Diamler Chrysler & CSMCRI develop Jathropa bio-diesel for cars

Ahmedabad, Oct 6 (UNI) The German auto giant, Diamler Chrysler along with Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute (CSMCRI), Bhavnagar (Gujarat) have developed a new variety of Jathropa plant to be used for producing bio-diesel for cars.

As a part of their research the Daimler Chrysler and CSMCRI had planted Jathropa plants in 100 acres of waste land in Bhavnagar.

The newly developed Jathropa plants can be grown on any waste land plot and need little amount of water in their initial stages of growth, Diamler Chrysler India Corporate Affairs Director Suhas Kadlaskar told mediapersons.

At present one litre of Jathropa bio-diesel costs around Rs 28, excluding all taxes on fuels. But the prices can be brought down if it will be used on large scale commercial basis, Mr Kadlaskar said.

The Company has also developed a diesel model car jointly that can run on normal diesel as well as bio-diesel produced from the seeds of Jathropa plants, Mr Kadlaskar disclosed.

This new engine has been successfully tested by the Company with run of over 1,00,000 lakh kilometers on conditions similar to that on Indian roads, including the toughest terrain of Himalayan region.

During the testing session, cars running on Jathropa bio-diesel engines faced no difficulties in any season or climatic condition.

Compared to normal diesel engine, the Jathropa bio-diesel engines need to make replacement of only three parts -- fuel pipe, neck and tanks -- for using bio-diesel.

He said, the new model will be available in the market soon and clarified that the Jathropa model car can run on normal diesel fuel too.

UNI