CNG, the way forward for Irish Hauliers?
11/08/2016
Emerald Truck & Van showcased the New Stralis NP, the first long distance gas powered tractor unit, at City West Hotel on 9th August. The event was a great success with many hauliers attending as they seek to reduce fuel costs and meet the increasing demand for cleaner vehicles.
The presentation kicked off with Iveco’s pioneering history of the CNG market over the past 20 years and was followed by guest speaker John Watson from Topaz talking about the immediate roll-out of CNG in their service stations network. Rodger O’Connor from Gas Networks Ireland followed up with information on the first-come-first-served grants of up to €20,000 now available for hauliers to make the switch from diesel to gas.*
The New Stralis NP is the first CNG gas vehicle designed for long haulage. It is equipped with a 400 HP engine and has the same payload as an equivalent diesel truck with a range autonomy of approximately 600km. Martin Flach, Product Director at Iveco explains “New Stralis NP can deliver significant savings in its total cost of ownership (TCO) of up to 20% annually (when the subsidy is included). Now that the Stralis NP matches diesel trucks in terms of performance, payload and versatility, it makes sense for many transport companies to consider natural power.”
Natural gas is the most eco-friendly fuel for combustion engines, reducing CO2 emissions and improving local air quality. Noise pollution also is dramatically reduced by its quieter engines, an advantage for those delivering in city centres especially during the night. As the European Fuels Directive dictates, the gas distribution network will continue to develop rapidly across Europe with the maximum distance between filling stations reduced to 150 kilometres for CNG by 2025.
Emerald Truck & Van has begun taking bookings for demonstrations of the New Stralis NP. Sean Clarke, Business Development Director Ireland comments “We were delighted at the interest that the new truck has generated and feel that gas powered vehicles are the way forward, particularly for those looking to update their fleet soon and are able to take advantage of the subsidies. Not only will they notice an immediate reduction in fuel costs, many will have more scope to win tenders as this vehicle give them a competitive advantage when meeting environmental standards. I am confident we will start taking orders for the Stralis NP once people have driven it for themselves.”
For more information on the new Stralis NP, or to arrange a demonstration, contact Emerald Truck & Van on 00353 (0) 1429 7600 or email sean.clarke@emtv.ie
*Terms and conditions apply