The CNG-driven trucks will be versions of Tata Motors’ on hand truck variety including SE 1613, LPT 1613, LPT 2515 and others. References said the company is not projecting planning CNG on its Prima range of trucks formulated with its Korean collaborator Daewoo, set in motion of late.

To conquer the fall in horsepower, induced due to consumption of CNG on the trucks, Tata Motors will apply superior fuel insertion systems, the reference said. At the moment, the SE 1613 has 125 horsepower, while LPT 2515 has 142 horsepower. The CNG-run trucks will be obtainable with three CNG cylinder capability alternatives including 490 litres, 390 litre and the 300 litre prototypes.

Experts are of the opinion that with the use of CNG, a 70% energy cost savings can be achieved and at any rate 20% less discharges by vehicles. The cost of CNG is Rs 31.47 per kg in Mumbai while diesel costs Rs 44 per litre.

Tata Motors CNG powered trucks will be archetype product in the market and is being developed at a time when the government is looking for doubling the CNG network in the nation in the next five years. Natural gas demand is anticipated to rise at more than 10% yearly to more than 300 standard million cubic meters per day, with almost 200 cities getting CNG by 2015. CNG vehicles can also lessen users against high fuel prices in the result of a deregulation in diesel prices, even though it is improbable the government will settle on on such a move in the short-range.

An auto analyst stated thus “CNG penetration in commercial vehicles has been negligible due to the limited supply. With the government committed to expand the network, one can expect the automakers to tap the opportunity. However, it is still a while to go.” He also added that “one of the markets that have a considerable penetration of CNG in commercial vehicles is Thailand.”

Taking into consideration the restricted reach of CNG in the country, the company will be aiming for markets like New Delhi, sections of Maharashtra and the North-East. With reference to cost significances, CNG trucks will be priced approximately Rs 2 lakh more than the diesel range. Actually the 1613 truck is set about Rs 16 lakh and the 2515 truck is set approximately Rs 18 lakh at present.

At present, the transportation segment uses up just about 45% of the diesel in the market. The deployment of CNG vehicles in India is rated fifth in the world and is seen developing at a rate of 45% per year against a worldwide development of 30%. There are approximately 7 lakh fomites in the country functioning on CNG at present and the government desires to double up the number in the following three years. In Mumbai alone, with an arrangement of around 150 CNG Stations now there are more than two lakh fomites running on CNG.

CNG is obtainable in 16 cities in the country and will be provided to 86 cities in the following three years. The government has already approved 6,335 kms of pipeline and the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), is in the course of empowering another 5,000 km of pipelines to unite different parts of the country.

Tata remarks that for the first time public transportation will be using hybrid buses in India. DTC will also run a fleet of 600 Tata low floor air-conditioned CNG buses for the restricted use of athletes and deputes.

The Company will take care of maintenance of these buses round-the-clock and will deploy a devoted team of over 500 engineers, auto-mechanics and other staff at the Millennium Park Depot, particularly created for the Commonwealth Games.

Commenting at the instance of the flag off, Mr. Telang said, “The CNG- Electric Hybrid Tata Starbus is a result of Tata Motors’ advances in alternate fuel technologies, including electric vehicles.
We are grateful to the Government of Delhi and the DTC for giving us this opportunity of showcasing hybrid buses in the city of Delhi during the Commonwealth Games. We will eagerly look forward to the feedback of the DTC and passengers.”

The low-floor having a floor height of 400 mm, air-conditioned bus has the capacity to seat 32 passengers, and has room for wheel chairs.

AFS are makers of natural gas engine controllers which can be used in compressed natural gas vehicles and includes Mahindra’s Maxx Maxi Truck. The proclamation comes after the company’s supply deal was signed with Mumbai’s Tata Motors around 2 years ago.
Jim Perry the AFS CEO did not reveal the measure of the Mahindra deal but informed the Cleantech Group that the 2 deals are sure to aid the company step-up its share of the little-but-developing market for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles in India.
The roadblock to the adoption of CNG operated vehicle all over the world is insufficient distribution systems. India possesses the infrastructure for CNG refueling with 180 such natural gas fueling stations in Delhi alone.

Source: Cleantech