Indian bike makers working on natural gas options in response to Tata Nano
Motorcycle, scooter and moped manufacturers in India are worried. Since Tata announced their ultra-cheap Nano, the two-wheeled industry is abuzz with worry that the populace will quickly abandon their old single-track vehicles for the safety and convenience of a four-wheeler if the price points get too close. This is a rational concern, and it is exactly why Tata's created the Nano in the first place.
In an effort to persuade buyers to stick with their bikes, the major manufacturers in India, including Bajaj, Honda and Kinetic, are all working on natural gas options for their various offerings. According to this article, each of these companies has contacted Energtek, a leader in absorbed natural gas (ANG) technology for help in implementing the conversion process. The advantages to using the ANG lie primarily with price, however there are also eco-benefits to be had, as natural gas burns cleaner than other fossil-fuels. We have to wonder, though, what would stop companies like Tata from using similar technology in their low-priced automobiles.
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[Source: Red Orbit]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
A&W 11:01AM (4/01/2008)
If Tata can make an ultra low priced car then the bike companies should consider joining forces to make ultra cheap bikes. They should be looking into safety features as well.
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rgseidl 1:17PM (4/01/2008)
India doesn't have much fossil natural gas - if you exclude methane hydrate deposits - so these scooters would have to run on biomethane. This is a good idea, provided the raw biogas is really scrubbed of hydrogen sulfide, water vapor and CO2. The ANG storage materials are designed to adsorb methane only.
For two-stroke operation, the oil would have to be carried in a separate tank and mixed in at the right ratio just prior to entering the engine. Four-stroke engines are of course much cleaner but they also cost more to purchase and maintain. At that point, you might as well buy a Nano. In the near term, India will have to choose between air quality and permanent gridlock.
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Throwback 4:24PM (4/01/2008)
I have been to India, permanent gridlock is already a fact of life, as is awful air quality. At least in the big cities. Motorcycles are the most efficient way to cut through traffic.
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Kevin Nugent 7:13PM (4/01/2008)
Well they have their work cut out for them . i could never drive in India , sitting in traffic for hours on end is typically not my idea of a vacation .
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