Tata eyes hybrid buses for India

Tata Motors intends to launch hybrid buses in the Indian market in the next few years, Tata Motors President Ravi Pisharody announced on the sidelines of the Environmentally Friendly Vehicles Conference held in New Delhi. “As the technology for alternative fuel vehicles is constantly evolving, we are constantly evaluating the ideal one suited for our buses meant for the domestic market. It will take some time for the launch of these buses,” a Tata Motors executive said. Cost will be a factor that Tata Motors will have to address before launching hybrid buses in the country. A hybrid bus costs approximately double that of a conventional diesel-powered bus. Anil Khurana, Director of PRTM Management Consultants, says the disparity in prices is due to these vehicles’ power transmission systems, as the motors have to be imported. (November 27, 2009)