ABSTRACT

Yugo-Tech, a Canadian company based in Mississauga, Ontario, is involved in carrying out a field demonstration program to convert 3-wheeler petrol driven autorickshaws to operate on LPG (propane or cooking gas) in the cities of Kolkata and Bangalore in India. The demonstration program is being carried out under the auspices of the Canada-India Environmental Institutional Strengthening project. Environment Canada and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India are implementing the project, with financial assistance from the Canadian International Development Agency. Using its patented technology, Yugotech has optimized LPG conversion kits for 2-stroke and 4-stroke autorickshaws. Mass emission tests have been carried out at Environment Canada test facility in Ottawa, Canada, using Indian Driving Cycle. The conversion kits will then be installed on 50 autorickshaws (25 each in Kolkata and Bangalore) and their performance will be demonstrated and tested to meet relevant Indian emissions and safety standards. During the field demonstration, scheduled to start in November 2004, the emissions will be measured on chassis dynamometers (provided by the project) using ASM2525 driving cycle. The program is consistent with the policies of the State Pollution Control Boards of West Bengal and Karnataka, to promote the use of LPG in the transportation sector. Yugo-Tech’s experts will provide training to a limited number of mechanics and operators in the two cities in all aspects of conversion, fuelling, engine operation, and maintenance of the LPG operated autorickshaws. The CPCB and State Pollution Control Board staff will be trained to monitor and evaluate vehicle emissions on chassis dynamometer. The presentation will share the experience of the stakeholders with the participants, and will cover the details of this project, describe some of the on-going 3-wheeler conversions to alternate fuels in Asian countries, and discuss the importance of a properly designed and implemented Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance (I & M) program.