Tata Motors showcases India's first LNG Bus

Tata Motors has showcased the country's first Liquefied Natural Gas powered bus in Kerala. This bus is part of the automaker's plans to be prepared to see a potential increase in the demand of LNG vehicles in the future.

Named the Tata LPO1613, the LNG powered bus is lighter in weight as compared to conventional diesel buses, and boasts of relatively higher payloads. The use of LNG in commercial vehicles will not only help in keeping the emission levels in check, but will also increase the fuel efficiency, thanks to higher energy density of Liquefied Natural Gas. The company further claims that LNG powered buses boast of slightly better NVH levels, especially in comparison to their diesel powered counterparts.

Being liquid in nature, LNG is easier to store, with a packaging similar to that of diesel. LNG powered engines are claimed to need lesser maintenance due to it being a clean fuel, thus reducing operating costs. Moreover, since it is lighter than air, LNG evaporates readily when exposed to atmospheric temperature and pressure, making it a safe fuel.