Blue Energy 5528 4×2: India’s first BS-VI LNG Truck

Pune-based Blue Energy Motors (BEM) has recently launched India’s first BS-VI compliant LNG truck for heavy-duty and long-haul applications in the domestic market. The 5528 4×2 is the company’s first LNG truck, with a GCW rating of 54 tons and kerb weight of 7,117 kgs. The truck will be manufactured at the company’s facility located in Chakan, with a roll-out capacity of 10,000 trucks per year.

Also Read: LNG in India: Automotive Fuel Revolution?

BEM claims that its trucks are designed and tested to meet the rigorous duty-cycles of Indian trucking industry. The company is collaborating with the IVECO Group to equip its LNG trucks with FPT Industrial‘s (Fiat Powertrain Technologies) state-of-the-art natural gas engines.

Engine and Transmission

The BEM 5528 truck is equipped with FPT (Fiat Powertrain Technologies) Industrial-sourced ‘N67‘ LNG engine, mated to a 9-speed manual transmission. The engine is a 6.7-litre, 6-cylinder in-line 24-valve natural gas mill with MPI (Multi-point fuel injection) stoichiometric combustion technology. Unlike conventional diesel engines with compression-ignition, this unit is similar to petrol engines with spark-plug ignition and shorter stroke design.

The gas engine is claimed to be more fuel efficient with less NVH (Noise-Vibration-Harshness) levels than conventional diesel engines. It delivers a a maximum power of 280 hp (206 kW) at 2,000 rpm and a peak torque of 1,000 Nm at 1,250 rpm. The truck also comes with a fixed-geometry turbocharger with a waste gate valve and a 3-way catalyst exhaust aftertreatment system.

The N67 engine is compliant to Euro-6e emission standards in Europe, and is BS-VI compliant in India. BEM claims that the LNG truck can cut emissions by up to 30 percent as against conventional diesel trucks. The FPT engine is also compatible to run on CNG and bio-methane, it adds.

LNG tank and driving range

BEM has fitted a single vacuum-insulated stainless steel LNG tank with a nominal volume of 1,000 litres. The empty tank weighs about 498 kgs, while fuel filled to its maximum capacity may add an additional 383 kgs. Since LNG is stored in cryogenic state, the working temperature of the tank ranges from -196° to -50°.

BEM claims that the 5528 truck can run up to 1,400 kms in a single fill. The company also claims to be come up with LNG refueling stations along key trucking routes in the country to aid its customers munch long-haul trips without any range anxiety.

Brakes and Suspension

The 5528 4×2 truck comes with single hub-reduction axle, with parabolic and semi-elliptical suspension setups at front and rear respectively. All wheels are equipped with drum brakes. Maximum gradeability of the truck is pegged at 12.19 percent.

Cabin and interiors

Blue Energy 5528’s 4-point suspended and tiltable cabin is impressive in terms of its contemporary design and styling. Its domineering brand logo and detailed grille, along with smart-looking headlamps with integrated DRLs, are sure to grab attention.

The cabin is air-conditioned, and features a sleeper berth. The steering wheel and dashboard styling adheres to modern standards, designed for ergonomic comforts of the driver. Other features include air suspended driver seat, infotainment with speakers, telematics, and a slew of utility spaces in the cabin.

Also Read: Tata Marcopolo LNG Bus (LPO1613) – Tech Specs, Details

Blue Energy 5528 4×2 – Image Gallery