Trucks
This project was commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment jointly by Mitsubishi Corporation as the representative business operator, with the aim of reducing CO2 emissions in the logistics industry. The demonstration experiments are taking place in Tomakomai City and Ishikari City, Hokkaido.
LNG trucks were introduced in the initial phase of this project, and in response to the demand for tractors, two Volvo FH LNG units were added on July 11 of this year.
In Japan, the majority of heavy-duty trucks use diesel as fuel, making the reduction of CO2 emissions a challenge across the industry. Volvo Trucks began selling LNG tractors in Europe in 2017 and has cumulatively sold more than 6,000 units to date.
LNG is lighter than air, so even in the unlikely event of a leak, it evaporates and does not ignite easily. It is also non-toxic, making it extremely safe. Volvo Trucks' LNG tractors reduce CO2 emissions by around 20% compared to comparable diesel models, and the rate of reduction increases even further when blended with liquefied biomethane. The vehicles provided by Volvo Trucks are dual fueled with LNG and diesel oil and have a maximum range of 800km to 900km. If the LNG runs out, it can run on diesel alone.
Per-Erik Lindström, Vice President of Volvo Trucks International visited a LNG filling facility in Tomakomai City, said “Interest in alternative fuels is growing in Japan and other regions. As the market being one of the world’s largest importers of LNG, we are certain that our alternative fuel solutions will open new opportunities for cleaner, quieter transportation. However, the most important thing when introducing new technology to each country is to comply with local regulations, and our importer, UD Trucks, is working hard in cooperation with the government. We will continue to focus on product development with the aim of providing carbon neutral solutions.”
Comment from Norio Sekihara, Vice President of Volvo Truck Sales: “We are very pleased to be able to contribute to carbon neutrality in Japan using Volvo Trucks' LNG tractors in this project that aims to commercialize heavy-duty LNG vehicles.''
Main specifications of Volvo FH LNG provided for this project
Model: FH4 x 2 tractor
Cab type: Sleeper cab (SLP)
Displacement: 13L
Horsepower: 460PS (2024 model 100% performance equivalent to diesel)
Fuel: Dual fuel of LNG and diesel oil (consumption LNG: diesel oil = 9:1)
LNG tank capacity: 205kg (Diesel oil 170L / AdBlue 64L)
Maximum mileage: 800-900km
Introduction page for LNG truck demonstration project https://www.mitsubishicorp.com/jp/ja/bg/environmental-energy/topics/lng-filling-facility/
Manisha Kanjiani
Brand & Communication Manager, Volvo Trucks – SEA & Japan
Email: manisha.tulsidas.kanjiani@volvo.com
Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2023 approximately 145,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.