January 16th, 2012 
Aaron Turpen 
The New Delhi Auto Expo 2012 in India had the nation’s largest auto manufacturer showing off three new alt-fuel concepts. Tata Motors showcased the Tata Nano CNG, the Tata Indigo Manza diesel-electric hybrid (pictured below), the Tata Starbus Fuel Cell, and the Tata Magic Iris CNG (also pictured). These join the company’s already-produced Tata Indica Vista Electric Vehicle and its CNG-electric hybrid buses.
Tata Nano CNG concept is a bi-fuel compressed natural gas Nano which uses a new system the company has developed to allow smart on-demand switching between CNG and gasoline as needed. Software controls fuel strategy to maximize efficiency based on usage and availability. The Nano CNG has a 93 mile NG range and a 233 mile gasoline range and is virtually identical to its gasoline counterpart in terms of size, interior space, etc.
The Tata Indigo Manza Hybrid concept is a 1.05L DiCOR diesel engine mated to a 45kW electric traction motor. It functions as both a series and parallel hybrid drive train, depending on need, with three modes: all electric, gas-electric, and all-gasoline. The vehicle utilizes high speed cranking with stop-start, regenerative braking, and a short-range battery electric operation. At highway speeds, it goes to all-gas mode, cruising to save fuel while the motors work as regenerative brakes on downhill and slow-downs for coasting, recharging the batteries. The Indigo Manza also has a roof-mounted solar panel for battery charging while parked.
The Tata Starbus Fuel Cell Concept is a 30-seat bus concept developed in cooperation and support of the Government of India’s Department of Scientific and Industrial Research under its Technology Development & Demonstration Programme. The bus’ fuel cell stack puts out peak power of 85kW to its lithium-ion battery pack and two rear-mounted motors totaling 185kW propel the bus with 1,050Nm or 774lb-ft or torque. Maximum speed is 70km/h, suitable for city/urban applications.
The Tata Magic IRIS CNG is a small public transit vehicle similar to a minivan taxi and meant as a “last mile” public transport vehicle. It uses a 611cc 12.8hp CNG engine and a 5-speed gearbox to move through urban and city traffic at low speeds. It’s CNG engine includes several of the hardware and software upgrades seen in the Nano CNG (above).
Overall, some very cool concepts in alt-fuel from Tata!
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