Indian CVs And LNG

LNG could well be an alternate fuel of choice for CVs in India.

- Bhushan Mhapralkar

There is little doubt that CVs are at the forefront of technology change when it comes to reducing pollution. No CV maker is known thus far to have employed a cheating software or similar such means to comply with emission regulations like some car makers have been accused of having done. CV makers are instead in news for trying out different technologies to ensure that their CVs are not only safe, but also efficient and green. A part of this endeavour is the development of technologies with LNG as fuel. In India, Tata Motors has been at the forefront of LNG CV development. It was in 2014 that the CV market leader announced that it has carried out a preliminary evaluation exercise with Indian Oil Corporation, which has LNG terminals in Gujarat, Kochi and Mangalore. The long standing experience of making and selling CNG CVs helped since the same engine family could be used to run on LNG. What made it advantageous was the range. LNG tanks could provide a CV with a 800 km range. The challenge would be the LNG tanks in terms of their technology and cost. It would be a challenge that could be tackled with volumes and acceptance.