Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) in recent years has shown India that they are a company that is not scared to experiment. In doing so, they have now managed to make the world's first three wheeler that is hydrogen powered. Based on the Alfa 3 wheeler, the Hy-Alfa runs solely on hydrogen and is a zero emissions vehicle.
The internal combustion engine of the vehicle is powered by hydrogen and is available on both cargo and 3-seater passenger versions. This product is a result of Mahindra's sustainable mobility program which has given us products like the CNG Pik-Up and Mahindra Micro-Hybrids. The Hy-Alfa boasts of a 396cc engine that is capable of generating 6.11PS (4.5kW) @ 3600 rpm. The naturally aspirated engine comes with an electronic ignition system, electronic fuel injection and a hydrogen leak detection mechanism.
Speaking about the Hy-Alfa, Dr. Mathew Abraham, General Manager (R&D), Mahindra & Mahindra R&D Centre, stated, "The Hy-Alfa is the first vehicle of its kind in the world. It runs on nothing but compressed hydrogen gas and is incredibly engineered to run with absolutely zero emissions, which makes it a pleasure to drive on congested city roads. Hydrogen is, in fact, the technology and fuel of tomorrow and is the long term solution to pollution, energy security & CO2 emission related concerns."
Mahindra has also collaborated with global R&D centres and some Indian partners in order to further the research on this technology of the future. The company has also signed an MoU with UNDIO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) India and ICHET (International Center for Hydrogen Energy and Technology) Turkey, in order to develop 15 Hy-Alfa demo project vehicles which will be showcased at Pragati Maidan, new Delhi next year.
Print
