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Ashok Leyland showcased the indigenously developed iEGR (intelligent Exhaust Gas Recirculation) technology that helps its trucks and buses to meet BS-IV emission standards and is ideally suited for Indian conditions.
The iEGR is also the secret behind the company not being fazed by the sudden ban imposed by the Supreme Court on sale of BS-III vehicles from April 1. It had an inventory of nearly 10,000 BS-III vehicles that could not be sold after the March 31 deadline. But thanks to iEGR, it can simply swap the engines and sell the older version in the after-market, said Vinod Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, at the company’s global conference to display its full range of vehicles and solutions.
Globally, two technologies are used for meeting the latest emission standards – SCR (selective catalytic reduction), which is used by companies like Daimler, and EGR (exhaust gas recirculation).
Ashok Leyland has brought its indigenous innovation in the EGR technology to not only meet BS-IV emission norms but also ensure reliability. About 200 engineers in its R&D wing worked on developing the new technology.
Elaborating on the advantages of iEGR over SCR technology, Dasari said SCR requires a comprehensive electronic system to manage it. Also, it needs an additional diesel exhaust fluid, which means additional cost. SCR technology is suited for long hauls at constant speed not often available in Indian conditions, he said.
Ashok Leyland’s BS-IV vehicles, powered by iEGR technology will have the lowest level of electronics. This will ensure easier serviceability and lower maintenance costs. Also, the technology promises 10 per cent better fuel efficiency than its BS-III trucks. The engines with iEGR can go up to 400 HP.
The company has more than 250 vehicles which are BS-IV compliant and hopes to convert the remaining in the next 2-3 months. Some portion of BS-III trucks will also be exported. “The BS-III engines will be sold in the Indian after-market in the price range ₹1.5-2 lakh. We have already seen a demand for 5,000 units of BS-III engines. So, the financial impact will be marginal,” said Gopal Mahadevan, CFO, Ashok Leyland.
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