The global auto market is rapidly becoming aware of all the catastrophic impact of misuse of natural resources. This epiphany has led to a sizeable chunk of the industry being dedicated to producing environment friendly Vehicles to reduce our carbon footprint. A new Shell plant, built at Bengaluru, is testimony to these changing times.
Shell is a multinational energy company and it aims to offer an alternative and commercially viable options for most cars we see on the street. The Bengaluru plant is mainly focussed on green programmes that focussed on sustainability. Shell has spent the past few years on research and technology that will make fuel-efficient electric cars a fun and manageable option. The new plant stretches at least for 52 acres and will house up to 1,500 experts to formulate more energy options for the auto industry. The main highlight of the inauguration has to be the new Shell concept car, designed by Gordan Murray, an F1 contributor.
Commenting on the opening of the new plant, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Govt of India said “India has an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the world’s incremental energy needs in the years ahead. Shell is developing a waste to fuel technology called IH2 at the Technology Centre in Bengaluru that takes only a few minutes to achieve what nature requires a million years to do. This IH2 technology can be one of the game changers that can make my country a net exporter of energy. 1500 young scientists of Indian origin who will work at the Shell Technology Centre Bengaluru are India’s contribution to meeting the world’s energy requirement”.
The interior of the car is slightly oddly placed and definitely needs some getting used to. The concept weighs 550kg and can fit three adults, runs on a 660cc engine, which is capable of churning out 43bhp and developing 64Nm torque. Supposedly, it can go from 0-100kph in 15.8sec.