Elflein is sustainably on the road with LNG trucks from Scania

The transport and logistics specialist Elflein has expanded its fleet with 42 Scania R 410 trucks. The special feature of these vehicles is the LNG drive. With LNG as an alternative drive type, Elflein is committed to greater sustainability. Since 1992, Elflein has been gradually reducing its emissions. This also includes the use of long trucks.

Manuel Greb, responsible for vehicle procurement and sales as well as innovation at Elflein, mentions some examples: Since 1992, the emissions from the truck fleet have been reduced by 95 percent. By using long trucks, approximately 25 percent of CO2 is saved compared to standard truck combinations. 18 driver trainers educate the driving personnel on fuel-efficient driving, while also paying attention to tire conditions and securely fastened tarpaulins on the trailers. Elflein is certified according to the environmental management standard and has been awarded the Eco Performance Award. “Everyone talks about the environment, but we want to do something concrete about it,” says Greb. For this reason, Elflein has also chosen the Scania R 410 LNG.

25 Percent CO2 Savings

In addition to the approximately 25 percent CO2 savings possible with a long truck, another 10 to 15 percent can be saved when the trucks run on LNG. The abbreviation stands for Liquefied Natural Gas and is a fuel that consists of about 90 percent methane and nine percent ethane. Besides the CO2 reduction, Greb sees further advantages in the LNG trucks from Scania: The vehicles are exempt from tolls until the end of 2023. Fuel costs are slightly lower than those for diesel. The risk of diesel being stolen from the tank is also eliminated. “LNG trucks are significantly more expensive to purchase than diesel trucks, and the maintenance intervals occur more than twice as often at 45,000 kilometers, but we are an innovative company and want to gain early experience with new technologies,” emphasizes Greb. The decision for Scania’s LNG was easy for Elflein, as the company has been relying on the manufacturer in the long truck sector for about ten years. Elflein is convinced of the product quality of Scania.

LNG Training for Drivers

“In everyday work, drivers handle the LNG trucks just as well as they do with a diesel truck. The operation is unremarkable,” says Greb. Anyone driving with LNG has previously received LNG training from Scania. The vehicles are equipped with all the assistance systems that Scania offers, such as turning, lane-keeping, and emergency braking assistants, as well as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), tire pressure monitoring (TPM), and rearview cameras. Greb describes the performance of the LNG trucks as “a somewhat smoother drive than with a diesel.” Refueling with the liquefied gas is very simple and is described in detail at every gas station. The necessary protective equipment, including thermal gloves, aprons, and face protection, is included with each vehicle. “Our drivers appreciate the driving comfort of the LNG trucks and enjoy driving them,” emphasizes Greb.

The range of a full tank is about 800 kilometers. With the LNG trucks, about 700 kilometers are usually driven per shift, after which the next driver takes over. Routes must be planned precisely, as there are currently only a few LNG filling stations in Germany. At the Hermsdorf location, where Elflein has stationed the LNG trucks, there is such a filling station. This ensures that all prerequisites for a sustainably structured truck fleet are in place.

Alternatives on the Road with Scania Trucks

LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is liquefied natural gas. At atmospheric pressure, natural gas is converted from a gaseous to a liquid state by cooling it to -161 to -164 degrees Celsius. Through the transition to the liquid state, the volume is about one six-hundredth of the original state. This allows it to be stored and transported easily. LNG is a clear liquid, odorless, and non-toxic. It is a much cleaner fuel than diesel. The CO2 reduction is up to 15 percent. The purchase of an LNG truck is subsidized by the federal government with 12,000 euros.

Scania currently offers two engines in three power levels suitable for LNG. The gas engines operate on the principle of the Otto engine. Spark plugs provide the spark to ignite the natural gas-air mixture. An exhaust gas recirculation and a three-way catalyst handle the exhaust gas treatment. The maximum torque ranges from 1,350 to 2,000 Nm. The gas engines are therefore suitable for tractor units and truck chassis with a permissible total weight of up to 40 tons.

Photo: © Scania