Methane-powered doubledecker in the works

© Scania UKReplacing diesel-powered buses with ones running on natural gas will considerably improve air quality in the cities

The bus is based on the Scania N 280 UD4x2EB model and fitted with Scania's dedicated OC09 101 9-litre, 5-cylinder, Euro 6 compliant methane engine mated to a ZF EcoLife six-speed automatic transmission. The power unit generates 280 PS at 1900 rpm and 1350 Nm of torque at 1000-1400 rpm. To meet Euro 6 requirements, the engine features a three-way catalyst and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), but thanks to running on clean methane it doesn't require selective catalytic reduction (SCR). When fueled with biogas, the powerplant reduces well-to-wheel carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90%.

Assembly of the bus' chassis was carried out by Vehicle Integration Limited and Leyland, in cooperation with Scania of Sweden and Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL). The vehicle will now travel to ADL’s plant in Falkirk to have its body fitted and it will feature an Enviro 400MMC bodywork. The entire vehicle is expected to be completed by late Spring 2016 and then it will immediately go on a demonstration tour across the UK. Hopefully bus operators in the country will fall in love with the methane-fed doubledecker.

With its ultra-low emissions and quiet operation, this vehicle represents an extremely attractive proposition to the UK bus industry. As such, there is already significant interest in our demonstration programme, which will be supported by our partner Roadgas, who will provide a mobile refuelling station for the vehicle as it tours the country.

Mark Oliver, UK Fleet Sales Manager, Bus and Coach, for Scania (Great Britain) Limited