The state-run Korea Gas Corp. (KOGAS) said it will start test runs of a liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered truck, jointly developed by Daewoo Tata Commercial Vehicle Company, to examine its safety and economic viability.
KOGAS said that the 400 horsepower-truck will be built on a Tata Daewoo frame and powered by an engine made by Fiat Powertrain Technologies (FPT belongs to CNHI, same group as IVECO) of Italy. The truck will have a driving range of 800-1,000 kilometers on a full tank, and its fuel economy is rated at 2.9 km per liter of LNG.
KOGAS and Tata Daewoo, Korea’s second-largest truck manufacturer, will test the vehicle at the gas firm’s operation in Tongyeong on the southeastern coast and at a gas charging station in the central city of Daejeon.
The gas firm said it will step up efforts to promote LNG trucks as a more eco-friendly and economically viable alternative to diesel vehicles.
If half the 120,000 diesel vehicles over 8 tons are replaced with LNG trucks, it would reduce fine dust emissions by 1,474 tons in Seoul, it added.
KOGAS vowed to expand natural gas charging stations in major ports, cargo terminals and highway gas stations and to consult with the government to expand subsidies and incentives for LNG commercial vehicles.
Korea has implemented a tremendously successful CNG bus program in the country, and is able to show the immense benefits in health and economy, with savings of more than 2 billion US dollars.
Photo Credit: Kogas