Tata Motors, India’s largest automobile company, is making significant strides in the field of sustainable mobility by investing in hydrogen technologies both in Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine as well Fuel Cells based powertrain.
TCPL Green Energy Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Cummins Private Limited (TCPL), which is a joint venture between Tata Motors Limited and Cummins Inc. USA, has recently (March 2024), inaugurated a new factory in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. This state-of-the-art facility, spreads across seven acres is dedicated to producing hydrogen based internal combustion engines (H2ICEs) for medium and heavy commercial vehicles:
– To develop low and zero-emission hydrogen engines for commercial vehicles, this large-scale factory in India dedicated to producing thousands of hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2ICE) annually.
-The collaboration reflects Tata Motors’ commitment to net-zero emissions and differentiated powertrain solutions.
Thus TCPL GES plans to invest over ₹350 Crores in the coming years to develop fuel-agnostic powertrain solutions. These solutions will include the above mentioned Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engines, Battery Electric Vehicle Systems, Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Systems, and Fuel Delivery Systems.
The plant is expected to commence production in 2024 in a phased manner. As per current plans, the Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine will roll out first followed by the Battery Electric Components (With Cummins’ advanced Battery Management System (BMS)) and Fuel Delivery System related products.
Providing hydrogen storage capabilities will enable us to accelerate the viability and adoption of hydrogen powered technologies in commercial markets. The plant will manufacture composite tank systems and tailor-make solutions for hydrogen storage applications.
In Oct 2023, Tata Motors unveiled state-of-the-art facilities for development of Hydrogen propulsion technologies at its R&D center in Pune:
These facilities are yet another step forward from the company towards carbon neutrality, while tapping the strong potential of Hydrogen as a clean energy source has the following test cells:
Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2ICE) Development: The company aims to indigenously develop these H2ICEs, contributing to India’s mission of cleaner mobility.
– The technology holds great promise, especially for commercial vehicles, and Tata Motors believes hydrogen is the fuel of the future.
– Mr. Girish Wagh, Executive Director of Tata Motors, expressed optimism about the new era of technological innovations and advancements in green mobility.
Hydrogen Fuel Infrastructure:
– In addition to the engine test cell facility, Tata Motors has also facilitates the necessary infrastructure for storage and dispensing of hydrogen fuel.
– This infrastructure supports both Fuel Cell and H2ICE vehicles.
– By investing in hydrogen infrastructure, Tata Motors is taking a step toward carbon neutrality and harnessing the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
Previous Showcases and Deliveries:
At Auto Expo 2023, Tata Motors showcased a wide range of commercial vehicle concepts, including the flagship Prima tractor.
The Prima tractor was presented in two avatars: one with a Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine and the other with Fuel Cell Technology.
Additionally, Tata Motors delivered two technologically advanced, safer, new-generation Hydrogen Fuel Cell-powered buses to Indian Oil Corporation in September 2023.
In summary, Tata Motors is at the forefront of hydrogen technology, aiming to revolutionize transportation and contribute to a greener future.
Source: Press-Release-231023-1.pdf (tatamotors.com) & Cummins Press release
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