Ashok Leyland announces the launch of its CNG product E-Comet Star. Based on the successful E-comet platform, this CNG truck will aim to disrupt the ever-growing CNG segment. Initially, Ashok Leyland will offer the truck in 14T and 16T GVW segments. Alongside this, the company mentioned that the truck would also offer higher fluid efficiency, better tyre life and longer service intervals. The aim is to reduce the overall lower maintenance cost with enhanced Turn-around Time (TAT) thus, resulting in the best-in-class Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for the fleet owners.
Powering the truck is an H Series 4 cylinder BS-VI engine. The torque output stands at 450 Nm at 1,250 to 2,000 RPM. The E-comet platform supports an array of applications. This includes E-Commerce, parcel and courier, agri-perishable, poultry, white goods, FMCG, auto parts and reefer, and more.
Demand For ICV Segment On The Rise
With the opening up of business in recent months, there has been a significant rise in the demand for commercial vehicles. Ashok Leyland had launched the E-Comet in its BSVI avatar last year, and the vehicle has received a very positive response. Keeping this in mind, Ashok Leyland has now launched the CNG version, thus expanding its portfolio and attracting more customers. The long term vision of Ashok Leyland is to become one of the top 10 commercial vehicle manufacturers on a global stage.
Do CNG Vehicles Have Any Future?
The rise in fuel prices is compelling everyone to look for alternative fuel options. And in the current times, CNG and EVs are the most feasible and economical options. But which one has a brighter future? The story of CNG in India started a long way back, and it has been quite successful over the period of time.
But, with the introduction of EVs, it is safe to say the CNGs will also phase out in the future. Electric mobility guarantees zero tailpipe emission, which is not the case with CNGs. Further, EVs are also much easier and cheaper to maintain. This is true that the upfront cost of EVs is much higher than their counterparts. But, with the recent development and research in the electric mobility sector, it is expected that the cost will go down substantially.
Also Read: Ashok Leyland AVTR 4825 Tipper with heavy-duty Bogie suspension launched.
