In a surprise of sorts, Mahindra displayed the first vehicle of its kind at the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention 2009 held in Delhi today. The Hy-Alfa is just another Alfa goods carrier to the layman.
But peel its skin and there is a marvel hidden beneath. The Hy-Alfa runs on compressed hydrogen gas with zero emissions, the first of any such vehicles ever made.
Dr. Mathew Abraham, General Manager (R&D), Mahindra & Mahindra R&D Centre -
The Hy-Alfa is the first vehicle of its kind in the world. 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 futuristic technology has come to life not only because of Mahindra’s in-house resources and talent, but also due to companies with which it has collaborated, some international. Recently, Mahindra, along with other partners has signed an MOU with UNDIO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) India and ICHET (International Centre for Hydrogen Energy and Technology) Turkey to experiment a 15 Hy-Alfa Demo project next year at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
This is very similar to the hydrogen demo vehicles that VW put on duty during the Beijing Olympics.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. Even a school goer knows hydrogen is a clean fuel and its combustion in the presence of oxygen releases water, which fills a major portion of the planet’s surface area.
Apart from the hydrogen goods carrier, Mahindra has on display drivable full hybrid vehicles, micro (start/stop) hybrid vehicles, bio-fuel vehicles, an electric passenger vehicle, a hydrogen combustion engine vehicle and many recyclable and reusable materials and technologies.
