HPCL And Volvo Group India Sign MoU For Alternative Fuel Development

MUMBAI, March 6, 2026 – Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Volvo Group India have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and implementation of clean mobility solutions for the heavy-duty transportation sector. The agreement establishes a framework for joint research into alternative fuels and the supporting technical infrastructure required for large-scale adoption in India.

Focus on 700-Bar Hydrogen and Alternative Fuels

A central component of the MoU is the development of India’s first 700-bar hydrogen refuelling solution for heavy-duty trucks. This technology is intended to support the National Green Hydrogen Mission by increasing the fuel storage density and operational range of hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles.

In addition to hydrogen, the partnership will conduct application-based research and development for other alternative energy sources, including Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Bio-LNG. The collaboration aims to evaluate the performance and efficiency of these fuels in high-capacity trucking operations across diverse Indian duty cycles.

Technical R&D and Lubricant Validation

Under the terms of the agreement, both organizations will engage in joint technical evaluations at the HP Green R&D Centre (HPGRDC) in Bengaluru. This facility will serve as the primary hub for:

• Engine and Battery Performance Evaluation: Testing the durability and efficiency of Volvo-engineered powertrains when operated with HPCL-supplied alternative fuels.
• Lubricant Validation: Conducting research to certify specialized lubricants tailored for the specific combustion characteristics and thermal stresses of LNG and hydrogen engines.
• Infrastructure Tailoring: Developing refuelling protocols and hardware specifications specifically designed for the Indian heavy-duty logistics environment.

Strategic Objectives

The collaboration is structured to support India’s goal of achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2070. By aligning vehicle engineering from Volvo with fuel infrastructure and chemical research from HPCL, the partners aim to build a scalable ecosystem for low-carbon freight transportation.

The initiative also reflects broader industry efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of the logistics sector, which remains a significant contributor to national greenhouse gas emissions.