Volvo delivers first LNG truck tractors to HAM’s Peru business | LNG

Volvo Peru has delivered its first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered tractors to HAM Criogénica Peru.

Equipped with high-pressure direct injection (HPDI) technology, these vehicles can replace diesel-fuelled vehicles with carbon-neutral alternatives such as biomethane.

Last year, HAM expanded its fleet with the acquisition of 50 new LNG-powered FH model tractor units with 460 and 500 horsepower.

“The HAM group of companies (Spain, France, Italy and Peru) is introducing these highly efficiency and reliable vehicles as the main truck in its fleet, reaching more than 100 Volvo HPDI units this coming year, since their performance, innovation and quality are aligned with the values and objectives of the group,” stated a company spokesperson.

Earlier this year, Volvo Group and Canada-based Westport Fuel Systems signed a deal to advance Westport’s low- and zero-carbon fuel system technology.

According to Lars Stenqvist, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo Group, HPDI has been used on the road in Volvo trucks for over five years.

He added that HPDI is a ‘proven technology’ that allows customers to reduce CO2 emissions in biogas applications and has a potential avenue for hydrogen.

Following its 2017 launch in North America, the Volvo FH LNG-powered trucks became available to the European market in 2018.

The vehicles are designed for long-haul transport with up to 60 tonnes GCW and up to 500 horsepower with up to 1,000km range (621 miles).

By betting on natural gas for vehicles and biomethane, HAM Group aims to achieve decarbonisation of its entire vehicle fleet.

Although LNG can cut GHG emissions by 7.5% over a 100-year span in truck transport compared with diesel, Transport & Environment reports that LNG trucks emit 13.4% more GHGs over a 20-year period.

The answer may lie with biomethane, which is claimed to reduce CO2 from vehicle emissions by more than 90% while providing an up to 40% lifetime fuel cost saving.

Demand for the fuel grew by 62% in 2022 as national companies including Amazon, Royal Mail, Aldi, Waitrose, Warburtons and EVR adopted it for their fleets.