India Amends Type Approval Rules for Hydrogen ICE and Fuel Cell Vehicles 
On May 25, 2026, India’s Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) released "Central Motor Vehicles (Eighth Amendment) Rules, 2026," amending the "Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989." These amended rules came into force with immediate effect from the date of publication.
Previously, type approval for hydrogen-powered vehicles only covered Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. This amendment clarifies the specific standard names for Hydrogen ICE vehicles and introduces new regulations for Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs).
The compliance standards for Hydrogen ICE and Fuel Cell vehicles vary depending on the vehicle category, as detailed below:
Hydrogen ICE Vehicles (Liquid / Compressed Hydrogen)
- Categories M (Passenger Vehicles) & N (Commercial Vehicles): Must comply with AIS 195:2023; fuel must comply with IS 16061:2021.
- Construction Equipment Vehicles: Must comply with AIS 195A:2024; fuel must comply with IS 16061:2021.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (Compressed Hydrogen)
- Categories M (Passenger Vehicles) & N (Commercial Vehicles): Must comply with AIS 157:2020; fuel must comply with ISO 14687.
- Construction Equipment Vehicles: Must comply with AIS 157A:2024; fuel must comply with ISO 14687.
- Category L (Two-wheelers & Three-wheelers): Must comply with AIS 206:2024; fuel must comply with ISO 14687 or IS 16061:2021.
Note on Vehicle Classification: Under India’s vehicle classification system, Category M refers to passenger-carrying vehicles (such as cars and buses), and Category N refers to goods-carrying vehicles (such as trucks).
The original text of this amendment regulation can be downloaded from the following URL:
Central Motor Vehicles (Eighth Amendment) Rules, 2026.
https://egazette.gov.in/writeReadData/2026/272939.pdf
