CBM-Powered Iveco Stralis Enters Coca-Cola Trials

The first compressed biomethane (CBM) powered Iveco Stralis has been delivered to the UK, as it will take part in the Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) trials. This move has also seen the installation of a road-gas LCBM refuelling station at the company’s distribution facility in Enfield, Middlesex.

The Stralis in question features a six cylinder 7.8 litre Cursor 8 engine which produces up to 300 hp at 2,000 rev/min and up to 1,100 Nm of torque between 1,100 and 1,650 rev/min, driven through an Allison 3500 six-speed automated gearbox.

“Our primary reason for selecting CBM is that it has the lowest carbon intensity of all commercially available alternative fuels, allowing us to benefit from the best possible well-to-wheel saving,” Darren O’Donnell, Logistics Asset Manager at CCE, said in a release.

“The gas used to make the CBM comes from a landfill site in Surrey, which means it is not depleting any fossil resources.  This effectively allows us to power the Stralis using the latent energy recovered from rubbish thrown away by society,” added O'Donnell.

The trial results will be collected and analyzed by CCE and will contribute to the company’s decision of whether it is suitable for operation on a wider scale.

CCE is also preparing a second trial to assess the impact of new aerodynamic bodywork on the fuel consumption of its 21 tonne fleet. This will include two regular Stralis powered by Cursor 8 diesel engines, one fitted with a standard curtain-slider body and one with a curved roof, specially moulded air deflector and cab collar.

The new vehicles will be used to deliver soft drinks to around 20,000 CCE distributors in Great Britain. The three Iveco Stralis will allow CCE to compare the performance of the CBM-powered Stralis against a diesel equivalent.