At a glance
-
Make & model: Volvo FH LNG 4x2
-
Engine: Volvo G13C Euro 6C
-
Power: 420hp
-
Torque: 2100Nm
-
Gearbox: Volvo I-Shift auto-manual
Suspicion surrounds gas power, probably because of the poor reputation for performance and reliability the many and varied dual-fuel projects have accumulated over the years.
With the advent of Euro 6, all that changed. Iveco, Scania and Volvo all began offering factory-built, full-size, full-power gas trucks. Of the two types – compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) – the latter is best suited for the higher-weight, long-distance work most of us do.
Diesel got a right kicking in the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal, despite the fact that modern engines really are super-clean. Alternative fuels and drivelines are being trialled and, in future, the various sectors of transport will all be powered differently.
Make no mistake, diesel will be around for a long time to come, but gas, electric and, in time, hydrogen will all play a part.
Price differential
LNG is liked because it burns very cleanly, while biogas (which can be recovered from food waste and landfill) is effectively carbon-neutral. LNG is cheaper than diesel, and the government has guaranteed that price differential until at least 2030.
The fuelling network is still quite small, so LNG is best suited to repeat destinations (trunking) where hauliers install on-site tanks in their yards. The trucks are a lot more expensive and need to rack up some big distances to repay the initial investment but, once that’s out the way, the savings are potentially huge.
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
