Reliance, Ashok Leyland in discussions to develop hydrogen-powered engines

8 Dec 2022 , 10:46 AM

Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is in advanced talks with Hinduja-owned truck and bus maker Ashok Leyland for the development and supply chain of hydrogen-powered engines, stated the sources familiar with the development.

As a preliminary step, Leyland will revamp an existing fleet of 45,000 trucks, which RIL has contracted to transport refined products and other marketing goods, with fuel-cell engines, allowing these vehicles to use green hydrogen instead of diesel, highlighted the sources.

Reliance plans to start producing inexperienced hydrogen at its Jamnagar refinery facility in 2025. As technology advances, the company hopes to expand its supply of hydrogen to the larger automotive market, in addition to buses and taxis.

This could imply similar collaborations with different automakers or broadening the scope of engagement with Leyland, according to one of many people, who requested anonymity because the business plans are still confidential.

It is uncertain whether RIL will collaborate with cab aggregators such as Ola or Uber in the future.

RIL already has a working relationship with Leyland, through which the truck manufacturer trains drivers for RIL’s supply chain section. RIL operates three driver training schools in Gujarat. RIL’s primary vendor for truck supplies is Ashok Leyland.

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