BEM 5528+ LNG TRACTOR TRAILER

With the wave of gasification as an answer to green mobility, the BEM 5528+ tractor when combined to a trailer is strong on paper. Prateek Pardeshi took to the road to validate the claims.

- Prateek Pardeshi

For Fleet operators, the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is the most crucial deciding factor. The TCO-led decision is driven by fuel costs. With the introduction of LNG to the energy matrix in the CV sector, in the Heavy Duty (HD) trucks, there are more options to choose from. The Blue Energy Motors (BEM) 5528+ 4x2 tractor in combination with a trailer had its task cut out. To stake a claim as the viable long-haul mobility solution. The decision-making has turned tougher for some and easier for others closely watching the growing parity between Natural Gas (NG) options and diesel until the recent deduction.

As per reports, Gas prices globally have fallen ~50 per cent. Spot LNG prices as per March 2023 are known to have dropped to USD 14-15 per metric million British thermal units (mmBtu) from an average of USD 45 per mmBtu. This would lead to an increase in demand from importers. They are contracting for more spot LNG cargoes. Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are targeting the installation of alternate fuel stations including LNG at 22,000 retail outlets by May 2024. Today, CNG price stands at an estimated Rs.79 per kg, diesel in comparison is at Rs.92 per litre, and petrol at 106 per litre.