Ashok Leyland has received India’s first LNG-fueled truck Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) certificate for AVTR UF3522 and its variants from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). 

As per the commercial vehicle major, the AVTR UF3522, which is India’s first certified LNG fueled truck, has been completely validated and optimised for Indian operating conditions and is in line with its new measures in the alternative fuel segment.

LNG is being considered as the future of the natural gas economy offering lower on-road total carbon emissions as compared to its counterparts like CNG, which will be a step towards India’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2027.

Dr. N Saravanan, Chief Technology Officer, Ashok Leyland said, “We are proud to bring to India the first LNG fueled truck, completely developed in and for India. As a part of our green mobility agenda, we aim to bring alternative fuel-based vehicles which can provide same efficiency and range as our ICE models. AVTR UF3522 is an effort to bring clean and safe vehicle to all our stakeholders. Our LNG vehicle is based on our proven modular truck platform – AVTR –  along with H6 engine to provide better range and operability across all functions and industries.”

Based on the proven AVTR modular platform, the AVTR UF3522 retains the torque of the diesel variants. LNG trucks have three times the fuel capacity as compared to CNG. The AVTR has an option of a double-LNG tank, offering range of over 1,500 kilometres in a single fill. The LNG truck can be further expanded for multiple purposes and applications ranging from 19- to 42 tonnes. Ashok Leyland will be launching the complete variants of LNG and CNG trucks in haulage, tipper and tractor segment over the next six months.