Trucks
Trucks
Are you thinking of adding an alternative driveline to your fleet? Changes in regulations and developments in new technology are making gas-powered trucks – using either LNG or bio-LNG – an increasingly viable option for many businesses.
In recent years, new engine technology has raised the performance of gas-powered vehicles. The latest Volvo FH Aero gas-powered, for example, can offer up to 500 hp and 2500 Nm of torque, which is on par with the regular diesel-powered Volvo FH Aero with the same power rating. It can carry combined loads of up to 60 tonnes and covers ranges of up to 1000 km, making it ideal for long-haul operations.
Across the globe, various government incentives and programs, combined with a need to transition to cleaner fuels, is helping to drive both LNG and bio-LNG production. In fact, global supply capacity for LNG is expected to increase by 40% by 2028.
In China, a combination of government subsidies, tighter emissions controls and low prices are driving a surge in sales of gas-powered trucks. Meanwhile India aims to convert one third of the country’s heavy-duty truck fleet to LNG in the next 5-7 years.
In Europe, demand for LNG is decreasing as the EU attempts to reduce its dependency on Russian gas as part of its REPowerEU plan – but as part of that same plan, it is also aiming to increase biomethane production (which can be liquified to produce bio-LNG) to 35 billion cubic meters (bcm) by 2030. The refueling infrastructure for LNG trucks is also rapidly growing and at the time of writing, was up to 780 stations.
In the US, a range of government incentives and programs such as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), are also promoting strong growth in biogas production.
Volvo Trucks gas-powered vehicles are available with up to 500 hp, and can carry combined weights of up to 60 tonnes and cover ranges of up to 1000 km.Volvo Trucks gas-powered vehicles are available with up to 500 hp, and can carry combined weights of up to 60 tonnes and cover ranges of up to 1000 km.
LNG (liquefied natural gas) is made from purified natural gas, which is cooled down to −161°C, where it condenses and liquefies. This process reduces its volume by around 600 times, making it easier to transport and use as a fuel. Compared to diesel, it will emit up to 20% less CO2 as a heavy-duty truck fuel.
Bio-LNG is produced the same way as LNG, except it is based on biogas instead of fossil natural gas. Since biogas is made from organic waste such as household food waste, agricultural waste and manure, it is a renewable ads circular fuel. When used to fuel a heavy-duty truck, its tank-to-wheel CO2 emissions are virtually zero.
Both LNG and bio-LNG are virtually identical chemically, meaning they can be used in the same infrastructure for refueling, transportation and storage, and to power the same vehicles. In fact, the two fuels can even be blended, which Shell currently offers in the Netherlands and Germany.
