Irizar manufactures first LNG long-distance coach
Irizar has manufactured the first liquid natural gas (LNG) i4 model coach with a range of more than 1,000km.
The first vehicle equipped with this technology is the class II i4 model Irizar. It has two cylindrical cryogenic (-162º C) type tanks placed longitudinally on both sides of the coach’s central baggage area, which is completely watertight and isolated from the passenger area. They have a gas capacity of 704 litres and they weigh 830 kg when completely full. They comply with regulation R66.02 and the components and the installation meet all the safety protocols according to regulation 110.
In addition to a range of up to 1000 km, Irizar says the LNG coach reduces CO2 emissions by 25%, NOx emissions by 85% and particle pollution by 96%. Beyond providing greater thermal performance than diesel, noise levels are also reduced by 50%. Irizar quotes estimates in operating costs of up to 30% lower depending on the cost differential of natural gas and diesel. The maintenance cost remains similar to a conventional diesel vehicle, according to the manufacturer.
The LNG (natural liquid biofuel) range of vehicles from Irizar includes the i4, i6S and i6 Irizar model coaches. In September, the Irizar i4 will also be available with the new Scania NBG 9I Euro 6E 340 horsepower chassis. In 2022 that technology will be extended to the Irizar i6 and i6S models for medium and long distance suburban routes with a new generation 410 horsepower 131 NBG chassis in lengths from 12 to 15 metres.
It has two options for biofuel tank packages, a single tank or two separate tanks for different ranges and luggage compartment capacities.
In comparison with CNG (compressed natural gas), LNG or liquid natural gas, takes up less space (600 times less), it has an energy density 1.4 greater and the complete system weighs less.
The L version of the Irizar i4, with a smooth floor and low aisle for better accessibility, is 12.2 metres long, it has a double central door with built in PRM manufactured by Masats and it’s been built on a Scania 320 EB 4X2 E6D LNG biofuel chassis with a 9l and 320 hp engine. It has seating for 49, 1 PRM and room for 13 standing passengers. And, in this case, it will do commuter routes with frequent stops. It also includes destination signage, a CCTV video surveillance system and a digital gas control panel that lets the driver verify incidents in the gas system and comply with all safety protocols.