Iveco to target UK heavy truck fleets with new gas powered 44-tonner

Iveco has welcomed the UK delivery its new Iveco Stralis NP 460hp 6x2 demonstrators, which are the first 44-tonners on the market to operate on 100 per cent liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The new model, which is designed to be the most sustainable heavy truck in production, will be targeted at the UK's domestic heavy truck fleets, of which 91 per cent need to operate at 44-tonnes.

Stuart Webster, IVECO UK & Ireland Business Director, said: “We’ve seen the Stralis NP 4x2 steadily winning orders from major supermarket and logistics fleets running at 40-tonnes this year, but the 6x2 model is by far the most eagerly anticipated new truck we’ve launched for a decade.

“Introducing the 6x2 tractor was absolutely crucial to our strategy for the UK market, and means we now have a single-fuel gas-powered tractor available for the circa 91 per cent of domestic heavy truck fleets which need to operate at 44-tonnes.

“This is the most important Natural Power vehicle we’ve brought to market yet, and its arrival marks the moment natural gas moves into mainstream UK volume in a big way. It’s the one our dealers have been waiting to get their hands on; and we already have significant enquiries from prospect fleets.”

IVECO plans to deliver nearly 200 Stralis NP vehicles in the UK during 2018, the majority 4x2 models and with an approximate 50/50 split between compressed natural gas (CNG) and LNG models. It expects registrations to ramp up significantly during 2019 as customer deliveries of the Stralis NP 6x2 begin in earnest, with around 70 per cent of future registrations expected to be LNG-fuelled vehicles.

The Stralis NP 460 6x2 runs exclusively on LNG from tanks mounted either side of the chassis, for a range of approximately 750km. IVECO says this makes it perfect for applications where vehicles operate on a ‘same-day out and back’ operation, with gas companies keen to support businesses in establishing on-site refuelling capabilities to complement the UK’s growing network.

Webster continues: “What began as a niche fuel now offers operators the widest range of opportunities for the future and we’re absolutely focused on helping transport companies begin the technology transfer from diesel to gas. Customers tell us that vehicle range will be key to winning their orders, and we’re confident that our pure LNG solution will deliver the optimum mileage for a 6x2 gas-powered tractor.”

The Stralis NP natural gas technology delivers a 99 per cent reduction of PM and 60 per cent in NOx compared to Euro VI limits, helping to significantly improve air quality. It also offers fleets the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95 per cent when running on liquefied bio-methane. Designed to be extremely quiet in operation, IVECO’s Cursor 13 NP engine records 71 dB on the PIEK quiet truck test, adding to the vehicle’s sustainability credentials.