Iveco has been bullish about the qualities of its new Stralis NP460. Is the company’s confidence warranted? And is gas really a viable alternative to diesel power?
Now the Italian manufacturer has answered the call for a bit more power and makes the bold claim that its successor, the 13-litre NP460, is better than a diesel; in the words of Iveco brand president Pierre Lahutte, “it will make diesel a thing of the past”.
The bottom line
The NP460 is effectively the fourth generation gas-powered Stralis, the line having been established in 1997 with 300hp. Its vital statistics include maximum power of 460hp and a torque figure of 2000Nm. Fuel can be CNG (compressed natural gas), LNG (liquefied natural gas) or biomethane, the latter being required to realise significant diminution of CO2.
On the crucial subject of range, tank sizes have been increased to give a potential range of 1600km on a regular 4x2 tractor and similar on a rigid. However, the UK’s favourite 6x2 long-haul tractor might struggle with the maximum 750km (466 miles) range. These figures are all for LNG, its energy density being some 2.5 times that of CNG.
Although Iveco claims its whole-life total cost of ownership is rather less than a diesel, there are some caveats.
For a start, the purchase cost is 30-40% higher than the equivalent diesel. Running costs may be slightly higher, with oil service intervals – although extended to 90,000km – still more frequent than diesel’s 100,000km. On the positive side of the maintenance equation, most of the diesel’s engine after-treatment system is missing, there being just a simple three-way catalyst.
What? Spark plugs?
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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
