Ashok Leyland Ecomet ICV BS6: Variants Explained

The Ecomet range in the intermediate commercial vehicle segment is the mass-market products. They have been around for a long time and get the latest BS6 update. How do they look against their predecessors? We explore them in detail.

The intermediate commercial vehicle (ICV) segment in India has been growing rapidly over the last few years due to the increasing consumption demand across India. The ICVs find applications in some of the most critical cargo distribution needs such as parcel and logistics, e-commerce, fruits and vegetables, poultry, white goods, FMCG, auto parts, industrial goods, beverages, etc. The trucks operate both on inter-states and interstates routes for delivering vital cargo.

The demand for the ICV trucks also means OEMs working intensely to grab market share in this category, and like the rest of the truck market, competition in this segment is equally tough. Tata Motors, M&M, Eicher, and BharatBenz have a strong product portfolio of ICVs.

Ashok Leyland has been present in the ICV segment for over a long time, the Ecomet range is the company’s mainstream range in this category. However, the growing demand for ICVs, the potential of growth and to take on the stiff competition, the firm expanded its portfolio to appeal to more discerning customers with modern products. As a result, introduced two new key products ICV platforms: The ICV Boss and Guru with multiple variants, body options, features and configurations.

We have already covered the modern Boss range of BS6 ICVs earlier, today we take a closer look at the Ecomet range and the different variants that are available in these critical products.  

Ecomet BS6

The new BS6 Ecoment trucks come in seven variants in cargo and tipper body options including 1015HE, 1115HE, 1215, 1415 and 1615 in cargo and 1015 and 1215 in tipper applications.

The most striking change in the BS6 range of Ecomet trucks is the upgrade in the engine power. This segment has moved from the traditional 120HP engine to more powerful 150HP engines now. Since BS6 truck needs a completely new powertrain, Ashok Leyland, like the rest of its portfolio introduced BS6 trucks with I-Gen6 engine with its proven iEGR technology. 

This technology enhances engine performance and durability even further. With lower Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) consumption and compact design, i-Gen6 lowers the cost of operation per ton-km, offering better fuel efficiency and low maintenance.

The unique Mid-NOx strategy ensures an overall lower cost of ownership as compared to the competition. The key attributes of this new ICV range are improved overall truck efficiency, the lower total cost of ownership, simple functioning, highly improved exhaust after treatment and overall reliable and robust trucks.  

Variants

The Ecomet range covers a wide range of tonnage for different applications and load bodies in cargo and tippers. The Ecomet starts from 10T GVW and goes right up to 16TGVW, and all the trucks get the standard 150H engine.

10T GVW

The 10T GVW gets two variant 1015 and 1115 Ecomet both are powered by 150HP H4 engine with I-Gen6 technology, 7.5” body with higher internal width, proven gearbox, LED tail lamps and life long propeller shaft. The 4-cylinder 150HP engine produces 450 Nm of torque at 1250-2000 rpm.

The Ecomet 1015 and 1115 model comes in 14,17,19 and 20 feet cargo body with body options of cabin and chassis, fixed side deck, drop side deck, high side deck.

The key applications for these two 10T GVW ICVs are parcel and logistics, market load, fruits and vegetables, food grains, white goods, auto parts and industrial goods.  

12-16T GVW

The second major segment of Ecomet range is 12-16T GVW with three variants the 1215,1416 and 1615. All the variants offer segment-leading payload which is extremely critical for the truck owner. They are equipped with day and sleeper cabin options in 1415 and 1615 variants.

Some of the other features include wide bodies, heavy-duty aggregates, easy gear shifting for effortless driving, lube for the life propeller shaft, and the clutch is designed in such a way that it become more reliable. Ashok Leyland also introduced new heavy-duty rear suspension in the top 1615 variant.

While the GVW are higher of 12, 14 and 16T the engine is the same H series with similar power and torque with better tuned to individual truck variants considering the applications. All the three variants get different body options starting from 14 to right up to 24ft with cabin chassis, fixed, drop and high side deck.

Ashok Leyland says the 12-16T Ecomet range is targeted at applications such as industrial goods, cement, LPG cylinders, POL tanker, parcel, vegetable, fruits and white goods among others.

Tippers  

In the ICV segment, similar to the cargo delivery application, the tippers are also being preferred by the customers for construction and other activities. To cater to these applications, the Ecomet comes in two primary tipper variants the 1015 and 1215T GVW.

Both the variants are equipped with a heavy-duty tipping body, higher quality rear-axle to carry load effortlessly and a proven high strength chassis.

The powertrain is similar to its other siblings. The tippers are offered in two wheelbases the 2850 and 3250 mm and loading span of 11 feet with maximum gradeability of 42.7 and 29.03% and 215 mm of ground clearance. The most suitable applications are blue metal, construction projects, carrying sand, earth, or bricks.

To take on the rival Ashok Leyland has packed a punch in its Ecomet ICV trucks, along with Boss and GURU, it is poised for a formidable presence in the market.

Also Read: Product Review: Ashok Leyland 2820 BS6 haulage truck