Volvo Trucks North America is working with Linde Canada Inc., a leading industrial gas and engineering company, in an exclusive, one-time pilot, importing five Volvo FH LNG (liquified natural gas) powered trucks to Canada. Volvo Trucks first launched the LNG product offering in 2017 with serial production beginning in 2018 for the European markets.

The Volvo FH gas-powered trucks, known for high reliability and customer approval, are designed for long-haul transport with up to 60 tonnes GCW (132,277 lbs.) and up to 500 hp with up to 1,000 km range (621 miles). Combined with Westport’s high-pressure direct gas-injection system, these vehicles offer the same drivability, performance, and torque levels as diesel engines, but with lower CO₂ emissions.

Linde Canada is dedicated to managing its carbon footprint and has set energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction targets. By integrating the Volvo FH LNG-powered trucks into its operations, Linde Canada aims to capture the performance, CO₂ emission reductions, and other operational benefits of LNG-powered tractors in its long-haul operations.

Part of the planned evaluation at Linde Canada will mirror the fleet’s routine analysis of vehicle and driver fuel economy and take advantage of its sophisticated logistics and scheduling system that minimizes mileage by providing optimal routing. The deployment of five Volvo FH models fueled by LNG, featuring options of 420, 460, or 500 hp power ratings with up to 2,500 N·m of torque, will be on the road in Canada later this year.

Linde Canda is building its own LNG supply and infrastructure for a seamless integration of the Volvo FH trucks into its fleet.

The use of LNG as a fuel offers several advantages, including a greater energy density compared to compressed natural gas (CNG) to deliver similar range to diesel and a 20% reduction in tank-to-wheel CO₂ emissions compared to diesel. Additionally, LNG engines enhance the driver’s experience by delivering significant noise reduction, and smoother operating characteristics compared to a diesel equivalent.