Research on hybrids runs into govt apathy

A clutch of Indian automobile majors have at least begun introducing alternate fuel (petrol + CNG or petrol + LPG) vehicles, but the government is still dragging its feet over incentivising development of hybrids and fuel cell vehicles.

Hybrids are vehicles that can run on two alternate fuel sources, usually an internal combustion engine plus a battery. Hydrogen fuel cells run on electricity created by using hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air.

While Indian manufacturers have begun offering dual fuel options in some vehicles, there is no programme in place as yet for development of hybrids etc. Mahindra & Mahindra is the only manufacturer to have developed an indigenous hybrid vehicle till date.

An industry veteran points out that even the much hyped National Hydrogen Propulsion Programme (NHPP) is hanging fire. This Rs 700 crore project was to have brought together Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, M&M, Eicher Motors, Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor Company besides members of the academia and research professionals. But after more than a year of talks, the NHPP is still pending since the Department of Science and Technology is unwilling to give its go ahead.

This, despite 50%, or Rs 350 crore, corpus for development of hybrids and fuel cells being borne by the industry.

Another ambitious proposal which seeks to provide 50% subsidy for indigenous development of hybrid technologies is similarly biting dust with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) for the last three years.

Even some smaller amounts sought by the industry for funding smaller projects to develop hybrids and fuel cells have also been rejected. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers had sought a meagre Rs 5 crore for development of hybrid four-wheelers and another Rs 4 crore for developing hybrid two-wheelers but the government has not agreed to either proposal. Another demand for just Rs 1.5 crore to develop hydrogen fuel cells has also been similarly rejected.

The only projects where government and industry have begun working together are the likes of the ‘Hithane’ project, which seeks to develop an ideal mix of hydrogen and CNG and do not need any large scale investment from the government’s end.

Meanwhile, some Indian manufacturers have begun to work towards offering alternate fuel variants. Maruti Suzuki India, which launched the WagonR Duo (petrol + LPG) is now readying for the launch of a petrol + CNG variant of its popular car Zen.  A similar option was recently given on Alto.

Tata Motors has already begun work on developing a ‘mild’ hybrid and a battery run Indica whereas the world’s most successful hybrid car - Toyota Prius — is already being tested in Bangalore for launch sometime later this year.