What gas-powered vehicles does Iveco offer?
We offer a huge selection of natural gas vehicles across our entire range, from vans to heavy trucks.
The Iveco Daily CNG (compressed natural gas) is available as a panel van, chassis and crew cab, chassis cowl and minibus with 6-speed manual or 8-speed Hi-Matic automatic, from 3.5t to 7.2t GVW. Its turbocharged 3-litre produces 136hp and 350Nm.
The Eurocargo Natural Power truck, meanwhile, operates a 204hp/750nm with either a 9-speed manual or 5-speed torque converter automatic gearbox. Vehicles at 9, 10, 11, 12 & 16t GVW complete the range.
At the heaviest end sits the Iveco Way range. The X-Way offers a choice of CNG, LNG (liquefied natural gas) or a combination of both on 4×2 tractors with the largest AS cab, and the 12.9-litre with 460hp/2,000Nm and 12-speed automated Hi-Tronix gearbox with standard hydraulic retarder. The S-Way offers the same fuelling options, but on other cab sizes and rigid trucks adds 340hp/1,500Nm and 400hp/1,700Nm 8.7-litre engines to the mix. Iveco was also the first to market with factory-built tractors offering gas power on a 6×2 chassis, capable of running solely on 100% biogas.
What are the advantages for operators of running with LNG/CNG trucks?
First and foremost, biomethane fuels unlock the door to considerable reductions in CO2 and particulate matter emissions, where reductions of up to 95% wheel-to-wheel can be easily realised. A biomethane fleet improves a business’s green credentials, and the dramatic total cost of ownership reductions make an even more compelling argument to switch, helping to rationalise vehicle running costs, with fuel duty capped at half that of diesel until 2032.
What is the refuelling infrastructure for LNG/CNG like in the UK?
It is growing significantly. CNG is really gaining pace with eight public stations currently in operation with more opening – including the world’s largest – through 2022. LNG trucks can expect to cover greater distances, and there are currently two public-access LNG stations. A large number of operators maintain their own facilities too with some allowing contract refuelling with other local businesses where possible.
What has the reaction been like from customers to gas-powered trucks?
It has varied depending on the customer – some immediately recognised the benefits and therefore bought into it very quickly, others took more time. As refuelling infrastructure coverage grows, we are seeing increased interest. What is clear is that anyone shifting to gas will remain gas-powered and have quickly begun to increase gas technology penetration across their fleets. Combining the low noise levels, driving comfort, clean and simple CNG refuelling with the green credentials and overall running cost savings make a very compelling argument, one that can no longer be ignored.
Is range anxiety still a problem?
Geographical location does still play its part here, however as the infrastructure grows, this noticeably reduces. Making such a change after decades of diesel power was always going to involve an adaption process, however with new stations opening along key routes in quick succession, the planning process only becomes simpler. Once you’ve made the switch, you will never go back to diesel.
Jorge Asensio Lopez, Medium & Heavy Country Product Manager & Alternative Propulsions Lead, Iveco
