Chart, Scania AB, and coachbuilder Irizar are collaborating on the LNG-powered version of Irizar’s i8 coach, which will be commercially introduced later this year. Irizar made its debut in the LNG Class II and coach segment in 2021 with the i4, built on a Scania chassis and incorporating Chart designed and built twin cylindrical horizontally mounted cryogenic fuel tanks. The same product and configuration then appeared on the larger i6 introduced for medium and longer distance routes.
Compared to its diesel counterparts, each of the LNG fueled coaches emits 25% less CO2 and 85% less NOx, while harmful particulates are virtually eliminated from exhaust gases. A driving range in excess of 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) is, at least, the equivalent of the diesel model and more than twice that of the CNG versions.
Chart and Scania have been collaborating on LNG fuel tanks for over the road trucking and buses for many years and Chart tanks feature on multiple Scania built vehicles. These include the Interlink LD, the latest version of the inter-city bus used for short and medium routes, school bus traffic and other suburban routes that was hailed as the world’s first alternatively fueled inter-city bus when it was launched in 2018.
Proprietary Chart Vacuum Technology™ remains durable for years without maintenance and there are no annual inspection requirements or time limits on service life. Safety is always paramount and all Chart tanks supplied for the i4, i6 and i8 coaches are single hose fill, incorporate Chart’s patented over-fill protection, have automatic pressure control and relief and automatic fuel shut-off. In addition, the Chart tanks are placed longitudinally on both sides of the coach’s central baggage area and isolated from the passenger compartment.
All Chart vehicle LNG tanks are compatible with bio-LNG without any modification, which further reduces CO2 emissions; typically 80% on a well to wheel basis versus diesel counterparts.
Source: Chart
