IVECO S-Way CNG goes beyond 1,000 km on a single refuelling stop

Diesel engines are still the default choice for long-haul lorries, yet IVECO is keen to demonstrate that there are credible alternatives - and, above all, more sustainable ones.

That ambition is reflected in what the IVECO S-Way CNG achieved: a lorry running on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) that covered more than 1,000 km on a single refuelling stop.

IVECO S-Way CNG: a 1,000 km real-world run on one refuelling stop

The trial was carried out by French journalists Fabien Calvet and Loïc Fieux, who drove in demanding, real operating conditions between the borders of Belgium and Spain.

The result is even more notable given that the tractor unit was pulling a loaded Krone semi-trailer, with the gross combination weight coming to around 30 tonnes.

Better than a Diesel?

According to IVECO, the S-Way CNG delivers “performance similar to a (lorry) Diesel”. During the test, it returned an average consumption figure of below 21 kg/100 km across the more than 1,000 km covered.

The Italian manufacturer also maintains that these lorries offer “performance similar to a Diesel”. The test data again indicates an average consumption of under 21 kg/100 km over the thousand-plus kilometres completed.

xCursor 13 gas engine engineered for Euro VII

The vehicle tested was fitted with the FPT Industrial xCursor 13 engine, producing 500 hp and 2,200 Nm of torque. This latest-generation gas engine was developed to meet the forthcoming Euro VII requirements and is intended to perform at its best between 1,000 and 1,500 rpm.

In this CNG version of the IVECO S-Way, the xCursor 13 is built by FPT Industrial (a former FIAT Group division that was acquired by IVECO). It is a 12.9-litre inline six-cylinder unit that, in this specification, develops 500 hp and 2,200 Nm - and IVECO states it delivers “ideal performance” from 1,000 rpm to 1,500 rpm.

Two 620-litre CNG tanks and a 2011-to-today range uplift

It is already compliant with Euro VII and comes with two CNG tanks, each with a capacity of 620 litres. That totals 1,240 litres - equivalent to at least 190 kg - representing an 18% increase versus the previous generation and a 72% improvement compared with the first Compressed Natural Gas models launched in 2011.

Boosted efficiency

The IVECO S-Way CNG also features several energy-management systems designed to lower consumption. These include a managed alternator, an air compressor that can be switched off, and a variable-flow pump, all aimed at reducing unnecessary energy losses.

In addition, it uses a predictive GPS system (or Predictive Cruise Control), which anticipates changes in the route to adjust engine speed in advance and recover kinetic energy on descents, helping to optimise performance on long-distance journeys.

“With more than 1000 km covered with a single refuelling stop, the IVECO S-Way CNG sets a new standard in terms of range, efficiency and comfort,” said Giandomenico Fioretti, Head of Alternative Propulsion Business Development at IVECO, adding that natural gas remains, in the brand’s view, “a real alternative to Diesel for long-haul transport”.