Northern Gas Networks, a natural gas distributor for northern Cumbria, the North-East and parts of Yorkshire in the United Kingdom, has boosted its green credentials with additional IVECO Daily Natural Power LCVs. These CNG-powered Daily chassis cabs will be utilised for their emergency repair fleet, replacing diesel vehicles.
Supplied by Brighouse-based IVECO dealer Northern Commercials, the new assets are powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) and produce 12 per cent less NOx emissions and 76 per cent less particulate matter than the diesel equivalent. They join a 600-strong fleet and will be used to support emergency repairs across the customer’s network. The decision to acquire a pair of 3.5-tonne IVECO Daily Natural Power chassis cabs was supported by the impressive performance of a seed Daily Natural Power which has been operating at its main depot in Leeds since June 2017.
Mark Squires, Commercial Manager, Fleet and Facilities, Northern Gas Networks, says: “We see natural gas as the answer to a lot of air quality issues. IVECO was able to demonstrate its benefits and how well suited this fuel is for our operations. Our drivers were very impressed with our first gaspowered Daily, making it the vehicle and fuel of choice to replace two of our older diesel models.
“Reducing vehicle emissions is a key focus for us and IVECO has given us the confidence to use more gas-powered vehicles in our fleet.”
Each Daily Natural Power (35S14) is powered by a 3.0-litre natural gas engine that delivers 136 hp and 350 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 2,730 rev/min. It has the same power, torque and response as its diesel equivalent but is 50 per cent quieter, making it perfect for Northern Gas Networks’ 24hr operations. The vehicles also benefit from much of the same technology found in IVECO’s new Daily Blue Power LCV range, which has been named International Van of the Year 2018.
Both vehicles feature dropside bodywork by Advance Commercial Bodies and have a reversing camera system, payload indicator and roof-mounted beacons to increase operational safety and visibility. They will be among the highest mileage vehicles on the fleet, clocking up around 25,000 km annually during their projected six years in service.
The vehicles will be refuelled at a CNG station in the Aire Valley, with Northern Gas Networks opening its own dedicated refuelling facility later this year (2018).
IVECO has more than two decades of experience in the natural gas commercial vehicle market, making it a true partner for sustainable transport. To date, it has sold more than 23,000 gas-powered vans, trucks and buses.
Source: IVECO
