Mahindra & Mahindra have stolen the show at the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention with its new Hy-Alfa, the world’s first hydrogen powered 3-wheeler vehicle. That an Indian company is making the first hydrogen powered 3-wheeler is no surprise, considering that India is the world’s biggest 3-wheeler market. But what is really unique about this is the fact that Mahindra has straddled the line between the uber-tech electric-motor powered by fuel cells concept and the by now old-fashioned conventional IC engine. The Mahindra Hy-Alfa would be powered by a “Hydrogen Powered ICE”. A compromise between the two extremes, which runs on compressed hydrogen gas with zero emissions.
According to Dr. Mathew Abraham, General Manager (R&D) of Mahindra & Mahindra, ““The Hy-Alfa is the first vehicle of its kind in the world. It runs on nothing but compressed hydrogen gas and is incredibly engineered to run with absolutely zero emissions, which makes it a pleasure to drive on congested city roads. Hydrogen is, in fact, the technology and fuel of tomorrow and is the long term solution to pollution, energy security & CO2 emission related concerns”. Both the cargo and passenger 3-wheelers will be getting the Hy’ treatment and notably M&M have recently signed an MOU with UNDIO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) and ICHET(International Centre for Hydrogen Energy and Technology) to give a demo of the Hy-Alfa in the capital.
To think that a homegrown company is pioneering new green technology is at once heart-warming and encouraging. TATA is also exploring the realms of electric and hydrogen technologies while small REVA is the world leader in electric car sales. Seems India is at the rather green cutting edge of the world.
September 14, 2009
Thanks much for this informational piece of text.