Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (Westport), manufacturer of alternative fuel systems and components, says Volvo Car will launch the bi-fuel version of its new V90 station wagon fitted with Westport natural gas technology. The engine can run on either compressed natural gas (CNG)/biomethane (RNG) or petrol and forms part of Volvo Car’s Engine Architecture, which ranks as one of the best engine families in the world.
The V90 is Volvo’s new 5-door, 5-seat large premium estate. It is built on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), Volvo’s advanced modular product platform that will underpin all new Volvo cars in the 90 and 60 Series.
The V90 is based on the same engine technology as the Volvo V60 sports wagon which recently won second place in the Best Environmental Car in Sweden – company car category.
The range on CNG/RNG is estimated to be 400 km; the storage of the cylinders is in the rear of the vehicle, hence there is an increased height of the flooring. The bi-fuel vehicle with intact petrol tank provides a combined-fuel estimated driving range of 1,400km.
The V90 is expected to offer low emissions of 120 gm CO2 when run on CNG and 40 gm CO2 when 100% renewable natural gas is used. As well as top quality green credentials, the car will also feature a high-performance 254 horsepower engine, 350NM torque and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, delivering the same performance as the petrol version.
“The Volvo V90 BiFuel will be an important model for us. It will primarily benefit our taxi fleet customers, and it will also be good for companies with an explicit environmental policy,” said Fredrik Isakson, Manager Fleet Sales and Business Development at Volvo Car Sverige.
“Westport and Volvo Car are working together to provide customers with leading natural gas technology, great performance and ultimately a low-emissions profile. By collaborating with OEMs, like Volvo Car, we are able to develop vital technology solutions to reduce emissions and continue to meet demand for premium natural gas vehicles,” said Nancy Gougarty, President and COO of Westport.
“The combination of Volvo Car’s exemplary automotive engineering and Westport’s advanced natural gas technology ensures that the V90 BiFuel will provide both a superior driving experience and excellent environmental benefits. The 254 horsepower engine makes it the most powerful CNG car on the market and, therefore, the natural choice for high-performance green driving”, said Anders Johansson, Managing Director, Westport Sweden.
Sales of the V90 BiFuel, which will supersede the Volvo V70, will start in Sweden in June, 2016. Vehicle deliveries are expected to start in December, 2016.
Volvo and Westport are corporate members of NGV Global.
(Sources: Westport and Volvo)
