Ashok Leyland showcased its new ‘CNG engine H series’ at EXCON 2022. Based on strong leverage of automotive BS-VI engine development, the CNG engine H series (4 and 6 Cyl) is designed for off highway / CEV clients, and this product will be the first of its kind in the CEV / mining and off highway segment.
The H series CNG engine has a number of features, including ECU-controlled gas leak detection; improved cold start capability; enhanced lower end torque and flat torque from 1200rpm to 2000rpm; gear-based torque control for better fuel economy; durable engine valves and valve seats for CNG operation; proven, durable engine for CEV application; turbocharged engine provides higher torque, fuel efficiency, better drivability, and transient response; maintenance-free engine. The CNG engine H series also fulfils CEV V standards without SCR or DPF, and features proven multipoint sequential gas injection for dependable performance; a 500 hours oil drain interval; and the maximum power in the sector.
Sharing his views, Dheeraj Hinduja, Executive Chairman, Ashok Leyland said, “Ashok Leyland’s expertise in engineering has paved the way for the company to establish itself as a key player in the CNG engine sector, and we aspire to continue to do so by expanding our portfolio of CNG Engines and technology solutions. Ashok Leyland aims to make India’s CNG engine sector self-reliant, and to be one of the leaders in the “Make in India” narrative.”
Present at the event Dr. N. Saravanan, CTO, Ashok Leyland said, “Ashok Leyland has a track record of catering to customer needs with world class products that generate higher profitability. With the increasing need for better fuel efficiency and use of alternate fuels, we have a solid pipeline of such technologies. We aspire to lead the market in this segment, as the need for engines with alternative fuels grows”.
Commenting on the launch, Rajesh R, VP Defence and PSB, Ashok Leyland said, “Today, we have introduced CNG engine H series’, which is a first for the sector and will have multiple applications for the construction equipment market. Staying true to our brand promise of ‘Aapki Jeet. Hamari Jeet.’ we aim to provide innovative products that satisfy the needs of our customers.This introduction will help us become a formidable force in the CNG and alternate fuel technology space. These innovative engines are the latest in line and can be used across various applications for the growing needs of the construction equipment industry”.
With 25 years of CNG experience in India, a pan-India service network with 24×7 support, and in-house development capabilities, Ashok Leyland plans to expand product lines and expand its presence in the fast increasing CNG engine market.
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“We want to be a pioneer in the CNG space”
Rajesh Rajgor spoke to Dr. N. Saravanan, CTO, and Rajesh R, VP Defence and Power Solutions Business (PSB), Ashok Leyland, at the launch of the company’s CNG engine – the H series for construction equipment market.
Can you tell us about AL’s focus on CNG in CE segment and what’s the whole idea behind introducing the new engine?
Dr. N. Saravanan: We have seen the auto market shifting from diesel to alternate fuels. Quite often whatever drives the auto space in terms of TCO also happens in off-highway/construction equipment (CE) segment. Hence, the idea was to be a pioneer in the segment. We already had a portfolio of diesel engines, both for auto and non-auto. We also have very active work into converting this entire portfolio in auto space into not only CNG but also, LNG, Hydrogen ICE, electric and hence we thought of leveraging it in CE segment. Also, there are MNC customers who are looking at alternate fuels due to various reasons like TCO, decarbonization. Hence, we thought let’s be a pioneer in this space and understand what’s the challenge, be it cost or technology and be there to support customers. Hopefully push the customers and market towards alternate fuels.
It is good that you are pushing the customers in that direction but are the customers ready for CNG in the CE space?
Saravanan: A lot of customers may not know how effective CNG could be for these applications. We tell customers how the CNG can be used in mining. There are scenarios where the customers can have captive storage of gas and there are lot of options in terms of supply, which removes the uncertainty in the mind of customers.
While you push CNG, how have you prepared the platform to meet the requirement of specific applications and make CNG compatible with RMC tippers, mining tippers, etc.?
Saravanan: You are right – typically we have seen gas engines with 130 HP CNG engine on buses in Delhi – that is an old approach. If you see our recent launches of CNG in ICV trucks we said we will bring in drivability as good as diesel. By looking at turbo charger combustion technology, modern HE CNG engine on 1416 ICV truck, the drivability is on par with Diesel. So, our focus is to communicate that, forget the old idea of CNG engines being low on HP. In fact, we are saying we won’t develop anything low HP engines for buses too. The idea is about drivability and we have the electronics, turbo chargers and we can match the performance of diesel with our CNG offerings.
Rajesh R: Adding on to what Dr. Saravanan said, the market is not ready today, but we want to bring the state-of-the-art technology which could possibly be an option for the customers. An end consumer can have gas bank or a station within a mining station can be the first way forward for them to get used to CNG. In telematic and another technology too we were the first ones in the CE segment. The customers have matured too. Here, uptime is the most important priority. The level of maturity in telematics and technology is happening, just like how the engines became electronic (fuel injection system). Migrating the telematics into the next steps and it will be easier.
How has been the support from your end for customers looking at on-site maintenance & service?
Rajesh: CNG is a very new entrant in the market. Primarily, the platform of engine is all the same. Close to 80-85 percent of components are same as used for Diesel, except for fuel injection systems, etc. Our aftermarket support is exclusively for the operators and is not only linked to diesel or CNG. We have an independent aftermarket support system spread our pan-India. We also work exclusively for customers on self-service model, who handles the service (warranty support) on behalf of Ashok Leyland given the uptime is so important. We have the expertise and experience in handling aftermarket service in automotive space, we don’t think it will be a challenge in handling non-automotive space. Unlike, competition we have a commonality of platforms spread across not only for diesel migration to CNG, but also from old BSIII norms to BSIV, BSV and this will be across 4 litres, 6 litres and 8 litres which will provide customers with different torque options.
Could you please also give us an update on the Defence side of the business?
Rajesh: We have been a dominant player in the mobility segment of the defence business. A lot newer opportunity is coming our way due to ‘Atma Nirbhar Bharat’. Foreign players are looking at partnerships in India and technology transfer agreements, that is going to grow. Not just the army portion for Ashok Leyland, but navy too. The mobility part is in continuous demand as even the air bases need the vehicles. We have won a contract recently and expanding our portfolio of business. We are developing the platforms for Stallion and Super Stallion range but also looking at the lower end of the spectrum, leveraging our technology on the light special vehicles.
How has the response at EXCON been given the show is happening after a two-year COVID-induced break?
Saravanan: I am quite surprised at the exhibitor presence here. The opportunity is huge. The CE industry is looking at growth with the impetus coming from Infra segment and the size of the exhibition is testimony of it. We see a lot of small players entering the market and getting ready with the product that meets the customers requirement.
Rajesh: From a CE segment side we have been participating 4th or 5th time. The last time the emissions were just coming up, this time people are speaking about alternate fuels. A lot of new players are entering the market. Like even we are launching a compressor with a new player. Everybody is looking for the pie of the business as the growth is going to be phenomenal. Even the big players are coming with product ranges as the requirement is growing pretty fast. People are expecting faster turnaround time, reliability and fuel efficiency. In this show it self you will find 50 plus machines that are powered by Ashok Leyland engines which shows customers’ preference and confidence towards our technological prowess.