Volvo Trucks has started field trials of its methane-diesel engines in commercial operation with seven Swedish truck operators.
Gunnar Ekwall, product manager for Volvo Trucks in the Nordics, believes that, as more biogas stations appear, fleet managers will show more interest.
"In addition to lower fuel consumption, methane diesel technology brings higher reliability and lower maintenance costs," he explains.
He also claims that Volvo's approach offers the benefits of gas power combined with a diesel engine's estimated 35% higher efficiency rating, compared with an engine using spark plug ignition.
The trials involve two Volvo 7-litre models – the Volvo FL and Volvo FE – running on a mixture of methane gas and diesel oil..
"The driver can always continue driving on diesel fuel alone, if no gas is available. This makes it a practical and realistic alternative for many customers, especially in areas where the gas distribution infrastructure is not yet fully established," adds Ekwall.
