New LNG-powered Volvo trucks offer the same performance as diesel-powered trucks but lower CO2 emissions by 20-100%.
Volvo Trucks launches Euro 6 trucks fueled with liquefied natural gas or biogas for heavy transport. The new trucks offer the same level of performance, handling and fuel economy as diesel-powered Volvo trucks. In addition, the CO2 emissions of new trucks are 20-100% lower compared to models equipped with diesel engines, depending on the choice of fuel. The new Volvo FH LNG and Volvo FM LNG are available with 420 or 460 hp for regional and long haul operations.
“With our new trucks running liquefied natural gas or biogas, we can offer an environmentally-friendly alternative that also meets the high demands on performance, fuel efficiency and operating range. This is a combination that our regional and long haul customers require, “says Lars Mårtensson, Director of Environment and Innovation at Volvo Trucks.
Instead of an Otto engine, which is the conventional solution for gas-fueled vehicles, Volvo FH LNG and Volvo FM LNG work with gas-fueled engines that use diesel-based technology. This means that a carrier that chooses a gas variant can do this without compromising maneuverability, fuel efficiency or reliability. The 460 HP gas engine offered by Volvo develops a maximum torque of 2,300 Nm and the 420 hp engine produces 2,100 Nm. The same performance offered by Volvo diesel models. In addition, fuel consumption is equivalent to that of diesel engines offered by Volvo, but by 15-25% lower than the consumption of conventional gas engines.
The fuel used is natural gas in the form of LNG (liquefied natural gas) or biogas, known as bio-LNG. Both types of fuel contain methane. If biogas is used, the environmental footprint may even decrease by 100%, and if natural gas is used it decreases by 20%. This is associated with vehicle emissions during use (“from tank to wheel”.)
To maximize autonomy, the tanks are powered by LNG, which is stored at 4 to 10 bar pressure and at a temperature in the range -140 to -125 ° C. The largest fuel tank can contain enough LNG for a distance about 1,000 km. The gas supply time is similar to that needed to supply the diesel fuel tank. During driving, the fuel is heated, pressurized and converted to gas before it is injected into the engine. To ignite the gas, a small amount of diesel is added at the time of the injection. A 100% reduction in CO2 emissions requires that fossil diesel be replaced by HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oils) and combined with bio-LNG.
Volvo Trucks is now working with both gas suppliers and customers to develop the expansion of LNG infrastructure in Europe. This development is politically supported in many countries, but also by the U.E. A strategy for expanding LNG infrastructure is also included in the European Commission and Member States’ action packages on the long-term security of Europe’s energy supply.
“Natural gas offers clear environmental benefits, its price in many countries is very competitive, and there are sufficient reserves to justify widespread use. Our focus on LNG trucks creates new premises for our customers to carry out fuel efficient and cost-effective operations. At the same time, we can make a significant reduction in environmental impact for heavy truck operations, “says Lars Mårtensson.
Sales of the Volvo FM LNG and Volvo FH LNG will start in 2018.
