LNG TRUCKS HIT THE INDIAN ROAD
CHENNAI: India’s first Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) fueled green trucks by Blue Energy Motors, have begun commercial operations for JK Lakshmi Cement, one of India’s leading cement companies. In a flag off ceremony, held at JK Lakshmi Cement’s Sirohi plant in Rajasthan, the first fleet of LNG trucks left for their clinker grinding unit at Surat. The flag-off ceremony was attended by the senior management representatives of both the companies and other important stakeholders. With this JK Lakshmi Cement becomes the first cement company to deploy LNG trucks for long haul transportation of raw materials in the country.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Anirudh Bhuwalka, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Energy Motors commented ‘’Sustainability should not be a choice anymore, but a compulsory way of life. We are delighted to share our vision of revolutionizing India’s green trucking industry with JK Lakshmi Cement. The infra industry is very closely connected to trucks, and such adoptions institute trust and instill confidence that will eventually pave the way towards a carbon-neutral environment. Our trucks have been designed and conceptualized, keeping in mind the Indian conditions and climate requirements. It’s the best immediate solution to pollution caused by the heavy duty-vehicle sector. With the cement industry giant joining hands with us, we are confident that more players in the industry will begin their journey of sustainable mobility and become part of our green trucking revolution”.
Elaborating on the initiative, Mr Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement Limited, said, “Our country is aiming to reduce the carbon intensity of the nation’s economy by less than 45% by the end of the decade, and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. JK Lakshmi Cement fully supports this vision and believe in sustainable & responsible growth that encompasses our society and the environment. We have taken multiple steps to reduce both direct and indirect carbon emissions. Deploying LNG trucks of Blue Energy Motors is our first step towards sustainable transportation as LNG is an excellent green alternative for fossil fuel. This initiative will act as a game-changer for the country’s cement transportation industry and help facilitate the eventual transition towards a more circular economy.”
The market entry of Blue Energy Motor’s LNG-fueled trucks started with the introduction of BE5528 tractor as the first model. The trucks have been designed to deliver best in class TCO with unmatched reliability and next generation telematics system for safe and comfortable long-haul drives. BE5528 uses FPT Industrial multipoint stoichiometric combustion engine to ensure best-in-class fuel consumption and lower noise than diesel engines. With 280hp power and 1000Nm torque, it is one of the most powerful natural gas trucks on the Indian market. The BE5528 truck has the industry’s first 990-lt fuel tank which provides the range of up to 1400 km in a single fill. Given this long range, issues pertaining to range anxiety are well taken care of and with the upcoming LNG dispensing network, sufficient coverage across key routes in the country will be available without need of frequent refilling. The company has installed capacity to produce 10,000 trucks / annum which can be augmented further as the eco system mature and demand ramps up. It launched the first manufacturing plant at Chakan, Pune in September this year. The facility was inaugurated by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways.
