Gas-powered Econic NGT: sustainable, resource conserving and yet economical.

Whether in the public service and waste management segment or in city logistics: the New Econic NGT operates with particularly low noise and emission levels, putting precisely the sense of responsibility on the road that customers and citizens expect.

Game, set and match: anyone looking for an innovative and environment-friendly truck for use in public service and waste management, city logistics or at airports can no longer ignore the New Econic NGT (Natural Gas Technology).

The heart of the Econic NGT is the 6-cylinder in-line engine with a displacement of 7.7 litres, an output of 222 kW and amaximumtorque of 1200Nm. The engine was developed on the basis of the modern 936 engine series. The SCR catalytic converter, AdBlue and the particle filter are not required. The new, high-performance Euro VI gas engine has particularly low levels of noise and emissions.

The facts speak for themselves: when using natural gas the Econic NGT hardly emits any fine dust and soot particles. In addition, the combustion of natural gas generates around 20% less CO₂. If biogas is used, the carbon dioxide balance is even neutral.

The new Econig NGT has up to 400 kilograms more payload compared to predecessor.

The newcomer’s noise level is lower than the statutory limit and it has the potential to obtain the seals of quality for particularly low-emission vehicles. The Econic NGT also boasts markedly lower fuel costs than the diesel-powered alternatives. And it is a future-proof variant: thanks to the development of new gas deposits and the constantly growing production of biogas, ongoing favourable gas prices are probable.

Further potential for fuel and CO₂ reduction also results from the substantial lowering of the nominal engine speed. The maximum torque of the gas engine is available for the first time across a broad engine speed range and thus ensures a dynamic engine response.

The use of weight-optimised steelcomposite gas cylinders makes a further important contribution to even better economy. The New Econic NGT achieves a payload increase of up to 400 kilograms compared to its predecessor.

In addition, substantial savings resulting from subsidies in many countries should not be underrated. The low emission figures of the Econic NGT also enable access to inner city areas that have strict entry restrictions, thus contributing towards the optimal utilisation of fleet capacities.

Its outstanding performance figures and the improvement of efficiency are also attributable to a new strategy of combustion and exhaust gas after treatment. Additionally, an Allison 6-speed automatic transmission with new eco software boosts efficiency by making gear shifting even more convenient and supporting the driving when manoeuvring the vehicle safely through city centres.

In order to guarantee a high operating range the gas cylinders ofthe EconicNGT are designed for a volume of up to 700 litres. In addition, the new trip computer in the instrument cluster gives the driver an overview of consumption at all times. This contributes towards onlymaking a refuelling stop necessary when it is really required.

Improvement of efficiency attributable to a new strategy of combustion and exhaust gas after treatment.

In addition, substantial savings resulting from subsidies in many countries should not be underrated. The low emission figures of the Econic NGT also enable access to inner city areas that have strict entry restrictions, thus contributing towards the optimal utilisation of fleet capacities.

Its outstanding performance figures and the improvement of efficiency are also attributable to a new strategy of combustion and exhaust gas after treatment. Additionally, an Allison 6-speed automatic transmission with new eco software boosts efficiency by making gear shifting even more convenient and supporting the driving when manoeuvring the vehicle safely through city centres.

In order to guarantee a high operating range the gas cylinders ofthe EconicNGT are designed for a volume of up to 700 litres. In addition, the new trip computer in the instrument cluster gives the driver an overview of consumption at all times. This contributes towards onlymaking a refuelling stop necessary when it is really required.

Text: Thomas Mechelke
Photos: Daimler
Source: Mercedes-Benz Transport Magazine 1/2015