TVS Motor Company Ltd., on Wednesday, unveiled ‘futuristic’ scooter and motorcycles to transform future mobility using alternative fuel. It included electric scooter, ethanol-powered Apache motorbike and cruiser motorcycle.
“Right now, it is a concept and I can’t tell you when this vehicle will become a reality,” said K.N. Radhakrishnan, president and CEO, TVS Motor Company. “Last year, we showcased two new vehicles and it has turned out to be a reality today after making some changes to it,” he added
The electric scooter concept, TVS Creon, received all-round appreciation on the opening day of the Auto Expo 2018 here. “It has been designed in collaboration with Intel, keeping in mind the global dream for a green future. This scooter concept is a testament to the fact that electric scooters can be both exciting as well environment- friendly,” he said.
TVS Motor had invested about ₹650 crore in product development and R&D activities during the current financial year. “We keep investing in ethanol, electric and hybrid technologies. Our endeavour is to bring these products during the next financial year. Ethanol looks like a very exciting concept. Electric vehicle concept is too early to give projections. But, definitely, we will come out with products with new features, new technologies and fuel option to make the environment lot greener,” he said.
To reduce the carbon footprint, TVS showcased ethanol-powered TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi Ethanol. “The use of ethanol will reduce the dependence on [the] import of petroleum [products] and increase energy security,’’ Mr. Radhakrishnan said
Leyland’s electric bus
Ashok Leyland — Ltd. unveiled its first electric bus – Circuit S — with swappable smart battery. “Ashok Leyland has always been innovative. Now that there are smart cites, we have to come up with smart solutions,” said Vinod K Dasari, MD, Ashok Leyland. “It is yet another innovative and smart solution offerings by us in association with SUN Mobility,’’ he added.
The company also demonstrated ‘Design in India’ and ‘Made in India’ capabilities to meet the rising e-mobility needs and global demand for smarter solution for public transport.
Mr. Dasari said some state transport undertakings and private operators would be the prime movers in using electric buses with swappable smart batteries. These batteries could be swapped in less than three minutes, he said. Ashok Leyland had invested ₹50 crore in the development of the bus and in information technology. SUN Mobility had invested equal sum in batteries and mobility stations, he said.
“We have the right solution for the Indian market. We don’t mind sharing the knowledge. We have bid for some tenders. These buses will be delivered in the next three-to-six months,” Mr. Dasari said.
These buses would cost less, require minimal maintenance owing to lesser moving parts and be lighter owing to smaller battery pack, he said. These would have zero tail pipe emission, he added.
“We were given a tight schedule. The proof of concept and reliability test was done in Chennai for the last eight months. It can be readily deployed anywhere. The first delivery is expected to take place during July/August,” said Karthick Athmanathan, business head, EV and eMobility, Ashok Leyland.
Mentioning that future of public mobility is undoubtedly electric, Chetan Maini, co-founder and vice chairman, SUN Mobility said they plan to build a network of Quick interchange stations that are easy to install and ensure quick refueling of buses to reduce down time at STUs bus depots.
