Ashok Leyland & IIT Madras Researchers To Develop Hybrid EVs

Leading and globally renowned commercial vehicle manufacturer, Ashok Leyland announces that it has joined hands with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) Researchers at the National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) for a collaboration which aims at developing a series of hybrid electric vehicles. 

Hinduja group’s flagship brand, Ashok Leyland, the commercial vehicle maker mentioned in a statement that this collaboration will enable the development and demonstration of a series of vehicles with a hybrid powertrain equipped with this Micro Gas Turbine called the ‘Turbine electric vehicle’ (TEV). 

N Saravanan, CTO of Ashok Leyland, said, “Micro Gas Turbines hold significant promise as a technology that will extend fuel combustion beyond traditional IC Engines and provide for more efficient performance and multi-fuel capability. Ashok Leyland is proud to be associated with IIT Madras and Aerostrovilos in this development effort.”

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IIT Madras Researchers at NCCRD are developing a Micro Gas Turbine designed indigenously. “The core of the Micro Turbine is a patented combustion technology called ‘Swirl Mesh Lean Direct Injection (LDI) system’,” it added.

Sathya Chakravarthy, Coordinator, NCCRD, IIT Madras, while pointing out the key developments and results of this collaboration, said, “This marks our conviction of not only working with the industry on innovative technological solutions of societal impact but also pushing the inhouse developments on innovation to see the light of day with the industry.” 

Further, it has been stated that this project focuses on developing a powertrain that produces zero tailpipe emissions, offers a low cost of ownership and has fuel flexibility while maintaining reliability for long-range heavy vehicles.  

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As per reports, the key advantages of this hybrid powertrain with integrated micro-turbine technology include:

• A lighter power train.
• Ultra-low emissions.
• Fuel Flexibility (eg. Biogas, CNG, LNG, Diesel, Hydrogen.)
• Low cost of ownership.

Furthermore, it has been stated that the primary powertrain will be the electric motors, however, the onboard power supply will be churned out by the Micro Gas Turbine which is believed to be jointly developed by NCCRD and Aerostrovilos Energy. It is said that the Micro Gas Turbine will replace the battery packs equipped in vehicles. Ashok Leyland, as a part of the collaboration, has handed over a 9-meter passenger electric bus to NCCRD as well. 

Thus, this is the latest news regarding the collaboration between Ashok Leyland and IIT Madras Researchers.

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