The Optare Solo can now operate on diesel-biomethane mixture after conversion.
Optare plc, a bus designer and manufacturer based in the United Kingdom, has reached an agreement with the Hardstaff Group giving it exclusive rights to the Hardstaff OIGI (Oil Ignition Gas Injection) dual-fuel conversion system for use in both new and existing passenger service vehicles. The arrangement forms a key element of the Optare Eco Drive concept designed to offer operators wider choice in eco-friendly fuel options. The Hardstaff dual-fuel system enables engines to run on a mixture of diesel and natural gas or biomethane with benefits in terms of reduced fuel cost and considerably lower emission and noise levels.
Buses using the injection system will achieve carbon reduction levels in excess of 50% of those from a conventional diesel only bus when utilising biomethane derived from landfill gas or anaerobic digestion. These buses would also be eligible for the Government’s “Green Bus Grant”.
Nottingham based Hardstaff Group says it is the only company in the UK working with Mercedes-Benz UK to carry out conversions of its engines to run on both diesel and natural gas. As a result the OIGI conversion does not invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty and is supported by a full insurance warranty on the engine and ancillary equipment provided by Hardstaff. Other leading engine manufacturers are currently investigating the use of the system.
Speaking of the agreement, Jim Sumner, Chief Executive of Optare, said: “This is a strategically important development for Optare, particularly given the current background of growing environmental pressures, rising fuel costs and increasing concern about fuel sources and availability in the medium to long term.
“Hardstaff is an acknowledged leader in the field of gas engine technology with a proven track record. Combining this technology with the class-leading low-weight of Optare products, such as the Solo and Versa, will enable operators to immediately satisfy their fuel efficiency and environmental targets, especially with the option that this system can be retrofitted.”
Hardstaff Group Managing Director, Trevor Fletcher, said: “We have already proven this system in heavy goods vehicles, which have accumulated over 40 million kilometres of lower cost and reduced emission driving. I am delighted to team up with Optare to offer UK bus operators another eco-friendly fuel system based on tried and tested technology and a fuel that has impeccable low emission credentials.”
The Hardstaff OIGI is a dual-fuel system developed to substitute natural gas for diesel in light and heavy duty engines. It is integrated to give precise control of the gas and diesel injected via accurate timing and metering. The system is also OBD (On Board Diagnostics) compliant.
Optare is quoting the cost of a conversion to the Hardstaff OIGI at between £25,000 and £30,000. It will carry out the work at its Leeds site, where it will also fit the roof-mounted compressed natural gas cylinders. Supporting infrastructure at operators’ premises, including bulk storage tanks and fill equipment, will be supplied by Hardstaff.
Development of the first dual-fuel Optare Solo using the system has already been undertaken by a consortium led by The Low Carbon Innovation Centre (LCIC) at the University of East Anglia (UEA), a leading Norfolk independent bus operator – Anglian Bus, Optare and the Hardstaff Group.
The arrangement excludes existing arrangements that Hardstaff have covering Mercedes-Benz, Volvo and Iveco CV products.
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