Iveco gas truck on par with diesel
Iveco has launched the new Stralis NP, which runs on compressed and liquid natural gas, and is said to be the most sustainable international transport truck yet, with several industry firsts.
It features the new Iveco Cursor 9 Natural Power Euro VI engine, the first of its kind to deliver the same power and torque output as its diesel equivalent. It is also the first natural gas truck with a 12-speed automated gearbox, the Eurotronic transmission, which guarantees lower fuel consumption and greater driving comfort.
In the LNG-only version it has a record range between fills of 1,500 km. It also features the Hi-Way cab, which was introduced on the “International Truck of the Year 2013” Stralis Hi-Way, and which offers functionality and comfort on longdistance missions.
Pierre Lahutte, Iveco brand president, commented: “Iveco was the first manufacturer in the world of commercial transport to understand, in 1991, the potential of natural gas. We have introduced in the market natural gas versions of trucks, vans and buses. As a result, today we have a running park of more than 15,000 gas vehicles in Europe. The New Stralis NP builds on Iveco’s extensive expertise to take a step into the future: it is the first true long-haul gas truck in the market that offers an alternative to diesel vehicles and the most sustainable long-distance transport truck.”
The improvements contribute to a three percent reduction in total cost of ownership compared to the previous model, which already had fuel pump costs up to 40 percent lower than its diesel equivalent.
The new 8.7-litre Iveco Cursor 9 natural gas engine leverages on the stoichiometric solution Iveco developed 25 years ago, which has come to be the most proven and reliable technology in the market.
The performance has been further improved with important engineering upgrades: reprofiled intake ports increase fuel economy, injectors and rail have been modified to allow a higher fuel injection pressure for a best-in-class performance, and a new high-flow three-way catalytic converter minimises noise and consumption.
The engine delivers the same output of 298kW and 1,700Nm torque as its diesel equivalent, resulting in bestin-class weight-to-power ratio, power density, service intervals, and quiet operation. It generates 17 percent more power and six percent more torque than its best competitor.
The 12-speed automated gearbox lowers fuel consumption and adds to its driving comfort, while the larger capacity of the fuel tanks lengthens the range autonomy of the LNGonly version to the record 1,500 km, with the same payload as its diesel equivalent.
The simple after-treatment system with no AdBlue, no particulate filter and no active regeneration significantly reduces maintenance requirements and costs.
In additions to the TCO-reducing features of the diesel models, the NP offers outstanding driving comfort and safety with an integrated hydraulic retarder, hill holder function, and tadaptive cruise control (ACC) as standard.
As mentioned, NP features the longdistance Hi-Way cabin, a high-roof cab is designed around the driver, with an internal height of about two metres and a volume of more than 10 cu.m.
It features a quiet internal environment, climate control, storage compartments, infotainment, driving ergonomics and night accommodation, with a choice of one or two beds. The ergonomic and functional dashboard is laid out so that all the controls are within easy reach without moving away from the seat’s backrest for maximum safety and comfort.
Iveco’s ongoing focus and research into new technologies has enabled the brand to become the European leader in alternative fuels, developing cutting edge solutions contribute to a further reduction of the environmental impact of the transport sector.”