India Proposes Green-Blue Number Plates to Identify Hydrogen Fuel Vehicles
Key Insights
India's Transport Ministry has proposed distinct green-blue number plates for hydrogen fuel vehicles to promote cleaner transportation.
Commercial vehicles will feature green-blue plates with yellow text, while private vehicles will use white text.
The initiative aligns with India's broader strategy to encourage hydrogen as a sustainable fuel alternative.
The draft notification aims to simplify identification and incentivize adoption of hydrogen-powered transport.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India has unveiled a draft proposal to introduce specialized green-blue number plates for hydrogen fuel vehicles, marking a significant step in the country's push for cleaner transportation. The initiative, announced on June 28, 2025, seeks to distinguish hydrogen-powered vehicles from conventional ones, facilitating easier identification and potential policy incentives.
Under the proposal, commercial hydrogen vehicles will display number plates with a green top half and blue bottom half, accompanied by yellow lettering. Private hydrogen vehicles will follow the same color scheme but feature white text. Rental cabs powered by hydrogen will adopt a black top half and blue bottom half with yellow figures. The move is designed to streamline regulatory oversight and encourage public and private adoption of hydrogen fuel technology.
This proposal aligns with India's National Hydrogen Mission, which aims to position the country as a global leader in green hydrogen production and utilization. By creating a visual distinction for hydrogen vehicles, the government hopes to accelerate consumer awareness and market penetration. "This is a strategic measure to integrate hydrogen vehicles into our transport ecosystem seamlessly," said a senior ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Hydrogen fuel cells are gaining traction globally as a zero-emission alternative to fossil fuels, particularly in heavy-duty transport and logistics. India's draft notification reflects a growing recognition of hydrogen's role in decarbonizing the transport sector. The policy could also pave the way for future incentives, such as toll exemptions or dedicated lanes, further boosting adoption.
The draft is open for public feedback until July 15, 2025, with stakeholders from the automotive and energy sectors expected to weigh in. If implemented, India will join a select group of nations, including Japan and South Korea, that have adopted similar visual identifiers for hydrogen vehicles. The initiative underscores the government's commitment to meeting its 2070 net-zero emissions target while fostering innovation in sustainable mobility.