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Iveco recently teamed up with SMET – a European logistics company – to trial the integration of two different solutions, with an 18-metre-long LNG-powered Stralis. Concerning the results, the 18-metre/LNG solution delivered significant advantages compared with the traditional diesel solution, both in terms of the total cost of ownership (TCO) and environmental impact.
Working in conjunction with SMET, Iveco conduceted a field-test to evaluate the reduction in the average cost per unit for goods transported. Together, the two companies tested the compatibility of 18-metre-long articulated trucks on the road infrastructure and their parking manoeuvrability; the trial also highlighted the reduction in fuel consumption per unit for transported goods and, consequently, in CO2 emissions.
Authorised in July 2008 by the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, Progetto DICIOTTO (which means "Project Eighteen") was launched by the ANFIA (Italian Automotive Industry Association) in Italy to test the impact on transport efficiency of increasing the length of articulated trucks to 18 metres from the current standard length of 16.5 metres.
Lengthening semi-trailers by around 1.5 metres is the only planned variation from standard vehicles; all the other basic specifications remain unchanged, from axle loads to manoeuvrability under current legislation. The results achieved by Progetto DICIOTTO in Italy have improved transport efficiency by almost 10% on trial vehicles.
Similar experiments are also underway in other European countries: in Germany, with 300 vehicles in circulation, in the UK with 1800 trucks in service and in the Czech Republic.
Pierre Lahutte, Iveco Brand President, said: “IVECO and SMET's decision to field-test an 18-metre-long LNG Stralis has definitely proven to be a winning combination and reaffirms Iveco's commitment and role in increasing sustainable mobility.”
Source: IVECO Press Release
