Volvo Trucks India is embarking on a transformative journey in the logistics sector by introducing gas-powered trucks, a pioneering move aimed at enhancing sustainability and efficiency in the Indian market. This initiative signifies a paradigm shift, as Volvo Trucks not only aims to reduce carbon emissions but also addresses critical infrastructure challenges and customer needs. Through strategic collaborations and a focus on high-performance standards, Volvo Trucks is poised to set new benchmarks in India’s logistics landscape.
B. Dinakar, Executive Vice President, Volvo Trucks India, presented the company’s ambitious plans for alternative fuels in the Indian market. Dinakar expressed enthusiasm about Volvo’s entry into different alternative fuel segments in India, building on the company’s global success in electric vehicles and other alternative fuel businesses. He emphasized, “Volvo Trucks has been working on various alternative fuel solutions worldwide, with the Indian initiative starting approximately a year ago”.
Volvo Trucks launched commercial trials of gas-powered LNG trucks in India last year. These trucks have been operational for about a year and have already covered significant mileage. The trials involved prospective customers in diverse sectors, including mineral logistics, e-commerce, and express logistics. One of its key customers, Delhivery, has already received trucks and begun operations.
Dinakar addressed the crucial aspect of fueling infrastructure. He noted that there are currently more than nine LNG dispensing stations across India, with more expected. Volvo Trucks is actively collaborating with customers and fuel suppliers to ensure adequate infrastructure support. “Our collaboration with fuel suppliers and customers is crucial in building a robust LNG infrastructure network across India,” Dinakar stated. “This partnership approach will be key to the successful adoption of LNG technology in the country.”
LNG trucks introduced in India come with all the safety features implemented in Volvo’s trucks worldwide, underscoring the company’s commitment to maintaining global standards in the Indian market. Refueling time for these LNG trucks is generally comparable to diesel trucks, typically taking just a few minutes, although it can extend to up to half an hour depending on various factors. Volvo has seven and a half years of experience with LNG-powered trucks in Europe, indicating the company’s expertise in this technology.
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Dinakar emphasized their customer-centric approach: “Our strategy is to learn alongside our customers, aiming for a win-win situation in the adoption of alternative fuel technologies in India. We believe this collaborative approach will accelerate the transition to more sustainable transport solutions.”
The Volvo FM 420 LNG 4×2
Volvo Trucks is at the forefront of the mobility industry’s greatest challenge: creating sustainable transport solutions. Their strategy focuses on energy efficiency and alternative fuels, with their new gas-powered trucks running on LNG representing a significant step towards zero emissions.
The Volvo FM 420 LNG 4×2 Tractor showcases innovative gas-powered technology based on the company’s renowned diesel engine design. This cutting-edge vehicle delivers equivalent performance to its diesel counterpart while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 20%.
Accelerating LNG Adoption
Hanna Ljungqvist, Head of Market India & Indonesia at Volvo Trucks, provided insights on the Indian market from a global perspective. She emphasized the maturity of LNG technology, stating, “LNG technology has been a part of our global offerings for several years now. Its success in Europe demonstrates its reliability and effectiveness in reducing emissions while maintaining performance.”
Hanna also highlighted the importance of infrastructure development: “The widespread adoption of LNG technology in Europe has been facilitated by a well-developed network of LNG fueling stations. We’re working to replicate this success in India, adapting our approach to the unique challenges and opportunities of the Indian market.”
Arun Bhagavati, Head of Network Design, Delhivery, offered a regional viewpoint. He emphasized, “Customer experience and market development are important for the successful adoption of LNG-powered trucks in India. Ensuring high utilization rates is crucial for achieving cost savings and demonstrating the economic benefits of LNG technology.”
Recognizing the potential of the Indian market, Volvo is actively working to introduce and expand LNG technology in the country. Dinakar commented on this process: “We’re not just introducing a new technology; we’re localizing it to suit Indian conditions. This involves adapting our global expertise to address specific challenges in the Indian logistics sector.”
To address infrastructure challenges, Volvo plans to collaborate closely with authorities, gas companies, and customers. Johan Selvén, VP Sales & Marketing, Volvo Trucks International, shares experiences from Nordic countries, indicating that such coordinated efforts can lead to the establishment of a robust network supporting LNG-powered trucks. “By focusing on creating a reliable and accessible fueling system, Volvo aims to overcome one of the primary barriers to LNG adoption in India.”
To conclude, Dinakar shared his vision for the future: “While we’re excited about the potential of LNG, we’re also exploring other technologies like electromobility and hydrogen fuel cells. We believe a combination of these technologies will be necessary to meet the diverse transportation needs of the future. Volvo is committed to leading this transition towards more sustainable logistics solutions in India.”
Technological Breakthroughs
The uniqueness of the Volvo FM 420 LNG 4×2 Tractor’s powertrain lies in its High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology, setting it apart from competitors’ spark ignition or Otto cycle engines. This advanced system ensures superior efficiency while maintaining the power and torque curve of diesel-powered trucks.
Key features include:
A dual-layered cryogenic LNG tank with a built-in hydraulic-powered high-pressure piston pump
Compression of natural gas to 300 bar before injection
A dual-fuel system using 90-95% LNG and 5-10% diesel
Fail-safe mechanism allowing operation on diesel at reduced power if LNG is depleted
Advantages of Volvo’s Gas-Powered Technology
Environmental Impact: 20% reduction in CO2 emissions with LNG, potentially reaching 100% reduction with Bio-LNG
Fuel Efficiency: Lower fuel costs due to LNG’s price advantage over diesel, resulting in over 25% cost reduction
Competitive Edge: Meets increasing customer demands for reduced emissions, securing future business opportunities
Performance Parity: Matches diesel counterparts in performance and load capacity
Reliability: Based on the proven D13 engine, ensuring efficiency, reliability, and consistent service intervals
Innovative Design: The truck’s 225 kg capacity cryogenic tank stores LNG at -150°C, providing a range of 1000 km. A unique single receptacle serves for both venting Boil-off Gas (BoG) and LNG refueling.
20 Volvo Gas-powered heavy-duty trucks for Delhivery
Volvo Trucks India has delivered 20 Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) powered FM 420 4X2 tractors to its key customer Delhivery. These tractor trailer solutions will run alongside Delhivery’s extensive fleet of Volvo diesel-powered trucks operating in Express cargo and B2B logistics sectors with route lengths of 1000 km.
Says Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd., “Volvo Trucks continues to drive change in the Indian commercial vehicle industry by introducing the most innovative solutions. We are pleased to note the excellent performance of the Volvo FM 420 4X2 LNG trucks in real-life Indian conditions and have now decided to start commercial deliveries at a time when infrastructure for LNG supply is growing. Today, Volvo Trucks is the only OEM supplying and supporting heavy-duty diesel, LNG and Electric trucks in India. We sincerely appreciate our strong partnership with Delhivery, who have been trialing these vehicles since September 2022.”
Delhivery has acknowledged the great potential for LNG for long-haul and electric for short haul routes and hence the latest order for 20 Volvo gas-powered trucks.
The Volvo FM 420 4X2 LNG offers cutting edge safety and productivity features like LED Headlamps, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Support, Driver Alert Support, Passenger Corner Camera, Forward Collision Warning with Automatic Emergency Braking System, thereby raising the benchmark of technology advancement. The trucks are rated for on-road applications up to 55-ton GCW.
“Volvo has been supplying Gas-powered trucks in Europe since 2017. The Volvo FM 420 4X2 LNG truck is BioLNG compatible which can reduce the CO2 emission by 100%. Looking at India’s positive outlook towards a gas-powered economy, we decided to promote our LNG trucks as a first step in our journey towards net zero emissions by 2040” concludes Per Erik Lindstrom, Sr. Vice President, Volvo Trucks international.