Supplied by dealer Northern Commercials, of Dunstable, the Hertfordshire-based operator’s new 6x2 rigid joins a 90-strong fleet and is based at Lawsons’ Camden depot, just half a mile from the nearest CNG refuelling station.
The body is by Colliers Truck Builders, and the truck is equipped with a Hiab X-HiPro 142E-2 crane powered by an electric PTO for silent loading and unloading.
It is powered by a 7.8-litre engine capable delivering up to 325bhp at 2,000rpm and up to 1,300Nm of torque between 1,200 and 1,785rpm.
Compared to the diesel truck it replaces, the CNG vehicle emits 50% less NOx emissions, 95% less particulate matter versus Euro VI limits, and 95% less CO2 when using compressed biomethane.
“We recognised there was a huge potential for trialling gas vehicle technology in our fleet and once we started speaking with IVECO, they demonstrated a real desire to make it happen,” says David Harvey, group transport manager at Lawsons, adding that the manufacturer was able to deliver the precise spec needed in a short lead time.
“The need to reduce emission levels, particularly in the London area, is a major issue and we wanted to become an early adopter of this new technology,” adds Harvey.
“We’ll be monitoring the performance of the Stralis closely, and if it performs well, we are very confident about adding more natural gas-powered vehicles when we replace older diesel trucks in the fleet.”
The truck is supplied with an IVECO Elements R&M package and is expected to remain in service for seven years.