IOC plans to launch country's first fuel cell vehicle by 2010

New Delhi, Sept 5 (UNI) Country's leading auto maker Mahindra and Mahindra and state-owned Indian Oil Corporation Ltd is gearing up to roll out India's first hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles in the next three years.

''The matter is under consideration with Scientific Advisory Council, Ministry of Petroleum, and the approval is in the final stage,'' IOC Executive Director (Research and Development) R K Malhotra told reporters here today.

He said it will take two to three years from now to launch the first batch of less-polluting greener vehicles.

''We hope before the Commonwealth Games in 2010, fuel cell vehicles will be launched,'' he said.

The oil marketing company has allocated Rs 300 crore on R&D for the next five years, Mr Malhotra said.

Country's vehicle makers are joining the global race to make less-polluting greener vehicles, teaming up with international firms and pouring money into research.

Petrol and diesel are used overwhelmingly in passenger and commercial vehicles in India, with cleaner-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) gaining in popularity but curtailed by their limited availability.

The government is encouraging use of biofuels like ethanol, made from renewable resources, for greater energy security and emission reduction, but it is dragging its feet on legislation.

UNI