India's MoRTH Introduces New Registration Plates to Distinguish Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles, Bolstering Green Mobility Initiatives
Key Insights
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed new dual-color number plates for hydrogen-powered vehicles in India to enhance identification and promote green mobility.
Hydrogen vehicles will feature green and blue plates, with specific lettering colors distinguishing commercial, private, and taxi applications for regulatory clarity.
This policy aligns with India's National Green Hydrogen Mission and a wave of ongoing projects, including fuel cell testing, green hydrogen production, and hydrogen vehicle deployments.
Key industry players and research institutions are actively investing in and developing hydrogen infrastructure and technology, reinforcing India's commitment to a hydrogen-based economy.
New Delhi, India – The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has proposed a new regulatory framework introducing dual-color registration plates for hydrogen-powered vehicles, a move aimed at enhancing identification and accelerating the adoption of green mobility solutions across India. The draft notification, issued on June 30, 2025, underscores the government's strategic intent to integrate hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) into the national transport grid.
Under the proposed scheme, hydrogen vehicles will feature number plates with a distinct green top half and a blue bottom half. Commercial hydrogen vehicles will be further distinguished by yellow lettering, while private hydrogen vehicles will display white lettering. Hydrogen-powered taxis are slated to receive number plates with a black top half, a blue bottom half, and yellow lettering. This standardization is designed to simplify the recognition of FCEVs by both traffic authorities and the general public, facilitating regulatory compliance and promoting public awareness of these cleaner alternatives.
This policy development arrives amidst a surge in hydrogen-related initiatives across India, reflecting a concerted effort to establish a robust green hydrogen ecosystem. The National Green Hydrogen Mission, launched with an outlay of INR 19,744 crore (approximately $2.37 billion), aims to make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export. Key advancements include the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) developing advanced controller systems for rigorous fuel cell testing, particularly for heavy-duty applications, which is critical for ensuring vehicle reliability and safety.
Furthermore, strategic partnerships are materializing to bolster hydrogen infrastructure. Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Ohmium International are collaborating on green hydrogen microgrid solutions, focusing on scalable and cost-effective energy deployment. In a significant step for public transport, NTPC has supplied five hydrogen fuel cell buses to SIDCO for the Green Hydrogen Mobility Project in Leh, supported by a dedicated solar-powered mobility station. IndianOil is also progressing with plans to establish India’s largest green hydrogen plant in Panipat by December 2027, targeting a substantial 10,000 tonnes per annum capacity. Academic and industrial research collaborations, such as that between HORIBA India and IIT Delhi on proton-conducting solid oxide electrolysis cells, are driving technological innovation. The Adani Group's recent deployment of hydrogen-powered trucks for coal transportation in Chhattisgarh exemplifies the industry's shift towards cleaner logistics in heavy-duty sectors. These collective efforts highlight a comprehensive approach to fostering hydrogen adoption, from production and infrastructure to end-use applications, with the new number plate regulation serving as a visible marker of this transition.