Ashok Leyland explores Libertine’s tech platform for CVs

Chennai-based Ashok Leyland has signed an MoU with Libertine Holdings of the UK, a developer of clean, highly efficient, and fuel-flexible Linear Generator technology, to evaluate the use of Libertine’s technology platform for its commercial vehicle powertrains.

As per the MoU, Ashok Leyland will conduct due diligence on Libertine’s technology and explore the scope for Linear Generator product development and demonstration within its commercial vehicle portfolio.

Founded in 2009, Libertine has developed a technology platform solution for powertrain OEMs, enabling efficient and clean power generation from renewable fuels. Libertine’s linear electrical machines, controls and developer tools together form a technology platform (intelliGEN) which the company provides to customers for the development of clean, highly efficient and fuel-flexible Linear Generator products. The platform is a result of over a decade of development of Linear Generator technology with multiple successful client-led programmes.

Cutaway illustration showing a twin free piston engine, with the copper coils and the two magnetic pistons free to slide in the cylinder bore, and the induction and exhaust ports in the centre.

Libertine’s intelliGEN Opposed Free Piston platform enables development of new products making full use of low carbon and renewable fuels. These products will be essential for the decarbonisation of ‘hard-to-electrify’ transport applications including light and medium duty commercial vehicles, for a proportion of passenger automotive market where vehicle use and recharging constraints are a barrier to electrification, and for a larger range of distributed power generation applications.

Ashok Leyland has a diverse commercial vehicle product range from 1T GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) to 55T GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) trucks. Its product portfolio also includes engines for industrial, genset and marine applications. Ashok Leyland is the second largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India, the fourth largest manufacturer of buses in the world, and the 19th largest manufacturers of trucks.

Dr. Kanakasabapathi Subramanian, Senior VP and Head of Advanced Engineering at Ashok Leyland said, “The relationship between Ashok Leyland and Libertine offers a great foundation for the future. Libertine’s technology is the logical evolution of an internal combustion engine and could potentially allow for a software defined engine with true multi-fuel capability”.

Sam Cockerill, Chief Executive of Libertine, commented: “Ashok Leyland is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles, as well as being a major producer of industrial engines, marine engines, and engines for gensets. We are delighted to support Ashok Leyland’s evaluation of Libertine’s technology to accelerate the transition to electric propulsion in its commercial vehicle portfolio.”