Tata Motors Expands Truck Powertrain Lineup with Two New Engines

At its commercial vehicle event at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Tata Motors unveiled two new truck engines, signaling a dual focus on heavy-duty diesel performance and alternative fuel solutions. The launches include an 8.5-litre Tata Cummins diesel engine for heavy-duty applications and a 3.6-litre natural gas engine tailored for medium commercial vehicles.

The 8.5L Cummins diesel engine is designed to meet the demands of high-load operations such as tractor-trailers, tippers, and large haulage vehicles. Featuring a 6-cylinder inline configuration with a bore and stroke of 118.5 x 128.5 mm, it delivers 375 hp at 1,900 rpm and a peak torque of 1,800 Nm between 1,000 and 1,400 rpm. Notably, the engine provides full torque starting at 1,000 rpm, enhancing drivability and performance under heavy loads. It also comes with AMT compatibility, supporting easier driving, reduced fatigue, and consistent performance for long-haul and infrastructure-focused operations.

In contrast, the 3.6L natural gas (NG) engine addresses the needs of medium commercial vehicles operating in urban and regional distribution networks. This 4-cylinder engine produces 168 hp at 2,200 rpm and a torque of 600 Nm between 1,400 and 2,000 rpm, with 540 Nm available at 1,000 rpm, ensuring usable power at low engine speeds—a key requirement for stop-and-go city operations. Natural gas engines are increasingly popular among fleet operators due to lower running costs and reduced emissions, making them ideal for cleaner urban transportation.

The simultaneous launch of these engines reflects Tata Motors’ balanced powertrain strategy, combining strong conventional diesel offerings with environmentally friendly fuel alternatives. While the 8.5L diesel engine strengthens Tata’s portfolio for long-haul, infrastructure, and heavy-duty applications, the 3.6L NG engine caters to the growing demand for cost-efficient and sustainable medium-duty solutions.

This dual-engine approach highlights Tata Motors’ commitment to meeting diverse fleet requirements, supporting both traditional diesel users and operators exploring alternative fuels. By providing flexibility across different truck segments, the company aims to maintain its leadership in India’s commercial vehicle market while addressing evolving environmental and operational needs.

With these launches, Tata Motors continues to demonstrate innovation in powertrain technology, combining performance, efficiency, and sustainability to meet the demands of India’s rapidly expanding logistics and infrastructure sectors.