Ashok Leyland signs an agreement with UK-based Libertine for powertrain technology.

Ashok Leyland of Chennai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Libertine Holdings of the United Kingdom, a developer of clean, highly efficient, and fuel-flexible Linear Generator technology, to assess the application of Libertine's technology platform for its commercial vehicle powertrains.

According to the terms of the agreement, Ashok Leyland will conduct due diligence on Libertine's technology and investigate the possibility of Linear Generator product development and demonstration within its commercial vehicle portfolio.

Libertine, founded in 2009, has created a technological platform solution for powertrain OEMs that enables efficient and sustainable power generation from renewable fuels. The linear electrical machines, controls, and developer tools from Libertine create a technology platform (intelliGEN) that the firm offers to customers for the creation of clean, highly efficient, and fuel-flexible Linear Generator products. The platform is the culmination of more than a decade of Linear Generator technology development and several successful client-led programs.

Libertine's intelliGEN Opposed Free Piston platform allows for the creation of innovative products that make full use of low-carbon and renewable fuels. These products will be critical for decarbonizing 'hard-to-electrify' transport applications such as light and medium duty commercial vehicles, a portion of the passenger automotive market where vehicle use and recharging constraints are a barrier to electrification, and a broader range of distributed power generation applications.

Ashok Leyland offers a wide range of commercial vehicles ranging from 1T GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) to 55T GTW (Gross Trailer Weight). Its product line also includes engines for industrial, genset, and marine use. Ashok Leyland is India's second largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, the world's fourth largest bus maker, and the 19th largest truck manufacturer.

"The cooperation between Ashok Leyland and Libertine gives a great platform for the future," stated Dr Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Senior VP and Head of Advanced Engineering at Ashok Leyland. “Libertine's technology is the logical progression of an internal combustion engine and has the potential to provide a software-defined engine with full multi-fuel capabilities." He added.

"Ashok Leyland is one of the world's leading producers of commercial vehicles, as well as a major producer of industrial engines, marine engines, and genset engines," said Sam Cockerill, Chief Executive of Libertine. He also said that, “We are pleased to assist Ashok Leyland in its examination of Libertine's technology in order to speed the transition to electric propulsion in its commercial vehicle range."