In a striking demonstration of green technology, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi drove a hydrogen-powered vehicle to Parliament on Thursday. Addressing the media, he highlighted a new collaboration under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Joshi announced that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Toyota Kirloskar and the National Institute of Solar Energy. “This vehicle runs entirely on hydrogen. Under PM Modi’s leadership, the National Green Hydrogen Mission has been launched in India, and today we have formalized an MoU between Toyota Kirloskar and our National Institute of Solar Energy,” he stated.
The minister also shared details about the car, named Mirai, which translates to “Future.” “Mirai, developed by Toyota, is a zero-emission vehicle that operates silently and only releases water vapour as a byproduct. This hydrogen-powered car truly represents the future of sustainable mobility,” Joshi added.
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari also weighed in, emphasizing India’s heavy dependence on imported energy. “Currently, 87% of our energy needs are met through imports, costing the country Rs. 22 lakh crore. Isn’t it time we retain this money within the economy?” he remarked.
Gadkari recalled the positive economic impact of allowing ethanol production from maize. “When permission was granted for maize-based ethanol, maize prices rose sharply. From an initial market price of Rs. 1,200 per quintal and an MSP of Rs. 1,800, prices surged to Rs. 2,600–2,800 per quintal. This encouraged farmers in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to triple maize cultivation, significantly boosting their income,” he explained.
He further praised hydrogen vehicles, calling them a promising example of indigenous, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly technology. “Hydrogen-powered cars produce zero air pollution and reduce dependence on imported energy. They are a step toward a sustainable and self-reliant future,” Gadkari said.
