Volkswagen starts car sharing project in Hanover
Pike Research projects alternative fuel buses to represent 50% of total transit bus deliveries by 2015

CNG-diesel bus prototype launches in Rio

NGV Global. Brazil’s Secretary of State for Transport and Economic Development, Energy, Industry and Services, together with CEG, MAN Latin America and Robert Bosch Latin America and the governor of Rio de Janeiro, Sergio Cabral, introduced the Volksbus dual-fuel prototype (CNG and diesel).

The vehicle is equipped with a Euro V compliant MAN six-cylinder rear engine and gross weight of 17 tonnes. MAN, Volkswagen’s heavy-duty manufacturer, says it is the first OEM in Brazil to offer this type of dual-fuel vehicle.

MAN states the technology reduces the emission of pollutants while maintaining the same engine power: one liter of diesel can be replaced by 0.9 cubic meters of CNG. This new system emits 80% less particulate matter and 20% less CO2.

The prototype was developed by MAN Latin America and Robert Bosch Latin America, which produced the electronic fuel injection system in the vehicle, allowing the bus to operate on 90% compressed natural gas (CNG). Bosch engineers developed and tested the electronic management system in Brazil.

The development is part of the Rio Sustainable Transport program, which seeks to deliver a more efficient and sustainable transport to the state capital region in time for the World Cup in 2014 and the 2016 Olympic Games.

The CEG Group company Gas Natural Fenosa will ensure CNG supply during the testing phase of the bus and is prepared to invest in infrastructure to supply demand for vehicles with this technology.

MAN Latin America, in conjunction with the Transportation Engineering Program at COPPE / UFRJ, will monitor the performance of the bus during the testing phase, giving consideration to fuel efficiency, tax relief and economic feasibility of the project.

Comments

mahonj

Excellent.
Now hybridize it and you are done.
[ Even micro hybrid would save some fuel ]

SJC

Lots of smaller hybrid CNG buses would make cities and suburbs easier to get around in. We may not need buses that seat 40 people when 20 would be fine. If you have a heavily used route at certain times, you use more buses.

The comments to this entry are closed.