ARAI to Invest ₹500 Crore in H2ICE Testing Infrastructure Over Next 4-5 Years

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), a premier automotive testing and certification agency, announced plans to invest ₹500 crore over the next four to five years to bolster the country's vehicle testing infrastructure. This significant investment will focus on developing testing facilities for hydrogen-internal combustion engine (H2ICE)-powered vehicles and construction equipment, alongside advancements in safety technologies.

Currently, ARAI has testing capabilities for ethanol 20 fuel-compliant vehicles. "For the next four to five years, we have thought of almost ₹500 crore to be put in place so that the facilities needed are there," said Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI. The agency has already invested ₹200 crore in developing safety technologies, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Hydrogen ICE vehicles are in their nascent stages in India, but commercial vehicle manufacturers are exploring hydrogen ICE trucks for long-haul and heavy-duty applications due to their potential for better total cost of ownership compared to diesel engines. "For hydrogen testing, we will have our capabilities ready within six months," Mathai stated, adding that the agency expects its testing capabilities to be operational by next year.

Last year, Ashok Leyland and Reliance Industries launched India's first hydrogen ICE-powered heavy-duty truck. The Central Government also launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission to support the development of green hydrogen technologies for use in buses, trucks, and four-wheelers, utilizing either fuel cell-based or internal combustion engine-based propulsion technologies.

BS