Volvo Trucks has launched two liquefied natural gas-powered heavy-duty trucks capable of delivering the same power output (460hp) as their diesel-powered counterparts, but with 20% lower carbon emissions than equivalent diesel- and gas-powered vehicles.
In achieving this, the Volvo FH LNG and Volvo FM LNG tread new territory in terms of performance, according to Volvo, which notes that no gas-powered vehicle until now has been able to match the 460hp power output rating of a diesel Volvo FH 750 truck.
Powered by liquefied natural gas, the Volvo FH LNG can deliver the same performance and fuel efficiency as a regular Volvo FH, even on steep hill climbs and in heavy-duty applications.
Update: Video: Volvo’s emission-busting LNG-powered heavy truck
The Volvo FH LNG and Volvo FM LNG can also be run on biogas, which would negate their carbon emissions altogether, by delivering a 100% reduction in net emissions compared to other vehicles.
“Our new trucks running on liquefied natural gas or biogas produce a far smaller climate footprint than diesel trucks do,” explained Mats Franzén, the specialist product manager for engines at Volvo Trucks.
“In addition, they are much more fuel-efficient than the gas-powered trucks available on the market today. This makes gas more viable as a replacement for diesel even for heavy long-haul operations.”
Lars Mårtensson, director for the environment and innovation at Volvo Trucks, added: “We regard LNG, liquefied natural gas, as a long-term first choice alternative to diesel, both for regional and long-haul truck operations where fuel efficiency, payload and productivity are crucial.”
“Our vision is that trucks from Volvo will eventually have zero emissions, although the way of achieving that is not by one single solution but through several solutions in parallel.
“For transport operations in urban environments, where range is not as critical, electrified vehicles will play a greater role in the future. But LNG is another solution. And with a higher proportion of biogas, climate impact can be reduced far more.”
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Volvo Trucks is now working together with gas suppliers and customers to develop the expansion of LNG infrastructure in Europe – an effort that is also included by the European Commission in its long-term action plan for securing Europe’s energy supply.
