Tata Motors says it has designed and developed bio-methane engines (5.7 SGI & 3.8 SGI) for light commercial vehicle, intermediate commercial vehicle and multi-axle commercial vehicle buses.
As reported, the commercial vehicle manufacturer showcased a biomethane bus, the Tata LPO 1613, already in operation by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd., and three engines at a bio-energy event in mid-June.
Speaking on the bio-methane bus development, Rajendra Petkar, head of power systems in engineering for Tata Motors, says, “The showcase of the bio-methane bus is a step towards developing environment-friendly vehicles. Bio-methane is produced out of bio-degradable materials like kitchen waste. This gas, which gets produced out of natural degradation process, escapes into the atmosphere unused. However, if this is trapped and used in engines, it reduces the net impact on environment and, at the same time, produces useful power.”
Girish Waugh, Tata Motors’ head of commercial vehicles business, comments, “We are delighted to present yet another product with innovation in alternate-fuel technologies to cater to the need for a greener country. The use of bio-CNG will contribute in a positive manner to the Smart Cities proposition of keeping them clean and is a good option for wet garbage management.”
Tata Motors has introduced several technologies in CNG engines related to vehicle performance and safety. The company says not only will moving toward gas power contribute to decreasing emissions for a cleaner environment, but operating engines on bio-methane will also help promote the government of India’s Smart City initiative.
