Scania and Compagas start demonstration with buses powered by CNG in metropolitan transport
As of March 3, a bus 100% powered by vehicular natural gas (CNG) will become part of urban public transport in the metropolitan region of Curitiba. The action is part of the sustainable urban mobility project through the use of natural gas, carried out by Compagas (Companhia Paranaense de Gás) together with the Metropolitan Affairs Agency of Paraná (AMEP) and the State Government, and in partnership with Scania. The operator chosen for the Bus Powered by CNG was Viação São José. The demonstration on the metropolitan line will take 30 days and the objective will be to certify the efficiency indicators, in particular, the reduction in pollutant emissions.
The focus of the CNG Bus project in Paraná is on sustainable urban mobility and a direct contribution to the environment, with a reduction in pollutant emissions
“Several cities in the world already have almost 80% of their fleet powered by natural gas. This is the first bus that we will have in Paraná to experience the efficiency, the operating cost compared to a bus powered by diesel oil, in addition to the environmental issue, which is a concern that we have every day. It is an innovation that the State Government brings to Paraná”, highlighted Governor Carlos Massa Ratinho Junior at the launch of the project last Tuesday (February 28), at the Iguaçu Palace, seat of the local government.
Population health care
The use of natural gas allows a significant reduction of pollutants in the atmosphere. Compared to diesel, gas vehicles emit an index that can reach up to 20% less CO2 (carbon dioxide, the gas that causes the greenhouse effect). The benefits are also directly linked to the health of the population. The reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) is almost 90% and particulate matter reaches 85%. The effects are short-term, with a lower rate of cardiovascular disease and loss of productivity caused by these pollutants.
According to Ratinho, if feasible, the idea is to expand the fleet of public transport vehicles in the state with buses that use natural gas in the future. “With the tests being approved, we want to help municipalities expand their fleet powered by natural gas, so that the operating cost is lower, since diesel on a daily basis ends up being expensive for public transport”, he added during the speech. event.
For the CEO of Compagas, Rafael Lamastra Jr, the project places Paraná in a prominent movement in sustainability and urban mobility. “Natural gas is recognized as a cleaner energy and directly contributes to the energy transition with better competitiveness. Gas public transport vehicles are a reality in the main cities of the world and we need to apply this technology in our State, replacing buses with models capable of contributing to the environment, the health of the population and the economy” , it says.
San Jose/Guadalupe Line
The Scania bus during the demonstration will be part of the Viação São José fleet. The route chosen was the São José / Guadalupe line, which will travel more than 280 km daily between São José dos Pinhais and Curitiba. The Scania vehicle is of the standard type and model K 280, with 13.2 meters in length and capacity for 86 passengers. This is the first time that the gas bus is tested on a metropolitan line.
According to the state secretary for Cities, Eduardo Pimentel, the initiative is part of the management’s policies to adopt innovative initiatives focused on technology combined with sustainability. “It is another step towards modernity that the State of Paraná takes, a vehicle that represents the new energies, which brings economy and good autonomy. It is yet another proof that the State is attentive to new mobility actions, today one of the priorities of managers of large urban centers”, highlighted Pimentel, also at the launch of the project. “There are examples in other countries around the world, such as Colombia and Spain, where this vehicle already works very well. Now, we are going to put it to the test here and, with that, we are going to make a lot of progress in terms of mobility.”
Search for new technologies
The CEO of AMEP, Gilson Santos, points out that adopting vehicles powered by natural gas can have a significant economic impact on states and municipalities, which would directly reflect on the cost for the user. “The idea of experimenting with this gas bus is in line with seeking new technologies, a cost that is more accessible for the manager, the State and for the user who pays the fare.”
The Paraná market is of great interest to Scania, which is why the company is investing in the vehicle’s demonstration project in the metropolitan region of Curitiba to prove the advantages of the gas solution. “We have a complete diesel alternative package made up of an excellent product, services, energy efficiency, advanced and viable technologies, and effective systems for a modern and profitable operation management. All in a perfect union of sustainable mobility with operating economy. For bus users, there will still be a big difference in terms of hearing pollution, as a gas vehicle is much quieter than a diesel vehicle”, says Celso Mendonça, Mobility Solutions Sales Manager at Scania Commercial Operations Brazil.
“Having the opportunity to demonstrate the urban gas bus on a metropolitan line is a great privilege to reinforce that this solution, in addition to being sustainable, is extremely viable. The electrification of transport is a path, but we know that it is not yet accessible, so we can explore and take advantage of other options, such as gas vehicles. Paraná is a state marked by commitment, seriousness, hard work and innovation, characteristics that have everything to do with this demonstration project. Offering the best solutions is the main motto that drives our business, and being sustainable is a premise, inserted in the DNA of Cotrasa and Scania”, says Cristiano Locatelli, director of Cotrasa, the Scania House that serves the region.
About the vehicular natural gas (CNG) bus
To make Scania gas buses viable, no significant changes in body designs are necessary. Installations of gas cylinders can be made between the chassis spars (below the floor) or on the roof. If greater autonomy is required, it is possible to evaluate the placement of more cylinders.
The K 280 4×2 model has a 280 horsepower engine. Its engine is Otto Cycle (the same concept as cars) and runs 100% on gas and/or biomethane, or a mixture of both. It is not converted from diesel to gas, has a factory warranty, reliable and safe technology, consistent performance and diesel-like strength, and is quieter. Right now, it is ideal for the ‘Here and Now’ in the country, as it fits into the three sustainable pillars: economic, social and environmental. For the bus being demonstrated, eight gas cylinders were installed on the front side with a range of 300 km. If a customer wants greater autonomy, it is possible to evaluate the placement of more cylinders.
Security is total in case of accidents or explosion. Cylinders and valves are certified by Inmetro (in compliance with the law). There are three valves (flow, pressure and temperature) that release the gas in case of anomaly in one of these three aspects. The cylinders are extremely robust (the material is from missile warheads). In case of fire or crash, the gas is released into the atmosphere and dissolves without danger of explosion, unlike a similar vehicle fueled by diesel, which is more dangerous, as the liquid remains on the ground or can spread along the bodywork.
Continuity of tests of the Bus Powered by CNG in Curitiba and Smart City Expo
After the demonstration in conjunction with AMEP, through Viação São José, the expectation is that the bus will circulate for another 30 days in the capital of Paraná on a municipal line, in a joint action with the City Hall of Curitiba.
The gas bus will also be on display during the Smart City Expo World Congress, to be held in Curitiba, from March 22nd to 24th, at the Positivo Events Center, in Barigui Park. The objective is to present this new concept in sustainable urban mobility to society as a whole.
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About Scania
Scania is a world leader in transport solutions and a leading manufacturer of heavy trucks, buses, industrial, marine and power generation engines. Together with partners and customers, it is leading the shift to a more sustainable transport and logistics system. With a presence in more than 100 countries, founded in 1891, it has 54,000 employees around the world. It has production lines in Europe, Asia and Latin America, which allow the global exchange of components and complete vehicles. In 2021, 85,930 trucks, 4,436 buses and 11,786 engines were delivered globally. Scania’s net income reached more than SEK 146 billion, with more than 20% related to services. Scania is part of the TRATON Group.