Its good news to all of us as more companies focus on cleaner solutions to vehicles used in everyday life. Mahindra & Mahindra recently debuted the Hy-Alfa a hydrogen powered rickshaw, that can carry a small load basically a replacement for three wheeler pickups and passenger vehicles.

Recently we carried a story on the soleckshaw, the Hy-Alfa seems like the cherry on the cake for environmentalists, but what can this hydrogen powered rickshaw really do?

The rickshaw was unleashed at the at the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention 2009 in Delhi.

According to Mathew Abraham, general manager, Mahindra & Mahindra R&D Center, "The Hy-Alfa is the first vehicle of its kind in the world. It runs on nothing but compressed hydrogen gas and is incredibly engineered to run with absolutely zero emissions, which makes it a pleasure to drive on congested city roads. Hydrogen is, in fact, the technology and fuel of tomorrow and is the long term solution to pollution, energy security & CO2 emission related concerns."

The hydrogen powered internal combustion engine is available in both passenger (3 seater) and cargo versions and plans to launch a 15 Hy-Alfa demonstration project next year at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

The M&M Hy-Alfa has a top speed of around 65 km/ph which is good enough for city use, and can also function in a hostile environment of up to -30 degrees Celsius. Hope to see some of these on the roads soon, but at the moment where would you tank up?