Is This Tata The Smallest Roadworthy Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicle In The World?

Indian automaker Tata Motors may have built the world's smallest roadworthy hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle.

The company known for the tiny Nano--as well as its for its stewardship of Jaguar Land Rover--unveiled a fuel-cell version of its Magic Iris microvan at AutoExpo India.

The Tata Magic Iris Ziva is based on a small commercial vehicle that--like the Nano--is just barely a step above a scooter or motorcycle.

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But whereas the regular Magic Iris is powered by a single-cylinder diesel engine, the Ziva has an air-cooled hydrogen fuel-cell stack.

The fuel-cell powertrain is rated at 5 kilowatts (6.7 horsepower) in normal operation, but has a maximum output of 9 kW (12 hp), along with 42 newton-meters (31 pound-feet) of torque, according to Indian Autos Blog.

That's more than the 11 hp of the diesel engine in the standard Magic Iris, so perhaps the Ziva can improve on its top speed of 34 mph.

With roll-up side windows and a spartan interior, the five-seat Magic Iris Ziva isn't exactly luxurious.

Yet--perhaps in a sign of the times--even a vehicle this basic has an 8.0-inch dashboard touchscreen, which includes navigation and infotainment features.

Tata previously showed a battery-electric version of the Magic Iris at AutoExpo India, and it has some previous experience with fuel cells, having developed a hydrogen-powered bus.

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