Ashok Leyland and IIT Madras collaborate to develop hybrid EVs using turbine technology
- By MT News
- October 11, 2022
Ashok Leyland and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers at the National Centre for Combustion Research and Development (NCCRD) have collaborated, where the researchers are developing a micro gas turbine. The core of the micro turbine is a patented combustion technology called ‘Swirl Mesh Lean Direct Injection (LDI) system’. The collaboration aims to develop a series of hybrid electric vehicles using the turbine technology, which will replace the large batteries in main powertrains to generate onboard power, claims Ashok Leyland.
Ashok Leyland also states that the main powertrain will be the electric motors. However, the onboard power would be generated by the micro gas turbine, developed jointly by NCCRD and Aerostrovilos Energy, an IITM-incubated start-up. After the technology was demonstrated on a lab scale, Ashok Leyland signed a letter of support to develop this technology for the heavy vehicles segment with NCCRD, IIT Madras, according to the commercial vehicle manufacturer. Besides, as part of the collaboration, Ashok Leyland handed over a nine-metre passenger electric bus to NCCRD on Monday.
As per Ashok Leyland, this collaboration will enable the development and demonstration of a series of vehicles with a hybrid concept equipped with this micro gas turbine called the ‘turbine electric vehicle’ (TEV). The aim of this project is to establish a powertrain that has ultra-low emissions, low cost of ownership, fuel flexibility and a reliable system for long range heavy vehicles.
The commercial vehicle manufacturer further claims that the key advantages of this series of hybrid configuration with this new micro turbine technology include –
• An overall lighter powertrain (high weight-to-power ratio)
• Ultra-low emissions
• Multiple fuel capabilities (e.g., biogas, CNG, LNG, diesel, hydrogen etc.)
• An overall low cost of ownership
Prof V Kamakoti, Director at IIT Madras, received the bus on behalf of NCCRD, IIT Madras, from Dr N Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer at Ashok Leyland, and Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Senior Vice President – Product Development at Ashok Leyland. This bus would be converted as part of the series of vehicles having hybrid powertrain with the micro gas turbine developed by NCCRD and Aerostrovilos, according to Ashok Leyland.
Speaking about the collaboration, Dr Saravanan said, “Micro gas turbines hold a 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.”
Additionally, highlighting the key outcomes from this collaboration, Prof Sathya Chakravarthy, Coordinator, NCCRD, IIT Madras, 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.”
Blue Energy Motors Deliver LNG Trucks To Inland World Logistics
- By MT Bureau
- June 09, 2025
Pune-headquartered alternative fuel commercial vehicles manufacturer Blue Energy Motors has delivered LNG-powered heavy-duty trucks to Inland World Logistics.
These LNG-powered trucks are claimed to offer 30 percent lower CO2 emissions and thus not only contribute to lower tailpipe emissions but also lower operational costs.
With this, Blue Energy Motors has over 800 LNG trucks plying on Indian highways, which have enabled over 50 million kilometres. This translates to almost 14,000 tonnes of CO2 reduction.
Anirudh Bhuwalka, CEO, Blue Energy Motors, said, “We are proud to lead India’s clean trucking revolution and partner with visionary companies like Inland who share our commitment to sustainable growth. Our trucks offer a powerful alternative to diesel, with significantly reduced emissions and a lower total cost of ownership. This reflects our commitment to enable cleaner mobility at scale—fleet by fleet, region by region.”
Praveen Somani, Managing Director, Inland World Logistics, said, “We believe that the future of logistics lies in green mobility, and transitioning to LNG is a crucial step in that direction. Blue Energy Motors stood out for us - not just for their product innovation, but for their clear commitment to making sustainable trucking viable and accessible. These trucks align with our vision of reducing our carbon footprint while ensuring efficiency and performance on long hauls.”
Kia EV3 Excels In Euro NCAP Assisted Driving Test
- By MT Bureau
- June 06, 2025
The Kia EV3 has secured the highest possible ‘Very Good’ grade in Euro NCAP's assisted driving test. The test focused on the model's Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA 2) system, which combines real-time driver monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane centring.
In the ‘assistance competence’ and ‘safety backup’ categories, the EV3 received scores of 74 and 88 out of 100, respectively. The vehicle achieved the highest rating with a total score of 162 points, making it the first car from both Kia and the Hyundai Motor Group to receive this grade. By aiding the driver in a variety of real-world situations, such as changing lanes, maintaining lane position at different speeds and stopping if the driver becomes unresponsive, the EV3's HDA 2 strikes a balance between a high degree of vehicle assistance and driver involvement, according to Euro NCAP. In addition to providing exceptional safety backup, the model provides ‘very good’ highway assistance.
With the adaptability and affordability to be the primary vehicle in the home, Kia's EV3 is a high-volume electric vehicle designed specifically for the compact SUV market. The 2025 World Car Awards have crowned the vehicle the 2025 World Car of the Year. In the UK, the car has also received other honours, including ‘UK Car of the Year 2025’ at the UK Car of the Year Awards and ‘Best EV Crossover’ at the TopGear.com Electric Awards 2025.
Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President Product and Marketing of Kia Europe and COO of Kia Connect Europe, said, “This excellent outcome reflects Kia’s commitment to delivering advanced technologies that enhance driver convenience and passenger safety. The EV3’s performance in the Euro NCAP assisted driving test draws attention to the capabilities of Highway Driving Assist 2 and serves as a milestone for Hyundai Motor Group.”
CHARGE ZONE Celebrates World Environment Day With Project Shwa
- By MT Bureau
- June 06, 2025
On World Environment Day, CHARGE ZONE, India’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network, unveiled ‘Shwa’, a groundbreaking public art project that redefines EV Supercharging stations as cultural landmarks. By integrating large-scale murals into charging hubs, Shwa blends sustainability, community engagement and creativity, transforming functional spaces into open-air galleries that inspire climate action.
Each mural, created in partnership with both well-known and up-and-coming Indian artists, offers a distinct perspective on a sustainable India that is firmly anchored in regional aesthetics, local tales and messages of optimism for the environment. The project begins with striking murals painted by renowned artist Rahul Kumawat in Karjan, Gujarat, and Suryapet, Telangana. Meaningful interaction with the art and its underlying environmental issues is made possible by the thoughtful placement of these enormous artworks at CHARGE ZONE's Supercharging stations, where visitors usually spend longer time.
Each artwork has a discrete QR code that connects to the recently built Shwa website (shwa.chargezone.co.in), adding an interactive element. With its high-resolution photos, artist biographies and the backstories of each piece of art, this digital platform functions as a living archive. In order to make the sustainability discussion more widely available, the website also emphasises themes of climate resilience and local history while offering downloadable media materials.
Kartikey Hariyani, Founder & CEO, CHARGE ZONE, said, “EV charging stations are a gateway to the future of mobility and with Shwa, we’re using them to tell stories that matter. We’re starting with just three murals across our Supercharging stations, but in the next six months, we aim to bring this experience to 10–12 more sites. Over the next five to six years, our ambition is to create a few hundred such installations across the country. This is not just about infrastructure, it's about sparking emotional connection and climate consciousness through art that speaks to everyone. I am thankful to our young team of millennials and GenZ for conceptualising and seeding the process from idea to execution.”
Devbrat Hariyani, Project Shwa Head, CHARGE ZONE, said, “Infrastructure should serve more than just function, it should inspire. With Shwa, we’re creating spaces where culture, community and climate intersect. These murals are invitations to slow down, to think and to feel. Over time, as hundreds of these works bloom along our highways, we hope to create an evolving living archive that’s open to everyone.”
Terra Charge, AAI Inaugurate EV Charging Station At Agartala Airport
- By MT Bureau
- June 03, 2025
Terra Charge, India’s leading EV charging infrastructure provider, has taken a significant step towards enhancing electric vehicle adoption in Northeast India by inaugurating a new charging station at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala. This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI), marks a crucial development in Tripura’s evolving EV ecosystem.
The charging station, strategically located near the airport’s VIP car parking area, is equipped with both 7.4 kW and 10 kW chargers, catering to a variety of electric vehicles. EV drivers can easily locate the station via the Terra Charge Mobile App and initiate charging sessions with digital payments, offering a fully contactless and user-friendly experience. The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of key officials, including State Transport Department Secretary C K Jamatia and Airport Director K C Mina, underscoring the government’s support for sustainable mobility solutions.
This project is part of a long-term partnership between Terra Charge and AAI to modernise India’s airports with future-ready EV charging solutions. By leveraging Japanese technology, the station ensures high efficiency and reliability, aligning with India’s broader goal of achieving 30 percent EV penetration by 2030. The move not only supports Tripura’s green mobility ambitions but also sets a precedent for further EV infrastructure expansion across the Northeast.
Go Suzuki, Managing Director, Terra Charge, said, “This launch marks another milestone in our mission to make EV charging accessible, reliable and convenient for all. Airport locations are critical transit hubs, and by enabling EV users to recharge effortlessly here, we are eliminating a key barrier to EV adoption. In addition, our partnership with AAI reflects a shared commitment to accelerating India’s green mobility transition. With this new charging station at MBB Airport, we are one step closer to a future where range anxiety is a thing of the past.”
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