India’s First Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) powered truck

February 7, 2023

The ICE in H2-ICE stands for Internal Combustion Engine. It was developed by Reliance in partnership with Ashok Leyland. The H2-ICE truck is the first of its kind in India to be powered by hydrogen. The cost of the production of the truck was high. However, the truck emits zero carbon. It is completely clean.

Principle of Combustion

The combustion principle in H2-ICE is as follows:

2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O

Two hydrogen atoms combine with one oxygen atom to form water. The heat energy released during this reaction is used to ignite the spark plug.

Is H2-ICE completely emission-free?

Yes and No. It does not produce carbon emissions. However, it produces nitrogen oxides. Some countries ignore nitrogen oxides as pollutants if they are released in meagre amounts. The H2-ICE produces nitrogen oxides only if atmospheric hydrogen is used. India includes nitrogen oxides in its pollutant list. There are no sulphur oxides, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, or Hydro carbons emissions in H2-ICE.

Can you convert conventional engines into H2-ICE?

YES. You only need to make very few changes to convert your conventional ICE into H2-ICE. This includes changes in valves, spark plugs, fuel injectors, etc.