• 19 Mag 2015

The Slovak Republic is becoming the third country in Europe to get acquainted with LNG buses. In February 2015, the innovative Solbus Solcity 12 LNG buses were presented to potential customers, users and municipal authorities in the Slovak town of Dunajská Streda. The approximately 60 participants could experience the LNG bus and Gazprom Germania’s mobile refueling station first hand. They were able to witness the LNG fueling process as the 367-litre-tank was filled with about 35 kg of LNG (maximum capacity 320 kg). The benefits of LNG were described to the audience by the representatives of Gazprom Germania, Vemex, Polish bus manufacturer Solbus, Chart Ferox, Czech producer of LNG equipment and Danube LNG, the Slovakian partner of Solbus and organizer of the trials. These new, environmentally friendly and economically attractive buses became a powerful attraction for the Slovak audience. Mr. Michal Humeník from SAD Dunajská Streda, the local bus operator and first trial partner, said he was pleased to have such modern transport technology at display in the city. Mr. Tobias Noack from Gazprom Germania explained the economical and environmental benefits of the LNG technology and noted how he was looking forward to introducing this new alternative to the Slovakian public transport sector through this trial project. The Solbus Solcity12 LNG together with the mobile refueling station is being demonstrated to potential customers not only in Dunajská Streda, but also in the towns of Zvolen, Prievidza, and Trnava. The Solbus Solcity12 LNG buses will be integrated and tested in the daily operation of different Slovakian bus operators who will experience the benefits of LNG-fuelled buses. The Solbus Solcity12 LNG is equipped with a Cummins ISL G; 8.9l engine with max. 280-320 horse power and a 320 kg LNG fuel tank which allows for a travelling distance of up to 600 kilometers. First buses of that type are already being delivered to serve the city lines in the Polish cities of Olsztyn and Warsaw. LNG to fuel the fleet is supplied by Gazprom Germania. Source: Blue Fuel Gazprom Newsletter