News, 3 February 2026
Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, have developed a patented hydrogen-powered electric bicycle that blends sustainability, affordability and practical performance — a breakthrough in green transport innovation.
Led by Professor Kalpana Chaudhary and her team from the Department of Electrical Engineering, the project converted a standard bicycle into a multi-mode eco-friendly vehicle capable of running on three distinct power modes: traditional pedaling, battery-based electric drive, and a hydrogen fuel cell system. This modular approach gives users flexibility while demonstrating a cost-effective blueprint for low-emission personal mobility.
The heart of the system is a 500-watt hydrogen fuel cell that plugs into the bike’s rear carrier and drives a BLDC motor when switched to electric mode. Alongside the hydrogen option, a 24-volt battery pack offers a backup electric power source — and when both are disengaged, the bike works just like a conventional pedal bicycle. Remarkably, the total cost of conversion — excluding the fuel cell itself — comes to around ₹5,000, making it one of the most accessible hydrogen-based mobility solutions ever devised.
Over a three-month development period, the team refurbished a discarded bicycle to build what they now call a “Multi-Mode Electric Vehicle,” a concept that has already been granted a patent under India’s SERB-funded fuel cell electric vehicle research program. The project also involved research scholars and students whose contributions were crucial to engineering and refining the prototype.
Professor Chaudhary emphasizes that this technology reflects a strong commitment to clean energy principles and sustainable transportation, aiming to reduce carbon emissions while making advanced tech accessible to a wider audience. The e-bike stands as a real-world example of how hydrogen fuel and renewable energy can power the future of mobility, especially in urban and last-mile scenarios.
Compiled using AI
