Scania says its new engines designed to run on Bio-LNG or Bio-CNG are an obvious way to go for achieving radical CO2-reductions, ‘here and now and without any sacrifices’.

The Swedish heavy duty truck specialist says the engines come with 420 hp or 460 hp and ranges of up to 1,800 km.

Scania says the new biogas engines plus the G25 gear-boxes and axles from a diesel sibling work so well together that fuel savings of 5% in long-haul are ‘noted and confirmed’.

“When we paired these components, it soon became obvious that we had a hit in the making,” says Ola Henriksson, Senior Product Manager for Renewable Fuels at Scania Trucks. “Just as the Super engine benefits from the increased spread in the G25 gearbox, so do the biogas engines. When paired with the Scania Opticruise gearbox and the new axles, the biogas engines can operate very close to their ‘sweet spot’ most of the time. Put together, it results in 5% fuel savings from this powertrain.”

Scania also says interest for locally produced biomethane fuels for trucks (such as Bio-LNG or Bio-CNG) is rapidly increasing. Biomethane-based solutions are readily available via rapidly growing fuel-station networks and the CO2-emissions  can be reduced by up to 90% from a well-to-wheel perspective, the company maintains.

“Biomethane fuels are definitely the solution for those customers who want to start a de­carbonisation journey without any delay,” says Henriksson. “Our biogas engines cover a wide span of industries and applications. A 40-tonne tractor-and-trailer combination can achieve ranges of up to 1,800 km when specified with the biggest Bio-LNG tank solutions that we offer. Add the 460 hp and the 2,300 Nm our OC13 engine offers to the equation and you have a perfect tool for European long-haul.”

Scania says networks of biogas filling stations are expanding rapidly across Europe, driven by increased demand and by major players in the fuel industry.

The new biogas engines are based on the 13-litre gas engine that Scania has offered for several years.

“With the CO2 reductions, the driveability and the ranges we offer now, I am convinced that more customers will recognise what a great solution this is,” says Henriksson. “There are so many obvious pros and virtually no cons at all. And the driver can also enjoy a significantly lower noise level.”