New tanks for increased range

In response to the growing interest in gas-powered trucks, Swedish truck manufacturer Scania is significantly expanding its range of tanks and specifications. Semi-trailer tractors powered by bio-LNG are now even capable of achieving ranges of up to 1,400 kilometres.

The new options in CNG and LNG tanks give Scania models more range and give bodybuilders better options to meet specific customer needs. Source: Scania

The expansion of infrastructure and the increasing supply of biogas has led to a huge surge in demand throughout Europe, especially for gas-powered long-haul semi-trailer tractors with the kind of range otherwise only associated with diesel trucks. CNG and LNG-powered trucks are currently seeing a boom, especially in markets such as Spain, Italy, France, Germany and Eastern and Central Europe. Customers have come to recognise the obvious advantages of gas-powered vehicles: lower operating costs and lower CO₂ emissions, especially when using biogas – whether in a gaseous state or cooled down to -161 °C and liquefied as bio-LNG or LBG.

Swedish manufacturer Scania is responding to this increased customer interest by expanding its range to include several CNG and LNG tank options. “By introducing these additional products, we’re expanding not just our range but also our potential customer base. Biogas trucks are essential when it comes to meeting the short and medium-term demand for fossil fuel-free transportation,” says Stefan Dorski, Senior Vice President and Head of Scania Trucks.

The Scania R 410 LBG as 4×2 Highline and the ever-expanding refueling station network puts an end to range anxiety among customers. Source: Scania

At the same time, the company Södertälje is demonstrating its strong support for renewable fuels as an important element in the transition to a sustainable transport system. CNG and LNG-powered trucks also have a key role to play in meeting Scania’s science-based targets: the company has committed to reducing the CO₂ emissions of their products by a total of 20 % between 2015 and 2025. “Increasing potential tank volume for various applications eliminates what some potential customers consider to be an Achilles heel of our models,” explains Dorski. “The increased flexibility in chassis design and the many new CNG and LNG filling stations point to a bright future for gas-loving customers. And we can now finally allay their fears regarding range.”

It is not only customers who are pleased with the new options: so are all the construction specialists, who will now be better able to respond to specific customer requests. The Scania portfolio is being extended to include new LNG tanks offering ranges of up to 1,400 kilometres and CNG tanks with ranges of up to 750 kilometres. It is also possible to combine CNG tanks with a capacity of 80 litres, thereby freeing up one side of the frame on the truck.

As interest in gas-powered long-haul tractors has increased across Europe, Scania has significantly expanded its portfolio. Source: Scania

The CNG tanks can now also be placed in a rack behind the cab: combined with tanks in regular positions, this further increases the range (up to 1,000 kilometres for tractors with wheelbases distances ≥ 3,900 mm). And there is one piece of news that is especially of interesting to the British market: Scania now also offers LNG tanks with additional space in front of the tanks, enabling special solutions such as the installation of the Hendrickson support axles in A6x2/2-pusher configurations.

“Scania firmly believes that the transition to e-mobility will take place gradually over the course of this decade and the next,” says Dorski. “But combustion engines powered by biogas or other fossil-free fuels will play their part in reducing noise, emissions and CO₂ while at the same time offering high overall cost-effectiveness and outstanding customer benefits.” (pd/jas, 09 June 2022)