Sunday, July 15, 2007

First ever tri-fuel car set to rule Indian roads

In what could be called a breakthrough in the field of science and technology India's first ever tri-fuel hybrid car was launched in the capital recently. And what's more, the car has been developed by students of an engineering college.

Here comes the first tri-fuel car in India - a car that runs on petrol, LPG and electricity and that's not all, this hybrid has not been developed by any leading car manufacturer but by the students at the Amity School of Engineering and Technology. But why make a tri-fuel hybrid car, in the first place?

One of the engineers Nakul Gupta says, “Basically, the purpose is not to run the vehicle on three fuels. The main purpose is to run it economically and reduce the noise pollution.”

The team of 10 students prepared the car with a budget of Rs 2.5 lakh. It can run at a maximum speed of 60 km-ph using its internal combustion engine and 42 km-ph using its batteries.

A little slow we agree but the mileage balances it out. You can drive this baby for 35-40 miles on one litre of petrol while on batteries it can run 80-90 km on a single charge.

Now, would you like to buy a car that runs on three fuels? If yes then if the industry experts are to be believed, your wait is almost over.

Automobile Expert Tutu Dhawan says, “This concept is tried and tested by all car manufacturers. The minute you see a hybrid car successfully running in Europe or America, within 48 hours, it'll be in India also.”

The students are now hoping that auto companies would come forward to manufacture this concept. For the moment, they are basking in the glory of being the hybrid pioneers.