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Ovonics, Bajaj Hydrogen ICE Three-Wheeler on Display in India

Bajaj_h2ice_system
The H2 ICE system for the threewheeler. Click to enlarge.

A prototype three-wheeler (autorickshaw) developed by ECD Ovonics and Bajaj Auto (BAL) and powered by a hydrogen-burning internal combustion engine (H2ICE) is on display for the first time at the annual convention of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

For Bajaj, the hydrogen ICE concept three-wheeler is a step along the way to more advanced hybrids and potentially fuel cell vehicles.

A change in the energy scenario for the transportation sector is inevitable—the industry would be prudent to prepare for it.

There are synergies in the pursuit of AFV [Alternative Fuel Vehicle] technologies. This requires a consolidated, multi-technology approach.

BAL would like to be a front runner in the adaptation of these technologies, and is making a long-term commitment to pursue alternate fuel technologies with specific five-year goals.

—Shubhangi Chiplonkar, Bajaj Auto

Bajaj earlier had developed an all-electric three-wheeler, the ECOrick.

There are two hydrogen ICE autorickshaw prototypes, one in the US at Ovonics, the other at Bajaj. Both are based on Bajaj’s 173.5-cc CNG-fueled three-wheelers. Bajaj is the largest manufacturer of three-wheeler taxis in India, while ECD Ovonics contributed its expertise in solid-state hydrogen storage and engine conversions.

Ovonics_rickshaw_storage_1
Ovonics prototype metal hydride storage for the autorickshaw.

Ovonics, in essence, designed a metal hydride storage system that would fit in the place of the existing three-wheeler fueling tank in addition to converting the engine.

Trial runs earlier this year, in the cold climatic conditions of Michigan, yielded a range of 130 km (81 miles) per 900 gm of hydrogen (equivalent to about 3.4 liters of gasoline, or 0.9 gallon of gasoline). That works out to about 2.6 liters equivalent/100km, or 90.5 mpgge (gallon gasoline equivalent) US. The developers think they can do better.

The US version of the prototype has performed at 94% of the level of conventional Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) three-wheelers. The Indian prototype on display at SIAM will now go into further testing.

Next steps for the hydrogen transportation initiative include exploring fuel availability, fueling infrastructure, and safety codes and standards.

Three-wheeler taxis form the biggest chunk of public transport vehicles in India. A move toward a cleaner alternative fuel would mitigate air pollution and negative effects of climate change.

Bal_pathway
Bajaj Auto’s projected technology development pathways. Click to enlarge.

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Comments

Massey Ghatavi

Pls. call me or leave a message at my hotel at 27650580 room 603 ASAP as I will be in Mumbai till this Saturday.
Regards
Massey Ghatavi

Saiju Jacob Ozhukayil

Sir,
Is it not possible to make hydrogen in the vehicle itself? Why don't you think about producing hydrogen by electrolisig water using the high voltage produced in the engine itself(like the high voltage for ignition)This idea may either be foolish or informative anyhave please inform me your opinion

ghanshyam gup[ta

how does a petrol engin works nd how does a gas engin works what is the diff between both of them why we cant connect gas cillinder direct to the engin how it works and what is the diff why we cant connect dirrectly to the engin is it harmful

ghanshyam gup[ta

how does a petrol engin works nd how does a gas engin works what is the diff between both of them why we cant connect gas cillinder direct to the engin how it works and what is the diff why we cant connect dirrectly to the engin is it harmful

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