SPAIN
Irizar has launched its first liquid natural gas (LNG)-powered i4 coach, with a claimed range of more than 1,000 kilometres and designed for intercity or interurban routes. Equipped with two cylindrical cryogenic tanks placed longitudinally on both sides of the its luggage space, the coach has a gas capacity of 704 litres. When full, the tanks weigh 830kg.
Irizar believes that natural gas is an important part of the transition to cleaner energy, and said the LNG is both an economical fuel and a mature technology with wide availability. In addition to its range of up to 1,000 km, Irizar said that the technology reduces CO2 emissions by 25%, NOx emissions by 85% and particle pollution by 96%. Noise levels are also reduced by 50% and Irizar estimates a reduction in operating costs of up to 30% depending on the cost differential of natural gas and diesel. The manufacturer said that maintenance cost remains similar to a conventional diesel vehicle.
