The transport world is transforming, and so are the ways in which vehicles use fuels for their engines. Scania has challenged existing fuels by introducing an engine that can run on two fuel types. The Swedish manufacturer has unveiled a 13-litre, 410 hp engine. However, the speciality of this engine is not only about the power but also the type of fuel it is using. It runs on biogas, a fuel type confidently known to change the world of transport and could challenge resources such as electric batteries and hydrogen, to say the least. Scania is proving that biogas is the solution and an alternative that could challenge existing fuels.
More than just another engine: The unique features of this 13-litre powertrain
Carl-Johan Lööf, head of product management, people transport solutions, Scania, said,
“The new LBG/LNG variant of the Scania Touring is an excellent option for express bus- and long-distance operators that want to become more sustainable without a massive investment or negative impact on operations.”
Its capacity aligns with the power of diesel engines, except diesel is unhealthy for the environment and releases toxic emissions. Scania’s 13-litre and 410 horsepower engine stands out because it also contributes to cost-efficiency; consumers do not need to spend a lot of money on fuel. Scania adds on to say the fuel tank has a driving range of 1,000 km (approximately 621 miles), according to Fleet Equipment.
The engine can operate on Liquefied Biogas (LBG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), both known to be eco-friendly and reduce any form of carbon emissions by 90%, states Power Progress. In a world that wants to push for sustainability in the mobility sector too, it is important that automakers continue to push for such engines and fuels. The goal is to adopt greener solutions.
A threat to electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen? Scania’s action initiates discussion
First of all, let us break it down. EVs use batteries and they are said to be a contributor to clean energy. The same applies to hydrogen, which has been hailed for decades now as the future of a clean environment because it only emits water (if it is green hydrogen). Additionally, clean energy for the automotive industry has been mainly focused on those two elements.
However, the Swedish company Scania has pushed for biogas because it is made from natural resources such as biowaste generated by consumers, sludge from wastewater treatment plants, manure and field biomass from agriculture. The reason why it is a potential threat to hydrogen and EVs. Hydrogen is limited when it comes to storage and infrastructure, something that is still being worked on.
Electric vehicles’ limitations are long charging times and scarce charging stations. The transition from natural resources to biogas is easy because they are readily available and there are no infrastructure limitations, making it a suitable and sustainable fuel alternative. Therefore, Scania has found a balance, that is, more fuel and fewer emissions.
Scania is commanding the ground for biogas-powered heavy-duty vehicles
Hydrogen and EVs are not losing their power in the industry; however, biogas is just more practical and the problems or limitations are close to nothing. Hence, it could be a threat, as many automakers will realise this and switch to it. Jonas Strömberg, Sustainable Transport Business Manager, even expressed that for long-distance drivers, their 13-litre gas engine is the most practical and sustainable choice available.
Now that we know what Scania is planning and have observed the positives that accompany biogas fuels, the question is, will companies follow suit or will they still work on other fuel options to have alternatives so that if there is a shortage of charging stations for EVs, then perhaps they can utilise hydrogen. If hydrogen is still struggling with infrastructure, then they have biogas as an alternative. This all depends on the evolution and advancement of the automotive industry as they analyse which fuel options suit them best and what else their customers want. As long as it promotes sustainability.
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