Iveco and Uniper open first LNG fueling station for trucks in Germany

The commercial vehicles manufacturer Iveco and the energy company Uniper have today opened Germany’s first LNG fueling station for trucks in Ulm. The fueling station will be used in particular for endurance tests in trials of innovative engine concepts for long-haul transportation. Trucks running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) are more environmentally friendly than those running on conventional fuels. Not only do they emit substantially less carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, they are also much quieter in operation than comparable diesel-powered vehicles. Moreover, a tank of refrigerated liquefied natural gas provides 600 times as much power as normal natural gas. This makes it possible to use natural-gas-powered trucks for long-haul transportation as well.

By joining forces, Iveco and Uniper will be perfectly positioned to advance the use of LNG in heavy-duty transportation. Iveco is the first manufacturer to offer a suitable LNG commercial vehicle. Uniper, one of the leading companies operating in the international LNG business, has substantial quantities of LNG at its disposal, and the requisite capacity at LNG terminals. Uniper sells LNG fuel under the LIQVIS brand.

According to Uniper’s Chief Operating Officer Eckhardt Rümmler, whose responsibilities include development of new business segments, “the construction of this fueling station in Germany represents a first, important step in the development of innovative, environmentally friendly fueling alternatives in long-haul transportation. Working in further partnerships, we want to build a fit-for-purpose network of LNG fueling stations in Germany and selected neighboring countries in the next few years. We are thus making an important contribution toward improving environmental performance and noise reduction in road transportation.”

Sascha Kaehne, Business Director at Iveco Magirus AG, said: “We are pleased to join forces with Uniper in taking the first step toward a true alternative to diesel in Germany at the Ulm development site. The Stralis is now the first LNG vehicle in Europe that is fully capable of long- haul transportation from the perspective of drivers and business owners.”

Contribution to greater efficiency in freight transportation

Due in no small part to rapidly increasing freight volumes, the use of LNG as a fuel for trucks provides the fastest and most efficient solution to make heavy-duty transportation on the road more environmentally friendly. Natural gas engines produce far lower emissions than diesel engines. However, the existing method of compressed natural gas (CNG) can only be used for limited ranges and is thus hardly suitable for long-haul transportation. Accordingly, the range of natural-gas-powered trucks currently on offer needs to be improved. Combining liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the storage method and Iveco’s new Stralis NP model, there is now a first-ever practical solution for the use of natural gas in long-haul transportation. The vehicle features a 400 HP engine, a 12-speed automated gearbox and Iveco’s high-roof “Hi-Way” cabin. Recently introduced in Madrid, this vehicle represents a further advance made by Iveco as the European market leader in opening up further applications for natural-gas mobility. (Learn more about the vehicle at: http://www.iveco.com/en-us/press-room/kit/Pages/New-Stralis-XP-NP.aspx).

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