E-buses, hydrogen trucks on the anvil for Daimler CV India 2023
DICV is also looking into the market for small commercial vehicles, which can transport up to 5 tonnes of weight.
Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), whose research work for electric buses and hydrogen trucks is already underway, is planning to introduce these vehicles to the Indian market as India prepares to move to zero-emission cars across all categories.
One of the few businesses that have yet to enter the electric commercial vehicle market is DICV, which manufactures and sells trucks and buses in India under the BharatBenz brand. This contrasts with its competitors, such as Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and VE Commercial Vehicles, which have all introduced products using battery electric vehicle (BEV) technology.
In a recent interview with FE, Satyakam Arya, managing director of DICV, said: “Buses might be the first to go electric (for us),” adding, “We are analyzing the EV area and how the Indian market is getting ready for this technology. We are closely monitoring it. The environment is quite fluid.
As was previously mentioned, DICV is also looking into the market for small commercial vehicles that can transport up to 5 tonnes of weight. These small electric trucks are highly sought after because they can satisfy last-mile transportation requirements, especially in crowded areas.
“Hydrogen is the most promising for the future because you have to talk about mobility technology at the molecular level. No other element can match hydrogen’s 33 kWh of energy production per kilogramme; carbon’s is eight kw, while BEVs only produce 0.5–0.6 kwh per kilogramme, according to Arya.
DICV’s complete lineup is solely powered by diesel, whereas the competition also provides CNG as a fuel choice. The business had before stated that it was keeping an eye on the increase in CNG consumption in India but had yet to finalize any plans.
“We’ll make investments in both hydrogen and electric fuel technologies. India is now participating in the worldwide powertrain development effort already underway. EV will emerge first since the infrastructure is ready. Since we must first install hydrogen as fuel, there will be a long wait for hydrogen, Arya said.
India’s first H2-ICE truck with a loading capacity of 19-35 tonnes was introduced in February by Reliance Industries (RIL) and Ashok Leyland.
BharatBenz and RIL unveiled the first intercity luxury concept coach powered by hydrogen fuel cell technology in July. Reliance Industries created and developed fuel cell technology. Approximately 400 kilometres may be covered by the intercity Bus on a single hydrogen fill. Over the following 12 months, the Bus will undergo comprehensive validation and safety testing.
“We predict that for the next 5-7 years, India’s commercial vehicle (CV) sector will develop at a high single-digit rate. If that occurs, the market for medium and heavy CVs might reach close to 500,000 annually by 2030. Through two to three launches this year, we will address the white areas, Arya said.
Daimler Commercial Vehicles India, an esteemed subsidiary of the globally recognized Daimler AG, is steering the Indian transportation industry towards a greener future by announcing the advent of electric buses (E-buses) and hydrogen-powered trucks in 2023. This choice represents a noteworthy advancement in the company’s dedication to encouraging sustainable transportation and limiting carbon emissions in a rapidly developing economy.
The heart of Daimler’s new venture lies in two distinctively eco-friendly technologies – electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles. These vehicles are designed to revolutionize the commercial transportation landscape in India, offering solutions that significantly reduce environmental pollution and dependence on non-renewable fuels.
Electric buses are poised to be a game-changer in the public transportation sector, transforming it into an eco-friendly alternative. E-buses provide clean transportation with zero tailpipe emissions, reducing the overall air pollution often associated with conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles.
Hydrogen-powered trucks, on the other hand, offer an equally promising solution for the logistics and freight sector. These trucks use hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity that powers the vehicle’s motor. The only by-product of this reaction is water, making these vehicles extraordinarily environmentally friendly.
Daimler’s decision to introduce these advanced vehicles in India aligns perfectly with the Indian Government’s initiatives towards electrification of mobility and reducing carbon emissions. To have a 30% electric fleet by 2030, introducing Daimler’s E-buses and hydrogen trucks will accelerate the country’s progress towards this target.
.jpg)
This development is in sync with the national vision and aligns with Daimler’s global strategy of investing in green and sustainable technologies. It underscores the company’s commitment to India, recognizing its strategic importance as a critical market in the Asia-Pacific region.
While detailed specifications about the upcoming E-buses and hydrogen trucks are yet to be disclosed, we can anticipate high-tech offerings in line with Daimler’s global standards. These vehicles are expected to be equipped with advanced safety features, including autonomous driving capabilities and sophisticated telematics solutions for fleet management.
The E-buses are likely to be powered by high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, providing a substantial range to cater to the daily requirements of intra-city travel. Rapid charging infrastructure will be a crucial focus to ensure minimal downtime.
As for the hydrogen trucks, Daimler is expected to leverage its experience in fuel cell technology, which it has been developing for over two decades. These trucks are expected to offer a considerable range, making them an ideal choice for long-haul transportation.
Daimler’s decision to venture into E-buses and hydrogen trucks in India holds promising potential for the future of transportation in the country. However, it also challenges establishing the necessary infrastructure, including charging stations and hydrogen refuelling facilities.
While the road ahead may be challenging, Daimler’s move signifies a significant milestone in India’s shift towards sustainable mobility. As other global players follow suit, the country’s commercial vehicle landscape is bound to undergo a radical transformation, offering both environmental benefits and significant opportunities for economic growth.
Daimler Commercial Vehicles India’s announcement of introducing E-buses and hydrogen trucks in 2023 is a ground-breaking step towards a sustainable future. It demonstrates the potential for green mobility solutions to transform the transportation sector, setting a precedent for other market players. The advent of these vehicles is eagerly awaited, as it represents not just a step but a leap towards a cleaner and greener future.
