HORIBA India launched its first Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (H2-ICE) test bed facility at the HORIBA India Technical Center in Chakan, Pune. The new centre will be used to analyse hydrogen fuel internal combustion engine vehicles to promote development in energy-saving and reduction of emissions. This new test bed facility is an investment of another Rs 28-30 crore.
There will also be an Experience Zone at the Chakan facility that involves Hydrogen Gas Analyser, Hydrogen Fuel Flow Meter (HyFQ-2000 Series), and Laser Spectroscopic Motor Exhaust Gas Analyser (MEXA-ONE-XL-NX). Technical center of HORIBA India was set up in the same year, with a capital of over Rs 100 crore and provides 10000 sq metres of area Psycho. The facility has played key roles in emission measurement systems and systems, analytical instruments, and indigenisation of customisation.
It is designed and developed to test engines up to 380 kW, which is suitable for the Indian commercial vehicle manufacturers. In this regard, HORIBA India intends to meet the increasing need for the green and sustainable automotive solutions. It holds several certifications, including ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, and NABL ISO IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, supporting India’s Make-in-India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives. The centre has successfully executed projects like the development of two- and three-wheeler chassis dynamometers, electric vehicle testing systems, and environmental monitoring systems.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr. George Gillespie, Executive Corporate Officer of HORIBA Energy and Environment, and Dr. Rajeev Gautam, Corporate Officer of HORIBA Ltd. and President of HORIBA India. Dr. Gillespie emphasised the significance of hydrogen as a carbon-neutral fuel and highlighted the facility’s role in India’s journey toward net-zero emissions by 2070. Dr. Gautam reiterated HORIBA’s commitment to sustainability and its vision of achieving a 42 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions by 2033 and full carbon neutrality by 2050. HORIBA India has achieved an annual growth rate of over 15 per cent.