Ashok Leyland to Roll Out India’s First Hydrogen-Powered Truck in 24 Months

Key Highlights:

• Ashok Leyland will launch India’s first hydrogen-powered truck in the next 18-24 months.
• The company got a contract worth Rs 150 crore to deliver 180 electric trucks to Billion Electric Mobility.
• New models include AVTR 55 tonne and BOSS 19 tonne trucks for Chennai-Bengaluru and Chennai-Vijayawada routes.
• A flexible assembly line at the Hosur plant can produce 5,000 electric and alternative fuel trucks annually.
• Ashok Leyland is leading with India’s first electric truck in the ICV range and AVTR 55 tonne electric truck.

Ashok Leyland, a leader in India's commercial vehicle industry and part of the Hinduja group, is making smart moves towards eco-friendly transportation. Dr. N Saravanan, the company's Chief Technology Officer, announced that India’s first hydrogen-powered truck will be launched within the next 18-24 months. 

This follows the launch of a Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine heavy-duty truck by Reliance Industries and Ashok Leyland last year.

Electric Truck Milestone

Ashok Leyland has recently secured a contract worth Rs 150 crore to deliver 180 electric trucks to Billion Electric Mobility. This highlights the company’s growing focus on sustainable transport solutions.

Truck Models for Delivery

The electric trucks to be delivered under this contract include the following models:

• AVTR 55 tonne
• BOSS 19 tonne
• BOSS 14 tonne

These vehicles will serve the Chennai-Bengaluru and Chennai-Vijayawada routes, contributing to cleaner transportation in these regions.

Shenu Agarwal, Managing Director and CEO of Ashok Leyland, pointed out two significant firsts in the Indian commercial vehicle industry:

• BOSS Electric: The country’s first electric truck in the Intermediate Commercial Vehicle (ICV) range.
• AVTR 55 tonne Electric: The first 4×2 electric tractor introduced by an Indian manufacturer.

Advanced Production Facilities

Ashok Leyland has established a versatile assembly line at its Hosur plant to manufacture electric trucks and vehicles powered by alternative fuels. The plant has an annual production capacity of 5,000 units, indicating the company’s ability to meet growing demand for green vehicles.

Hydrogen and Electric Vehicle Development

The simultaneous development of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles positions Ashok Leyland as a key player in India’s transition to sustainable transportation. This dual focus allows the company to serve different market needs and environmental goals.

Also Read: Ashok Leyland Inaugurates New LCV Dealership in Udaipur

CMV360 Says

Ashok Leyland’s actions in developing hydrogen and electric trucks show the company's commitment to a greener and safer future for India’s commercial vehicle sector. Though challenges like infrastructure and market acceptance still exist, their efforts in eco-friendly transport are a positive move forward.