Optare to add CNG to EcoDrive, thanks to Ashok Leyland technology 10 September 2010

CNG (compressed natural gas) engine technology is likely to be added to Optare's range of EcoDrive low carbon units – which could go down well in Europe, where there is a good supply of the fuel.

The bus manufacturer is describing the outcome as anearly benefit of its new strategic partnership with Ashok Leyland in India, announced in July.

Optare is already offering alternative drives, ranging from bio-methane-powered spark-ignition engines to electric buses and hybrids – currently diesel electric but with a mechanical hybrid under development.

Ashok Leyland has already delivered 6,000 CNG-powered buses to Indian bus operators, and has developed the country's first one-litre-per-cylinder six-cylinder CNG engine for buses, employing multi point fuel injection (MPFI).

That H6TI 'H' Series CNG engine combines a power rating of 180hp at 2,400 rpm with low emissions, and the 5.7-litre turbocharged inter-cooled unit is said to achieve similar emissions levels to the best diesel Euro 5 and EEV (enhanced environmentally friendly vehicle) units, while CNG itself produces around 26% lower carbon emissions.

Glenn Saint, Optare's commercial director, says that tests on the congested city streets of Mumbai showed that the CNG buses were quieter in operation, while delivering better performance over diesel variants. Fuel consumption of the CNG buses, despite very low average speeds, was equivalent to the consumption achieved by diesel buses – around 8.8 mpg – which, in turn, results in lower carbon emissions.

"While CNG is not widely in use in the UK yet, as a vehicle fuel, there are many European countries where its advantages have long been recognised," comments Saint. "As part of our plans to grow our export sales we have realised that being able to add a 100% CNG option to our armoury of green technologies could be helpful, and our new access to this pioneering technology from Ashok Leyland will give us a head start in this area."

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Optare plc

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