Ashok Leyland to focus on CNG and LNG products in green mobility push

Firm has dedicated existing testing facility in Hosur towards alternative fuel, aims to have complete portfolio of commercial vehicles in this space in next 2-3 years

In a move to strengthen its presence in green mobility, Ashok Leyland is set to come up with products in compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) segments. To give a push towards this, the company has dedicated its existing testing facility in Hosur towards alternative fuel and is aiming to have a complete portfolio of commercial vehicles in this space in the next 2-3 years.

It is also working on methanol and hydrogen technologies even as it plans to launch two intermediate commercial vehicles (ICV) models in the compressed natural gas (CNG) segment by the fourth quarter of the current financial year. To enhance its presence in the alternate fuel space, Ashok Leyland has planned a slew of products starting with CNG and LNG.

"As we march towards our vision of being among the Top 10 Global CV Makers, it is equally important that we do this sustainably. Our mission is to positively impact humanity and conserve the environment through sustainable energy and mobility solutions," said Vipin Sondhi, managing director and chief executive officer, Ashok Leyland.

For methanol, it had tied up with Adani Enterprises through which Adani will supply Green Methanol for a select fleet of Ashok Leyland. Adani will start a pilot with VRL Logistics, which has the largest fleet of Ashok Leyland’s commercial vehicles, to run 250 vehicles on 10 per cent blended Green Methanol.

The company said that though powertrains today are predominantly driven by IC engines – gasoline and diesel -- over the next decade, alternative powertrains comprising of battery electric and fuel cell electric will emerge, and it has lined up dedicated teams focusing on the development of these future power trains. “Future mobility is moving towards alternate fuel technology, and the Hosur Testing facility dedicated today, managed by a talented and capable team will help drive Ashok Leyland’s green mobility future,” he added.

In the EV space, the company is planning to invest around $150-200 million in the next five years and has plans to come out with its first electric light commercial vehicle (e-LCV) in India by the end of December. “On alternate fuel options, we are already seeing a push for CNG and LNG, and expect other fuels such as methanol and hydrogen to start replacing fossil fuels. At Ashok Leyland, we are working on the development of all the above alternate fuel technologies, while we continue to make our IC engines more efficient.  We are committed to this path of sustainable mobility,” said N Saravanan, CTO, Ashok Leyland. The company had started a low-emission initiative with CNG buses in Delhi by 2006. This was followed by a plan for zero-emission through the launch of electric vehicles in the bus segment.