Scania would offer the Touring coach with a liquid biogas/liquid natural gas (LBG/LNG) powertrain in right-hand drive format for the UK market if that new variant was sought by a customer here, it has confirmed.
The manufacturer already has strong experience with biogas in bus applications. The Touring variant can run on either LBG or LNG or a mix of the two and it represents what the manufacturer says is “a circular and economically viable solution for sustainable long-distance transport.”
In that segment, the gas-fuelled Touring complements a Scania Irizar i6S Efficient LBG/LNG that was presented at Busworld Brussels in 2023, and a Scania Beulas double-decker.
Head of Product Management, People Transport Solutions, Carl-Johan Lööf describes use of LBG/LNG in a coach application as improving sustainability “without a massive investment or negative impact on operations.” He adds that gas gives equivalent power and torque to diesel.
The gas-fuelled Touring delivers a claimed range of more than 1,000km with standard tanks. It is powered by a 13-litre OC13 engine developing 410bhp and 2,000Nm of torque. Mr Lööf adds that gas power reduces noise levels and operating costs.
Biogas is fossil-free and renewable that reduces well-to-wheel CO2 emissions by up to 90% when compared diesel. Technology developments in recent years have allowed the gas to be cooled and transformed into an energy-dense liquid, which Scania says offers a more viable solution for long-distance transport.
Sustainable Transport Business Manager Jonas Strömberg adds: “These solutions are truly circular, and I would say that our 13-litre gas powertrain is the most sustainable and viable option on the market for long-distance operators.
“It is better for the environment, quiet, smart, and perhaps most important, available here and now, allowing long-distance operators to take a huge step towards sustainable transport.” The manufacturer adds that all its gas engines can run on the fuel in liquefied and compressed forms.
