Iveco has partnered with Rolfo to propose to car transporter fleets a test Stralis NP powered by LNG.

Iveco attended the ECG Conference 2017 in Brussels, presenting its view on the future of sustainable transport and displaying a Stralis NP powered by LNG.

Equipped with the latest-generation Rolfo EGO R3 equipment, it is able to operate on a pan-European scale.

In 2016 i-FAST Automotive Logistics, part of FCA group, was the first company in the sector to have used the Stralis NP trucks powered by LNG in the vehicle transportation sector and spoke about the first year experience with Stralis NP vehicles. 

Marco Simone Zanna, general manager of i-FAST Automotive Logistics said: “A year on from signing the agreement with Iveco, our ten Stralis NP powered by LNG have covered more than 600,000 km and achieved a 15% reduction in fuel consumption versus diesel, significant fuel cost saving and considerable advantages for the environment.

“The clean fuel used on these vehicles indeed, reduces versus Euro 6 limits, particulate matter by 99%, NOx by 60% and CO2 emissions by up to 95% with the use of bio LNG. 

“Furthermore the Stralis NP drastically reduces noise pollution during access to urban centers. These outstanding results support our commitment to sustainable transport.”

The vehicles were used for transporting cars and commercial vehicles, ensuring good performance in terms of loading factor and flexibility. They offer a range of up to 930 miles, and an average speed aligned with their diesel counterparts across all types of route. Plus, thanks to the rapid development of the LNG refueling network across Europe, the ten Stralis NP vehicles are regularly being used for deliveries across Italy, France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland.

In light of these results, i-FAST Automotive Logistics decided to increase the number of Stralis NP by five additional units, bringing its Green Fleet 100% Natural Power to fifteen.

Clément Chandon, Iveco head of gas business development in Europe, Middle East and Africa highlighted the key role of natural gas in the energy transition which is characterising the transport sector.

He said: “With the acceleration of decarbonisation, being sustainable is fast becoming an important competitive advantage for transport businesses and  Iveco,  with  more  than  20  years’ experience  in  the  development  of  natural  gas  technology,  is  the  natural  partner  for  all  companies dedicated to achieving the goal of more sustainable logistics. To help them, we are introducing, in partnership with Rolfo, the first test truck in Europe.

“To date more than 150 Stralis LNG trucks are used daily for our logistical needs, and more than 300 have already been ordered by our logistics providers and we target to reach 650 orders by the end of 2018. At that scope a dedicated event for automotive-specialised logistics companies, organised by Iveco with the participation of CNH Industrial and FCA, will take place in Ulm on November 6. The invited fleets will have the opportunity to test our Natural Power range and to learn more about CNH Industrial and FCA’s sustainable logistics commitments.”