HORIBA India Sets New Milestone in Green Mobility with Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Test Bed
Dr. George Gillispie, Executive Corporate Officer, HORIBA Energy and Environment And Dr. Rajeev Gautam, Corporate Officer – HORIBA Ltd., Japan and President – HORIBA India
HORIBA India, a subsidiary of the Kyoto-based HORIBA Ltd., has inaugurated India’s first-ever Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) Test Bed Facility at its technical center in Chakan, Pune. This landmark initiative marks HORIBA’s entry into the promising hydrogen energy sector, furthering the company’s commitment to decarbonization, sustainability, and India’s Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
The newly launched H2-ICE Test Bed Facility is equipped to test engines with a capacity of up to 380 kW, catering to the Indian commercial vehicle segment. This facility is part of HORIBA India’s larger plan to contribute to global carbon neutrality goals. With an investment of approximately ₹28-30 crore, the state-of-the-art facility will bolster HORIBA’s presence in the green energy sector, creating new opportunities for sustainable automotive solutions.
Strengthening India’s Green Energy Push
The H2-ICE Test Bed facility is housed within the HORIBA India Technical Center (HITC), a facility spread across 10,000 sq. m. since its establishment in 2016 with an investment of over ₹100 crore. The HITC is a certified ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and NABL ISO IEC 17025:2017 facility that also supports Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. It has been a center for emission measurement, advanced analytics, and localisation of cutting-edge technology for domestic and export markets.
HORIBA India has played a crucial role in several key projects, including the development of a 2/3 Wheel Chassis Dynamometer, Make-in-India EV Chassis Dyno, Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems (CEMS), Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (AAQMS), and Water Quality Monitoring Systems (WQMS). Recently, it also started the repair, calibration, and production of Mass Flow Controllers (MFC) at the Chakan facility.
Pioneering Innovation in Hydrogen Technology
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Dr. George Gillespie, Executive Corporate Officer, HORIBA Energy and Environment, and Dr. Rajeev Gautam, Corporate Officer – HORIBA Ltd., Japan, and President – HORIBA India. Both leaders emphasized HORIBA’s role in India’s green energy revolution.
Sharing his thoughts on the company’s new venture, Dr. George Gillespie stated,
“HORIBA understands the dire need of a cleaner, greener planet. As the most abundant element on Earth, Hydrogen presents a powerful solution for carbon-neutral fuel which can embark a new era in Energy. We are excited to support India’s ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The establishment of this Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Test Bed facility is going to be a significant step towards a sustainable tomorrow and plays a crucial role in India’s green energy revolution. This initiative is a testament to HORIBA’s legacy of authenticity and excellence, captured in our mission of enhancing HONMAMON.”
Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Rajeev Gautam added,
“HORIBA’s investment in this state-of-the-art facility underscores our commitment to a sustainable future with Make-in-India products and solutions. The first-ever Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Test Bed facility took a kick-start from India in the entire Global HORIBA group, and this pivotal step is a testament toward HORIBA’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 42% by 2033 hence, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. This investment is a strong step towards revolutionising the automotive industry in India with an environmentally efficient approach.”
Driving the Shift Towards Sustainability
HORIBA’s hydrogen-focused approach aligns with India’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. With its technical prowess and extensive experience in emission measurement and vehicle testing, HORIBA is well-positioned to drive the transition toward sustainable mobility. The company aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 42% by 2033 and achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2050.
Apart from its HITC facility in Pune, HORIBA operates two additional manufacturing units in India – one in Nagpur and another in Haridwar. These facilities support localised manufacturing, generating employment opportunities in Tier-2 cities.
A Glimpse into the Hydrogen Engine Test Bed Facility
The newly launched Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Test Bed Facility will showcase HORIBA’s unique solutions for the hydrogen sector. The Experience Zone at the facility will feature innovative technologies such as:
HyEVO Hydrogen Gas Analyser – An advanced system for analysing hydrogen gas.
HyFQ-2000 Series Hydrogen Fuel Flow Meter – Measures hydrogen consumption for engines and fuel cells.
Laser Spectroscopic Motor Exhaust Gas Analyser (MEXA-ONE-XL-NX) – A next-gen system for analysing motor exhaust gases.
Engine Dynamometer – Used for engine performance testing.
The facility offers customers and industry stakeholders a chance to engage with live demonstrations of these advanced products. This interactive approach reflects HORIBA’s dedication to technological excellence and customer engagement.
A Future-Ready Vision
HORIBA’s foray into hydrogen technology is a forward-looking step that aligns with global and domestic calls for sustainability and clean energy. With its H2-ICE Test Bed Facility, HORIBA India has positioned itself as a key enabler of India’s hydrogen energy ambitions, supporting Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and the broader automotive industry in adopting hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source.
With plans to create more jobs, expand its product offerings, and support green energy goals, HORIBA India is setting new benchmarks for authenticity, excellence, and sustainability in the automotive industry.
