Truck makers go multi-fuel in shift away from diesel

WITH THE GOVERNMENT focused on slashing logistics costs as a percentage of GDP by the end of this year, commercial vehicle manufacturers are racing to diversify away from diesel and adopt cleaner, cost-effective alternatives.

- SWARAJ BAGGONKAR

Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, has already stressed the need for widespread adoption of electric, hydrogen and LNG-powered vehicles to align the country's freight movement with global standards.

Commercial vehicle (CV) makers, who have long relied on diesel and more recently CNG, are now exploring a mix of powertrains to meet the evolving needs of both the market and policymakers. With no single technology able to meet all demands, companies are developing multi-pronged strategies.