Iveco combines LNG technology with longer vehicle test

Tuesday 21st July 2015

The need to reduce fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and traffic congestion means enhancing productivity in transport is a very important issue. Iveco has responded with an innovative and efficient solution: combining the potential of natural gas technology with the productivity benefits stemming from the use of 18-metre-long articulated vehicles.

Iveco recently teamed up with SMET – the forward-thinking European logistics company – to trial the integration of two highly profitable green solutions, with an 18-metre-long articulated combination driven by an LNG-powered Stralis.

The results exceeded expectations: the 18-metre/LNG solution delivered significant advantages compared with the traditional diesel offer, both in terms of the total cost of ownership (TCO) and environmental impact.

Working in conjunction with SMET, Iveco had the opportunity to conduct a field-trial – on real missions – to evaluate the reduction in the average cost per unit for goods transported. Together, the two companies tested the compatibility of 18-metre-long articulated trucks on the road infrastructure and their parking manoeuvrability; the trial also highlighted the reduction in fuel consumption per unit for transported goods and, consequently, in CO2 emissions.

Authorised in July 2008 by the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Progetto DICIOTTO (which means "Project Eighteen") was launched by the ANFIA (Italian Automotive Industry Association) in Italy to test the impact on transport efficiency of increasing the length of articulated trucks to 18 metres from the current standard length of 16.5 metres.

Lengthening semi-trailers by around 1.5 metres is the only planned variation from standard vehicles; all the other basic specifications remain unchanged, from axle loads to manoeuvrability under current legislation. The results achieved by Progetto DICIOTTO in Italy have improved transport efficiency by almost 10% on trial vehicles.

Similar experiments are also underway in other European countries including the Czech Republic, Germany and the UK.

Pierre Lahutte, Iveco Brand President , said: “Iveco and SMET's decision to field-test an 18- metre-long LNG Stralis has definitely proven to be a winning combination and reaffirms Iveco's commitment and role in increasing sustainable mobility.”

A new Iveco message. Your Partner for Sustainable Transport.

Thanks to its focus and ongoing research in new technologies, Iveco has become a European leader in the alternative fuel sector, anticipating solutions which will contribute to further reducing the environmental impact of the transport sector and becoming the perfect partner for sustainable transport, as evidenced by the new marketing strap line: Iveco. Your Partner for Sustainable Transport .

Iveco is the leader in the natural gas-driven commercial vehicle sector with a complete range of light, medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and buses with more than 14,000 units delivered into service to-date.

There  are  many  advantages  to  using  this  type  of  vehicle,  both  in  terms  of  environmental sustainability and profitability for customers. Indeed, in terms of emissions, natural gas engines are more environmentally friendly than their diesel Euro VI counterparts. Natural gas is a much cleaner fuel in terms of its minimal particulate emissions (-95% compared to diesel) and NOx emissions (-35%). Furthermore, these vehicles make it possible to reduce vehicle CO2 emissions from 10% up to 100% if using bio-methane. Lastly, it ensures a quieter vehicle with an average decrease of 5 decibels in comparison to its diesel brother, making it perfect for waste collection operations and night-time distribution.

From the standpoint of economic sustainability, these vehicles generate TCO savings of up to 10%. Natural gas is also markedly less expensive than diesel, and it enables fuel costs to be reduced by up to 40%.