The Volvo Group has manufactured gas engines since the mid-nineties, and is now one of Europe’s largest suppliers of gas-powered buses.
This development has been driven by the increasingly strict demands for cleaner and quieter vehicles in urban areas. Another reason for this development is that these vehicles can run on a carbon dioxide-neutral gas produced from biomass.
A competitive fuel
The Volvo Group believes that gas will account for a large part of tomorrow’s alternative fuels due to the generous reserves of natural gas, increasing biogas production and reduced availability of oil.
Natural gas consists mainly of methane gas – which can also be produced biologically – making it carbon dioxide-neutral. Vehicles that run on natural gas or biogas are much quieter in operation and emit far lower levels of particulate matters and nitrogen oxides than vehicles powered by diesel.
The Volvo Group’s new gas engine meets the emission levels specified in Euro 5 and the guidelines for EEV (Enhanced Environmental Vehicle).
Local production potential
A system for distribution of gas is in place in many countries and adjustments and expansions of the infrastructure are already under way. Because biogas can be produced from digested sludge or from gas obtained from landfills, many local municipalities have access to their own biogas production system.
An increase in regional availability of gas stimulates the demand for gas-powered vehicles and in many urban regions subsidies are offered with the purpose of purchasing gas buses in order to significantly reduce emissions.