Volvo FM MethaneDiesel for Gazprom Transgaz

© Yekaterinburg NewsDubbed the MethaneDiesel, the FM actually needs very little diesel fuel as it runs primarily and chiefly on compressed natural gas

Gazprom Transgaz is considered a leader in terms of developing a methane-powered vehicle fleet and the fuel itself is perceived as the energy resource of the future, allowing to cut running costs and emissions alike as it is both affordable and clean (methane is the simplest hydrocarbon, so it produces fewer harmful pollutants as it burns).

Although formally dual-fuel, the Volvo FM MethaneDiesel's engine runs almost exclusively on CNG. Diesel is injected in the form of minor pilot doses to initiate ignition of the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. This means particulate matter and nitrogen oxides are almost completely eradicated from the exhaust gasses, yet the engine needs no spark ignition system and – from a technological point of view – remains a diesel unit. The FM MethaneDiesel's range on one refueling is said to be up to 1000 km.