US, M&M in test run for hydrogen 3-wheeler

The US Department of Energy (DOE) will introduce three-wheeled, hydrogen-powered experimental vehicles in India through a joint project with Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) as a possible alternative to small vehicles commonly used in densely populated cities.

In a public-private partnership supported by the US Agency for International Development and the DOE, US companies specialising in the conversion of engines to hydrogen power will modify three-wheeled vehicles provided by M&M, said a DOE press release.

One vehicle will be returned to India for experimental use. Another would remain in the US for demonstrations, said the release.

The project has the potential to encourage wider-scale conversions to hydrogen power with resulting positive impacts on reducing pollution and achieving greater energy sustainability.

The ambitious project supported by the US Agency for International Development to introduce three-wheel hydrogen-powered vehicles in India could have important consequences on air pollution and transportation in developing countries and the US, the release said.

"Hydrogen engine technology can have a dramatic impact in the developing world by improving the air quality and energy security, and promoting sustainable economic growth," US Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham said. "The positive impacts are far-reaching both in the US and abroad," he added.

"This project could ultimately hasten introduction of hydrogen-fuelled transportation in the US by building upon lessons learned in wide-scale deployment of small vehicles in India," Abraham said.