Updated on 24 Dec 2025
Hydrogen cars have often been seen as the future of green mobility. They run on hydrogen fuel cells that generate electricity to power the vehicle, making them almost entirely eco-friendly in operation. However, hydrogen vehicles are still experiencing certain challenges.
For all Indian buyers, selecting such cars can be challenging due to their limited availability, high costs and inadequate infrastructure. Before investing in one, it is important to understand its current limitations to evaluate whether it truly stands out as a practical option.
What are hydrogen cars?
Hydrogen vehicles are a type of vehicle that operates on hydrogen fuel cells, rather than diesel or petrol engines. These fuel cells create electricity by blending oxygen and hydrogen and then releasing water vapour as exhaust. This makes such vehicles completely eco-friendly, which is the main reason for their increasing popularity.
What are the disadvantages of having a hydrogen car?
Hydrogen cars come with a set of disadvantages that raise concerns, for example:
- Delivery and storage of hydrogen: This is the main disadvantage of hydrogen vehicles. Whether the hydrogen storage is in a gaseous or liquid state, there will always be losses during transit due to leakage.
- Additional energy input: More energy will be needed to compress or liquefy hydrogen. This procedure diminishes the overall energy efficiency of hydrogen vehicles.
- Safety concern: Hydrogen is highly flammable when it comes in contact with air, which could cause potential users to have safety concerns.
- Complex and expensive manufacturing: Building hydrogen cars involves intricate technologies and specialised components, making their manufacturing more expensive compared to conventional gasoline or electric vehicles.
- Fossil fuel dependency in hydrogen production: The industrial-scale hydrogen production often relies on methods that consume substantial amounts of fossil fuels. This leads to significant greenhouse gas emissions and negates some of the environmental benefits associated with hydrogen as a clean fuel.
- Fuelling challenges: Unlike electric vehicles, hydrogen cars cannot be refuelled or recharged overnight at home. There are more than 100,000 gasoline stations to refuel gasoline cars. But for hydrogen cars, high-pressure fueling stations are currently rare.
What are the benefits of having a conventional car over a hydrogen car?
Conventional vehicles typically operate on electricity, petrol or diesel. Picking these cars over the hydrogen ones can offer the following advantages:
- They are affordable than hydrogen vehicles.
- Conventional cars are easy to maintain.
- They are supported with a good service network and fuel.
- These vehicles are backed by top-tier resale value.
Due to these benefits, conventional cars are a practical option for vehicle owners in India.
When hydrogen cars might not be the right choice?
Hydrogen vehicles may not be the most suitable option for individuals who:
- Often drive long distances
- Look for an inexpensive car with easy maintenance.
- Reside in areas that have no access to hydrogen refuelling.
Role of car insurance for hydrogen cars
Having car insurance online is mandatory in India, regardless of the type of vehicle you own. Since hydrogen vehicles are pretty expensive and their repairs are also costly, having the correct insurance plan can help safeguard you from unforeseen financial losses. It also covers damages, accidents and frequent replacement of several vehicle parts.
Conclusion
Hydrogen vehicles are eco-friendly, but they’re not practical for all Indian vehicle owners due to limited availability, poor infrastructure, and high expenses. For now, all the conventional vehicles remain a much more inexpensive and safer option for the public.
However, regardless of the type of vehicle you have, ensure that you have a comprehensive car insurance policy. If you require advice or a solution regarding these policies, please complete the form on this page.
FAQs
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Are hydrogen vehicles risky?
Just like all other fuels, hydrogen is also safe to use in vehicles. It has also been used as an energy carrier for decades.
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Can hydrogen vehicles be insured in India?
Yes. You can find car insurance providers that offer various plans for all types of hydrogen vehicles.
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Why are hydrogen vehicles so costly?
These vehicles are expensive due to the limited production and advanced technology.
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Are hydrogen vehicles available in India?
Currently, there are few models available in the country, and they are mostly used for experimental purposes.
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