IVECO has secured the largest deal for its Stralis NP vehicles to date. The agreement signed with Jost Group, one of the leading pan-European transport and logistics companies, foresees the delivery of a fleet of 500 Stralis NP trucks running on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). LNG is widely regarded as the only currently available mass market alternative to diesel.
The Stralis NP (Natural Power) is designed to be the most sustainable long-distance heavy truck ever manufactured. These trucks powered by LNG will offer an excellent power-to-weight ratio, power density and quietness of operation. The first 150 vehicles will enter into operation during 2018, with the full fleet to be in service by 2020.
Amongst the early adopters of this new technology, Jost Group continues its move towards green logistics and sustainable transport, something customers are increasingly demanding. The Group’s goal is to have 35% of its fleet running on LNG and is supporting this with an investment in its own LNG refueling infrastructure, with plans to open up to three filling stations within its major operating centers in Belgium.
This order will replace pre-Euro VI diesel-powered vehicles, aged four to five years, in the Belgian firm’s fleet of 1,400 trucks and 3,000 trailers. Presently, Jost Group conducts operations with 132 IVECO Stralis vehicles, including two running on compressed natural gas (CNG).
Demand for LNG is growing rapidly across Europe, with the German Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) having identified LNG as the best solution for long-distance road transport in the short term and for the next 10 to 15 years. When running on fossil derived natural gas, the Stralis NP’s CO2 emissions are up to 10% lower than its diesel equivalent, depending on mission and gas composition – rising to up to 95% lower with the use of biomethane. With IVECO’s natural gas technology, the level of particulates are negligible and the NOx 50% lower compared to diesel over long haul missions. It is also much quieter, reducing engine noise levels by around 50% – aiding deliveries in urban areas.
IVECO was the first manufacturer in the commercial transport sector to recognize the potential of natural gas in 1991. This foresight saw the brand develop a full range of natural gas-powered trucks, vans and buses. More than 22,000 IVECO gas-powered vehicles have been sold to date.