Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is known for his forward-thinking approach and efforts to promote alternative-fueled vehicles in India. Recently, it was reported that Gadkari has acquired a new Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric crossover.

The minister made an appearance at the launch of the all-new Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP) in his Hyundai Ioniq 5. Prior to this, he was often seen in a Toyota Mirai hydrogen-powered sedan, which he has now reportedly given to Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister, Tejashwi Yadav, for testing.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5, launched in India in January of the same year, features a retro-futuristic design with distinctive LED headlamps and pixelated LED tail lamps. It has sharp lines, a highly raked windshield, and flat surfaces, giving it an SUV-like appearance. The Ioniq 5 comes with 20-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels.

In India, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 is offered with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration. The electric motor produces 217 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque, paired with a 72.6 kWh lithium-ion battery. It supports 800V rapid charging and offers a range of 631 kilometers on a single charge.

Gadkari's interest in hydrogen-powered vehicles is also notable. He launched the Mirai fuel cell electric car by Toyota in India in March 2022 as part of a pilot program with the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT). The Mirai runs on hydrogen, which is converted into electricity to power the car, emitting only water and oxygen. It boasts a range of 646 kilometers when fully charged with hydrogen.

Gadkari's support for hydrogen and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) aims to raise awareness about these technologies and promote their adoption in India's transportation sector.