Tata’s diesel electric hybrid buses soon to be ready for user trials

Tata Motors said it is preparing user trials for its diesel-electric hybrid buses by state transport undertakings (STC), which will be the primary target market for the product.  The company expects the new hybrid buses to become popular with STCs due to lower running costs and reduced emissions.  Pisharody did not give the cost for the new buses, but the challenge will be in reducing the price to make them more competitive with buses running on conventional diesel engines. Ravi Pisharody, president of commercial vehicles for Tata Motors, said, “We hope to localize key components like the battery, though this will depend on demand. With mass production in the country, prices should come down. We expect some policy support from the Government, especially through their new initiative on electric vehicles and hybrids.”  (June 18, 2011)