Tata LPO 1613 bio-methane bus currently is in operation in Pune; showcased at the bio-energy program called Urja Utsav
Tata Motors has developed the first bio-methane fuel powered bus of the country. Christened as the LPO 1613, this environment friendly bus is current in operation in Pune by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited or PMPML. The bus has been showcased at the bio-energy program called Urja Utsav that has been organized by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
The company says that this bio-methane or bio-CNG powered bus is a step forward towards the auto manufacturer’s commitment to develop environment friendly vehicles. Tata Motors has already developed the fully electric powered buses and these vehicles are running in several cities under the automaker’s pilot project in collaboration with local authorities.
Also read: Tata Motors Electric Bus Trial Begins in India
The bio-methane is produced out of bio-degradable materials like the kitchen waste. Therefore it comes from recycled product and saves the environment from pollution in two ways by cleaning the city from wet garbage and producing eco-friendly fuel. While generally the natural waste produced bio-methane is released in atmosphere unused, the company is trapping it and using in running bio-CNG engines that will power LCV, ICV and MCV buses.
Tata Motors says that it has already developed bio-methane engines for its range of upcoming bi-methane buses. These engines are the 3.8 SGI and 5.7 SGI, which were showcased at the bio-energy event. The Tata LPO 1613 bus comes powered by the BS-IV IOBD-II compliant 5.7 SGI engine. These buses and engines are claimed to boost the government’s smart city plans for several cities across the country by providing eco-friendly commercial vehicle solutions.
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Interestingly, Indian government is pushing forward to introduce the all-electric mobility across the country by 2032. Apart from that, it is also encouraging usage of the several other environment friendly powertrain options. While in the passenger vehicle segment several automakers are showing interest to roll out electric cars, Tata is constantly working on eco-friendly commercial vehicles.