Scoop! Tata Starbus Hydrogen Fuel Cell bus spied near Sanand

Thanks to BHPian RavenAvi for sharing these images with other enthusiasts!

Tata Motors has been working on public transport solutions powered by alternate fuels since 2006. A prototype of the Tata-Marcopolo Starbus Fuel Cell was recently spotted near Sanand in Gujarat which suggests that the hydrogen fuel cell powered bus could be in its final stages of development. 

A hydrogen fuel cell powered bus uses compressed hydrogen in liquid form to power fuel cells. The hydrogen is stored in roof-mounted cylinders. Inside the fuel cell, hydrogen is combined with oxygen to produce electricity, which powers an electric motor. The only emission is water vapour. Hydrogen is produced as a byproduct at refineries and fertilizer plants which can be used to power future buses. 

Tata first showcased the hydrogen fuel cell powered Starbus concept at the 2012 Auto Expo. The powertrain was developed in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).