It's almost unbelievable, but Bharat Forge and KPIT Cummins Infosystems LTD. claim to have developed a hybrid retrofit system that can be easily applied to most vehicles in under six hours, resulting in an increase in fuel efficiency of up to 80 percent. It's so wildly unbelievable, that we just had to bring it to you and for those shadetree mechanics out there, this could be one adventurous DIY.
The India-based companies claim that the system is much like a compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion kit. All of the necessary hardware is included to quickly convert your gasoline- or diesel-powered vehicle over to hybrid drive in a few short hours with minimal work. Collectively, Bharat Forge and KPIT Cummins have filed 15 patents for its so-called ReVOLO hybrid drive system. The ReVOLO system should be launch-ready in India within six months and will be offered as both an aftermarket add-on and as an original equipment option. Dependent upon application, the companies claim the ReVOLO kits can reduce fuel usage by 40 to 80 percent, which seems extremely optimistic. Unfortunately, pricing for this unbelievably amazing kit has not yet been announced, but the companies admit that they are aggressively seeking ways to reduce costs, which indicates it's probably a bit high. Follow the jump for more info on hybridizing your auto.
[Source: Times of India, Bharat Forge]
PRESS RELEASE
BHARAT FORGE AND KPIT CUMMINS TO FORM A JOINT VENTURE
Announce 'New Hybrid Technology Solution' for Automobiles
Unveil 'REVOLO' - A Smart and Sustainable Solution that Redefines Mileage Standards
New Delhi. June 04, 2010... Bharat Forge Ltd., the flagship company of the USD 2.4 billion Kalyani Group and a
leading global supplier of forged and machined components and KPIT Cummins Infosystems Ltd., a leading product
engineering & IT consulting partner to automotive and manufacturing companies today announced their decision to
form a joint venture to manufacture and market an indigenously developed hybrid technology solution for
automobiles - REVOLO, that will enable both existing and new vehicles to dramatically increase fuel efficiency
and engine performance, while significantly decreasing green house gas (GHG) emissions.
The technology for this intelligent plug-in, parallel, full-hybrid solution has been designed and engineered by KPIT
Cummins, while the solution for automobiles would be manufactured through a joint venture (JV) between Bharat
Forge Limited and KPIT Cummins Infosystems Limited. As part of the joint venture, KPIT Cummins will license the
technology to the JV while Bharat Forge would bring in its manufacturing, assembly & integration expertise to the JV.
The solution will be marketed to OEMs and fleet & individual vehicle owners through a network of certified and
authorized dealerships.
'REVOLO' is an indigenous & innovative solution that has been conceptualized, developed and frugally engineered in
India. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), which tested the new hybrid solution (REVOLO), confirmed
fuel efficiency gains of more than 40%. Under city driving conditions the increase in efficiency has been above 60% and
reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) has been more than 30%.
Ravi Pandit, Chairman and Group CEO, KPIT Cummins, said, "This new plug-in, parallel, hybrid solution represents
the new standard of value that frugal engineering can deliver to both auto manufacturers and vehicle owners around
the world. This pioneering innovation will allow automakers to introduce vehicles with improved mileage, better
performance and significantly reduced carbon emissions.
It will also benefit the Indian automotive aftermarket, as the service stations will now be able to offer their customers
an opportunity to convert conventional vehicles into eco-friendly hybrids. Finally, it will give vehicle owners the option
of upgrading their vehicles to a higher level of fuel efficiency and performance, without the expense of having to buy a
new one. We are happy to be working with Bharat Forge, which is a highly regarded automotive component
manufacturer to bring this flexible, intelligent and efficient solution to the masses."
Baba Kalyani, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Forge, said, "Bharat Forge has been partnering with the global
mobility industry to make it more efficient, competitive, sustainable and environmentally benign. We are delighted to
join hands with KPIT Cummins in this path breaking initiative which promises to bring a paradigm change in India's
fossil fuel consumption and in helping the nation significantly meet its environmental commitments. We believe this
indigenous solution would offer vehicle owners the best of both worlds – the ability to go green while achieving greater
performance", he added.
As a parallel hybrid, this solution will enable the motor and engine to work simultaneously. Unlike an electric vehicle,
the vehicle will operate as a conventional fuel vehicle even if the batteries are completely drained. As a plug-in, the
vehicle can be charged through a standard external electricity source such as a domestic power outlet.
About Bharat Forge
Bharat Forge Ltd., the flagship company of the US $ 2.4 billion Kalyani Group, is a leading global 'Full Service Supplier'
of forged and machined - engine & chassis components. It is the largest exporter of auto components from India and
leading chassis component manufacturer in the world. With manufacturing facilities spread across India, Europe, US
and China the company manufactures a wide range of safety and critical components for passenger cars, SUV's, light,
medium & heavy commercial vehicles, tractors and diesel engines. The company also manufactures specialized
components for the aerospace, power, energy, oil & gas, rail & marine, mining & construction equipment, and other
industries. It is capable of producing complex large volume parts in both steel and aluminium.
Bharat Forge is currently spearheading a major up scaling of its capacity in forging, casting, fabrication, machining and
assembly to launch its multi-sectoral growth plans including power, oil and gas, railways and marine transport,
aerospace, construction & mining.
Please visit www.bharatforge.com for more information.
About KPIT Cummins
KPIT Cummins Infosystems Limited (BSE: 532400; NSE: KPIT), a trusted global IT Consulting and product engineering
partner, is focused on co-innovating domain intensive technology solutions for Manufacturing corporations (with special
focus on Automotive, Hi-Tech, Industrials and Energy & Utilities verticals) to help its customers become efficient,
integrated and innovative enterprises.
A leader in technology solutions and services, KPIT Cummins currently partners with 100+ global Manufacturing
corporations including 20 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and 60 automotive Tier 1s helping them globalize
efficiently & bring complex technology products/ systems faster to their global markets.
Please visit www.kpitcummins.com for more information.
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