The Stralis NP is Europe’s first long-haul gas-powered truck. We drive one from Land’s End to John o’ Groats to see if it really is as revolutionary as Iveco claims
Manufacturer Iveco has been banging the gas drum for a couple of decades, but few hauliers have actually heard it. And why would they want to listen?
After all, everyone knows that gas powered trucks have minimal driver appeal, are hindered by a poor refuelling network and are notoriously expensive. So why then does Iveco’s brand president Pierre Lahutte believe that LNG and CNG are suddenly viable alternatives to diesel for the bulk of Europe’s hauliers? And how can he be so confident that by 2020 there will be more than 10,000 gas powered trucks on Europe’s roads?
Key to his argument is the recently launched Stralis NP (natural power), which is described as Europe’s first long-haul gas-powered truck.
Until now, anyone wanting to purchase a gas-powered Iveco had to opt for its 330hp offering, which was at best underwhelming.
We had a drive of it in 2015 and concluded that it was underpowered, needed a full-width cab and was crying out for an auto transmission.
In complete contrast, the NP gets a 400hp Cursor 9 engine (with new injectors and fuel rail), a 12-speed ZF AS-Tronic (Eurotronic) transmission and the Hi-Way’s 2.5m-wide cab, so on paper it is a far more competent vehicle. But what about in reality?
On the road
The NP can be specified with CNG or LNG tanks. Seeing as it is LNG that’s likely to be the most popular fuel choice for the UK’s NP buyers, that’s what we drove.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2017-Ausgabe von Truck & Driver.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 2017-Ausgabe von Truck & Driver.
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Well forked Daf
Remember, we like to cover all sorts of different trucks here at T&D – like this impressive new CF rigid complete with Moffett Mounty forklift
King of the hill
Moving heavy equipment off road calls for a truck with plenty of power and traction, which is why M&J Plant chose a mighty 6x4 FH16 750
Time Machine 2015-2019
It’s the final part of our series on the history of UK haulage. Let’s look back at those innocent times before that pesky virus turned up
Original and best
There are few trucks which have been customised to the level of the Scania 143, but let’s not forget that the standard product was pretty awesome just as it left the factory, like this rare 420
GOING ALL THE WAY
Simon Rogers got behind the wheel as soon as he was able to, and nearly 30 years later, his company is going from strength to strength, with a striking all-black, top-spec Iveco S-Way 570 the latest addition to the fleet
Abnormal loads
In the distant past, when dinosaurs roamed the planet, truck drivers were a very different breed, made from sterner stuff than us mere mortals
Range change
After a gap of 13 years, Renault trucks have reappeared in the unique colours of MacRitchie Highland Distribution. T&D takes the high road to Inverness to meet owners, Donald and Catriona MacRitchie
Cutting a dash
Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update
Air we go!
On Saturday 29 May at 6pm, 240 drivers gathered with their trucks at South Mimms Services for a parade to raise vital money for Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance
A Cutt Above
From coal to turf to fencing and loads more, there’s not much the Calcutt fleet hasn’t transported over the years
