Austrian Post Launches First LNG Truck

The Austrian Post has launched its first LNG truck, an alternative drive system. A massive technological shift is expected in heavy-duty transport in the coming years, with hydrogen and electric trucks playing an important role. Until these new technologies are ready for deployment, there are already ways to reduce CO2 emissions today.

(Vienna) LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is liquefied natural gas that is cooled to minus 162 degrees Celsius. Even compared to modern trucks with conventional Euro 6-compliant combustion engines, LNG is the more environmentally friendly fuel: both CO₂ and particulate matter and noise emissions are reduced. The Post expects to save around 5 tons of CO₂ annually by using an LNG truck compared to a diesel truck.

“Our goal is to use CO₂-free vehicles in heavy-duty transport; as the Post, we are open to new and alternative drive systems. However, until these technologies reach market maturity, we want to test and implement every optimization for our truck fleet that allows us to achieve CO_{2</sub] savings today. LNG is an important transitional technology that enables us to reduce these emissions already today," said DI Peter Umundum, Board Member for Parcel & Logistics at Austrian Post AG.}

From Vienna to Salzburg and Upper Austria

The new IVECO S-WAY Natural Power will be used. The vehicle is a 3-axle truck with a tare weight of 9.8 tons, whose chassis allows for the loading of typical swap bodies. The truck is powered by a 6-cylinder inline engine with 460 hp and a 12-speed automatic transmission. The new LNG truck will operate in a test phase from Vienna for regional postal routes to logistics centers in Salzburg and Upper Austria, as well as for regional routes to delivery bases in Vienna, Lower Austria, and Burgenland. A full LNG tank allows for a range of up to 1,600 kilometers – this means the LNG truck could cover the Austrian west-east stretch almost three times without refueling. If the test operation is successful, further LNG trucks will replace the diesel vehicles in the Post fleet.

Further Expanding Sustainability Efforts

With the commissioning of the first LNG truck, Austrian Post is further expanding its sustainability efforts. Today, the Post’s truck fleet almost entirely relies on modern Euro 6-compliant vehicles with particulate filters and SCR catalysts, and the few Euro 5 vehicles are being gradually replaced by new models. Last year, the first three Post trucks were equipped with solar panels: the electricity generated is fed directly into the battery and used for the vehicle’s power consumption. This results in a relief of the alternator during driving, leading to fuel savings and a reduction in emissions. Due to positive experiences, more trucks are to be equipped with solar panels.

Delivery in Austria will be completely CO₂-free by 2030, and from late summer 2021, Graz will be the first European major city where the delivery of all letters, packages, advertising mail, and print media will be completely CO₂-free. With around 2,100 electric vehicles, the Post already has the largest electric fleet in the country. The electricity is generated by six photovoltaic systems on logistics centers and other buildings with a capacity of 2.4 megawatt peak (MWp), with more systems under construction and planning. Only green electricity from Austria is purchased.

Photos: © Austrian Post