Volvo FM, FH LNG-powered Trucks on par with Diesels

Volvo is coordinating gas suppliers and customers to expand LNG infrastructure in Europe. 

Volvo Trucks has introduced Euro-6 compliant heavy duty trucks running on liquefied natural gas or biogas in the European market. The trucks will be offered in 420 or 460 hp power ratings with gross vehicle weights of up to 64 tonnes. The new Volvo FM LNG and Volvo FH LNG will go on sale in the first half of 2018.

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Interestingly, the new gas-run trucks have the same performance, driveability and fuel consumption as its diesel counterparts, making it practicable and economical for heavy-duty haulage. The 460 hp LNG engine delivers a maximum torque of 2,300 Nm, while the 420 hp unit generates 2,100 Nm – same as the diesel powertrains. Volvo´s new LNG powertrain uses the Diesel cycle technology in place of Otto cycle engine that is traditionally used for gas-run engines, thereby ensuring no compromise in power and torque output. The SCR and particulate filter are in place for exhaust after-treatment.

To extend the driving range, the LNG is stored in cryogenic state at 4-10 bar pressure at a temperature of -140 to -125 °C inside the tank. Volvo offers tank capacity for a range of up to 1,000 km. Re-fuelling time is no different as the diesel. On drive, the fuel has to be warmed up to gas form to be injected into the engine. In order to ignite the gas, a tiny quantity of diesel is added at the moment of injection. To gain absolute eco-compatibility, Volvo is presenting HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils) for this purpose in place of conventional diesel.

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Photos Credit: Volvo Trucks

*An edited version of this article has been published in the January 2018 edition of MotorIndia Magazine.