M&M showcases hydrogen-powered Hy-Alfa three-wheeler

New Delhi: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M), has showcased its hydrogen-powered Alfa 3-wheeler vehicle, the Hy-Alfa, at the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention 2009 held in New Delhi.

M&M says this is the frst vehicle of its kind in the world runs on compressed hydrogen gas with zero emissions.

''The Hy-Alfa is the first vehicle of its kind in the world," said Dr. Mathew Abraham, general manager (R&D), Mahindra & Mahindra R&D Centre.

"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.

This hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine vehicle is available in 3-seater passenger version and a cargo versions.

Dr Abraham said, "Mahindra has collaborated with world-renowned R&D centres and Indian partners to enhance research on this futuristic technology. Recently, Mahindra, along with other partners has signed an MoU with United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) India and International Centre for Hydrogen Energy and Technology (ICHET) Turkey to carry out a 15 Hy-Alfa Demo project next year at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

M&M said in a statement, "There is an acute need for hydrogen powered vehicles today, owing to several advantages.

Hydrogen is a renewable source of energy with near zero emissions of CO, HC, CO2 and PM. It is clean and lean burning resulting in better fuel efficiency, avoids engine de-carbonising and does not emit any greenhouse gases. Faster dispersion also implies that it is safe for the health and the environment."

 The statement did not reveal any technical details.