The world’s first hydrogen powered three wheeler, ‘HyAlfa’ was earlier showcased at the 11th Auto Expo. Part of a development project dubbed ‘DelHy 3w’, a fleet of 15 HyAlfa three wheelers will run on an experimental basis at Pragati Maidan, where a hydrogen refuelling station has also been set up.

The India Trade Organisation Promotion will use the vehicles on an experimental basis.

HyAlfa has been developed under a joint project by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation International Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies, Mahindra & Mahindra and IIT Delhi, with support from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Mr Pawan Goenka Mahindra & Mahindra President (Automotive and Farm Equipment Sectors) told reporters that “The aim of this project is to convert vehicles so that they can carry and use hydrogen a carbon free fuel and thus remove all pollutants.”

He said the vehicle is not yet ready for commercial production and further fine tuning will be required before moving in that direction. He added that “Moreover, we also have to look at the commercial viability of running a hydrogen powered three wheeler as the cost of hydrogen will be around INR 250 per kg, which is not affordable at all.”

Commenting on the development, UNIDO-ICHET Managing Director, Mr Mustafa Hatipoglu said that the DelHy 3W project aims to demonstrate hydrogen technologies developed by Indian partners for the Indian transport sector.

(Sourced from BL)