Heavy commercial vehicles are making significant progress in the implementation of electromobility. However, there are still alternatives worth considering. New 13-liter biogas engines for bio-LNG and bio-CNG also allow long distances to be covered in a sustainable, CO2-reduced manner.
As is the nature of things, progress is gradual. Even a 5% fuel saving can require a significant effort in engine design. Scania has chosen an interesting approach by combining the new biogas engines with two-thirds of its Super powertrain. With excellent results, they say.
The switch to bio-LNG or bio-CNG, which has already been awarded several times in Switzerland by industry associations, sustainability organizations and the logistics sector, is the obvious way to achieve radical CO2reductions, "here and now and without compromise".
Even with the biogas engines, full 420 hp or 460 hp and ranges of up to 1800 km are still achievable. This means that even the most demanding long-haul operators can benefit from Scania's sustainable biogas offering.
Scania first presented its new biogas engines at last year's IAA. But when they arrived, there was an additional surprise: the machines are now coupled with two-thirds of the successful Super powertrain. The well-matched trio – the new biogas engines, the G25 transmissions, and the axles from their diesel counterparts – work together so effectively that fuel savings of up to five percent have been observed in long-haul transport.
“When we combined these components, it quickly became clear that we had hit the jackpot,” says Ola Henriksson, Senior Product Manager for renewable fuels at Scania Trucks. “Just as the Super engine benefits from the wider gear ratio spread of the G25 transmission, so too do the biogas engines. In combination with the Scania Opticruise transmission and the new axles, the biogas engines can operate very close to their ‘sweet spot’ most of the time. Taken together, this leads to the aforementioned fuel savings.”
Interest in locally produced biomethane fuels for trucks (such as bio-LNG or bio-CNG) is clearly increasing rapidly. Biomethane-based solutions are readily available through rapidly expanding networks of filling stations, and CO2emissionscan be reduced by up to 90% (well-to-wheel).
“Biomethane fuels are definitely the solution for customers who want to start decarbonizing quickly,” said Henriksson. “Our biogas engines cover a wide range of industries and applications. A 40-tonne semi-trailer truck can achieve ranges of up to 1,800 km with our largest bio-LNG tank solutions. Add to that the 460 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque offered by our OC13 engine, and you have a perfect tool for long-haul transport in Europe.”
Biogas filling station networks are expanding relatively rapidly in Europe. Reducing the CO2footprintis no longer just something for "green" companies seeking public recognition: it has become an absolute necessity for reputable transport companies. "We must use all available means," they say.
The new biogas engines are based on the renowned 13-liter gas engine that Scania has been offering for several years. An added bonus: the driver can enjoy a significantly lower noise level.
