sectors such as long-haul transportation and mining applications. However, Cummins remains proactive in investing in various alternative fuels, including hydrogen, as part of their 'Destination Zero Strategy', aiming to be technology agnostic. The company recently launched the HELM engine platforms and an advanced Hydrogen Fuel Delivery System at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, emphasizing higher efficiency and lower emissions. India plays a pivotal role in Cummins' strategic roadmap, particularly in hydrogen development. Notably, Tata Cummins Pvt Ltd has taken a significant step by inaugurating a manufacturing facility for hydrogen-based internal combustion engines in Jamshedpur, showcasing the country's progress in embracing hydrogen as a viable fuel option. Despite a sluggish period in the domestic commercial vehicle industry in FY25, there are optimistic projections for a recovery and potential growth in FY26, indicating a positive outlook for the industry's future.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.