Volvo Trucks introduces their natural gas truck at the 2016 SITL

A Volvo Trucks truck uses natural gas

NGV (Natural gas vehicle) is an alternative to traditional fuels. The main advantage is ecological since it regulates the particle emissions. This fuel has been developped for trucks that drive on short distances in cities such as the Volvo FE.

Vehicles that use compressed natural gas are equipped with 100-liter tanks, designed to fill in quickly in public gas station everywhere in Europe.

Equipped with the spark plug technology, the engine is made for vehicles that stop and restart a lot such as waste collection trucks and express transport. The make explains that the truck is as easy to manoeuvre as a traditional Volvo FE and that it is as productive.

The Volvo FE CNG is equipped with a 9-litre engine with 320 hp and offers an engine torque of 1356 Nm. The combustion of natural gas is slower than other fuels which reduces the vibrations and as a result the truck's volume level. Finally, the Volvo FE CNG meets the requirements of the Euro 6 norm.

The advantages of the natural gas for trucks

The NGV has lots of ecological and economic advantages. Indeed, this fuel preserves the environment but it is also more expensive than traditional fuels. On average, the natural gas cost is less than 50% in comparison with fuel and 30% in comparison with diesel. 

The gas which the Volvo FE CNG uses is the same as household heating gas. It comes from natural ressources and is not toxic for human beings. In addition, experts added a smell so it can be detected.

The NGV is more ecologic since it reduces by 70% the particle emission level in the atmosphere in comparison with a diesel vehicle. It also reduces the CO2 emissions by 15% in comparison with diesel.

Lars Martensson, director of environmental affairs for Volvo Trucks points out that the NGV, made of methane at 97%, is a lasting alternative to diesel.