Irizar to produce LNG Intercity and coach vehicles. Beginning with the i4 on Scania chassis (in 2022)

Irizar is set to debut in the LNG Class II and coach segment as it announces it has manufactured the first LNG i4 model, for intercity or short distance routes. Manufacturer claims a range of more than 1,000 kilometres. This option is an addition to the range of technologies and sustainable fuels that Irizar is currently offering. The development plan of CNG and LNG vehicles at Irizar was presented in late 2020.

The LNG (natural liquid biofuel) range of vehicles from Irizar will be made of the i4, i6S and i6 Irizar model coaches. In September, the Irizar i4 will also be available with the new Scania NBG 9I Euro6E 340 horsepower chassis (being the Swedish manufacturer a pioneer in this segment).

In 2022 that technology will be extended to the Irizar i6 and i6S models for medium and long distance suburban routes with a new generation 410 horsepower 131 NBG chassis in lengths from 12 to 15 metres.

According to a study on future of coaches by IRU (May 2019), the most viable solution when it comes to Class III coaches, at least in the next 15 years, is liquefied natural gas: “bio-LNG is the alternative fuel for which political and economic solutions could be most easily implemented in the short-to-medium term (2023- 2035)“. The main barrier to the adoption of LNG vehicles is the presence of a widespread supply network.

Irizar i4 LNG for intercity routes

The first vehicle equipped with this technology is the Class II i4 model. It is a versatile coach that is perfect for cities, commuter lines, school or company transport and occasional use. It has been equipped with two cylindrical cryogenic (-162º C) type tanks placed longitudinally on both sides of the coach’s central baggage area, which is completely watertight and isolated from the passenger area. They have a gas capacity of 704 litres and they weigh 830 kg when completely full.

They comply with regulation R66.02 and the components and the installation meet all the safety protocols according to regulation 110.

Irizar i4 LNG, with Scania chassis

The L version of the Irizar i4, with a smooth floor and low aisle for better accessibility, is 12.2 metres long, it has a double central door with built in PRM manufactured by Masats and it’s been built on a Scania 320 EB 4X2 E6D LNG biofuel chassis with a 9l and 320 hp engine. It has seating for 49, 1 PRM and room for 13 standing passengers. And, in this case, it will do commuter routes with frequent stops. It also includes destination signage, a CCTV video surveillance system and a digital gas control panel that lets the driver verify incidents in the gas system and comply with all safety protocols.

«In addition to a range of up to 1000 km, the environmental benefits provided by this technology reduce CO2 emissions by 25%, NOx emissions by 85% and particle pollution by 96%, minimising air quality reference emissions that affect health to nearly zero. Beyond providing greater thermal performance than diesel, noise levels are also reduced by 50%. Operating costs (TCO) are estimated that they may be up to 30% lower depending on the cost differential of natural gas and diesel. The maintenance cost remains similar to a conventional diesel vehicle», Irizar says.

Irizar LNG coaches on market in 2022

The LNG (natural liquid biofuel) range of vehicles from Irizar includes the i4, i6S and i6 Irizar model coaches. As mentioned above, in September this year the Irizar i4 will also be available with the new Scania NBG 9I Euro6E 340 horsepower chassis. In 2022 that technology will be extended to the Irizar i6 and i6S models for medium and long distance suburban routes with a new generation 410 horsepower 131 NBG chassis in lengths from 12 to 15 metres.

In comparison with CNG (compressed natural gas), LNG or liquid natural gas, takes up less space (600 times less), it has an energy density 1.4 greater and the complete system weighs less, Irizar adds.