SCANIA

Gas-powered roadster R410 arrives in Brazil

Scania's highlight at Fenatran (International Road Freight Transport Exhibition) was the R 410 6 × 2 powered by gas. The novelty has a suggested price of around R $ 650 thousand. This value is about 30% higher than that of the equivalent horsepower mechanic with a turbodiesel engine. Since the launch at the fair, 13 units have been sold. Estradão exclusively evaluated the new option of the Swedish brand, which focuses on reducing pollutant emissions to win over Brazilian hauliers.
According to information from Scania, the difference of R $ 150 thousand will not be an impediment to the success of the gas R 410. The manufacturer is betting on a new market niche formed by transporters concerned with pollutant emissions. This is a trend that has been valued by shippers when hiring freight.
The Scania plant in São Bernardo do Campo (Brazil) is already producing pre-series units of the R 410 on gas. The first 13 orders will be delivered to buyers in April. According to the brand, “dozens more are already being negotiated”.
The brand bets on the resumption of truck sales in the Brazilian market. Also according to the company, the expectation is to sell about 200 units of the new R 410 gas truck in the first year of sales.



We evaluated the Scania R 410 6 × 2 with compressed gas engine (CNG). This version should be the most awarded - it represents 90% of orders placed.
The horsepower engine can also burn pure or mixed biomethane. The gas of vegetable origin or produced from garbage residues can be added to the CNG in any proportion.
Scania also offers the R 410 6 × 2 with a liquefied natural gas (LNG) engine. A horsepower unit powered by liquid fuel is already running tests in Brazil.

Scania R 410 gas engine is Euro 6
The engine of the evaluated model is the OC13 cycle otto. Unlike diesel engines, the inline six-cylinder uses spark plugs. With 12.7 liters, the novelty generates 410 horsepower at 1,900 rpm and 204 mkgf of torque between 1,100 and 1,400 rpm.
The Scania R 410's DC 13 turbodiesel engine generates the same power at 1,900 rpm. The torque, 219 mkgf (7.3% higher), is delivered between 1,000 and 1,300 rpm. In practice, this 15 mkgf difference is not noticeable.
Regarding the levels of pollutants, with both CNG and LNG, the gas Scania R 410 emits 15% less CO2 than the diesel version. When using biomethane, the reduction can reach 90%.
The gas engine already complies with Proconve P8 (equivalent to Euro 6 in force in Europe). This is the next phase of the Brazilian emissions control program, which is expected to come into force in Brazil on January 1, 2023.
The Scania R 410 6 × 2 gas has an automated 12-speed Opticruise transmission, plus two super-reduced ones. This box has a system called lay shaft brake, which brakes the secondary axis of the box.
The device also helps to maintain the pressure of the turbo. With this, in addition to ensuring smooth gear changes, the truck does not lose speed at the time of passages.


Automated 12-speed Opticruise attached to the steering column

Configured for gas
The evaluated unit of the Scania R 410 6 × 2 gas was linked to a two-axle implement from Noma, with 25 tons of net load. The sum of the set resulted in a combined total gross weight of 41.5 t.
This is the PBTC and maximum allowance on scales on Brazilian highways for this composition. With this, it was possible to evaluate with a good level of precision the responses of the horse-mechanic with a gas-powered engine.
The truck was equipped with eight gas cylinders (four on each side). This set holds 230 m³ of gas (equivalent to 944 liters). With “tanks full”, the Scania R 410 6 × 2 gas can run 500 km.
This is one of the negative points of the model. In the equivalent version with diesel engine and tanks for 900 liters of fuel, the range easily exceeds 1,000 km.
To accommodate the gas cylinders, the new version of the Scania R 410 is 3.9 meters between the axles. In the diesel configuration the wheelbase usually varies from 3.3 m to 3.5 m. Almost all implements can be attached to the gas powered horse-drawn mechanic, according to information from Scania.
The exception is the 15.4 meter long implements. This is because the Brazilian legislation determines that the maximum distance from bumper to bumper is 18.6 meters.
According to the product manager of Scania Latin America, Paulo Genezini, the brand offers other options for the size and type of assembly of the gas cylinders. With this, it is possible to meet the needs of the carrier without disobeying the legislation.
The executive informs that the weight in running order of the R 410 6 × 2 with cylinders full of gas is equivalent to that of the diesel version also with full tanks. In favor of gas there is less weight in relation to liquid fuel.


The vehicle's green speed range no longer appears on the rev counter. But the Opticruise’s intelligence automatically makes the truck work at the right speed

Silence on board
When turning the key and turning the Scania R 410 on gas, the low noise level of the engine when compared to the diesel version was noteworthy. With the exchange in the “neutral” position, the decibel meter marked 59 decibels. This contributes to the good quality of the cabin's acoustic coating.
In motion, at 80 km / h and with the engine running at 1,250 rpm, the equipment used to measure the intensity of the sound registered 72 decibels. Scania reports that the R 410 with a gas engine is 20% quieter than the same diesel configuration.
Another highlight is the quick responses to the accelerator commands when taking off. The gas version is noticeably more agile. The explanation is that Otto cycle engines have shorter pistons than diesel engines. This reduces the time to complete the four phases of operation: intake, compression, explosion and exhaust.

Vigor in the sprints
In operation, at 70 km / h and with the 12th gear engaged, the engine does not exceed 1,100 rpm. This behavior is similar to that of the diesel-powered Scania R 410. This translates into lower fuel consumption.
On climbs, the difference of 15 mkgf of torque of the gas engine in relation to the diesel engine was not noticeable. In a resumption of acceleration from 20 km / h to 60 km / h, the truck responded promptly to the pressure applied to the right pedal. The rotation, in 11th gear, was around 1,400 rpm, considered a very good pace.
The current generation of Scania trucks does not have a “green belt” on the rev counter. This feature was used to help the driver maintain the ideal range of engine rotation according to the situation. The explanation of the brand is that the indicator only makes sense on models with manual transmission, where the driver chooses the gear.

Exchange prioritizes consumption
In the case of automated transmission, management is done by the electronic control panel. But the driver can reduce or “upshift” gears manually by means of a rod behind the steering wheel. This feature is ideal in situations such as overtaking or uphill, for example, or even off-road.
At constant speed radar, such as on highways and flat stretches, the automated gearbox prioritizes the economical driving mode. This occurs automatically, without the need for driver interference.
On the descent the ‘retarder’ holds
As Otto cycle engines do not have the same pressure as diesel engines, the R 410 gas engine has no auxiliary braking system, known as the “engine brake”. It is a safety device, especially useful when the truck is loaded on very severe downhill slopes.
Roughly speaking, the engine brake consists of a system coupled to the exhaust pipe that includes a “butterfly” that, when closed, drastically reduces the engine speed. This force is sent to the drive axle (or axes) to decrease speed.
Instead, the gas-powered truck comes standard with Scania's retarder feature. It is an auxiliary system, with braking power equivalent to 860 hp.



The retarder is a hydraulic system that works in conjunction with the gearbox. The drive is made by means of a lever located to the right of the steering wheel. On the same stem is Opticruise, the name of the Scania transmission. There are five options for activating the braking system, which can be activated by the driver as needed. By activating the highest level of action, it is possible to stop the truck completely.
On the road it was possible to evaluate the system's functionalities. Among the advantages, there is no need to keep the engine speed above 2,000 rpm, as with the engine brake. At 60 km / h, with the six-cylinder in the range of 1,000 rpm, just activate the first stage of the retarder for the speed to drop about 50%. This occurs smoothly and without having to step on the brake pedal.
Replenishment requires planning
The complete refueling of the eight gas cylinders takes about 25 minutes to complete. And the gas station must have a specific nozzle, in accordance with the rules established by the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT).
To reduce refueling time, Scania is seeking to approve a new nozzle, type NGV2, used by gas trucks in Europe. Because it is wider, this system allows you to refill the same amount of gas in about ten minutes.


Scania is approving the NGV2 nozzle so that the supply is faster

Gas truck supply will grow
Scania also offers the P 280 and G 340 trucks with gas engines in the country. The first is aimed at urban and intercity operations. The G 340 is focused on off-road, such as mining and construction, for example.
The company informs that it is approving another 20 truck options. Among the novelties there will be a model with an engine exceeding 410 hp of power. The objective is to serve transporters that operate with vehicles whose combined total gross weight (PBTC) is 74 t. The bets are R 450 or R 500.
According to information from Scania, the São Bernardo (city of Brazil) plant is ready to meet the increased demand. This is because the plant contemplates the concept of modular production. Thus, the company can produce the gas truck with the cabin, engine power and axle that the transporter wants.

Verdict
The gas Scania R 410 guarantees the same level of delivery as the similar model with a diesel engine. Its main advantage is that it is less polluting. For this reason, it should serve fleet owners and shippers interested in this new market niche, which has been growing. The 30% higher price can scare more conservative customers.
In favor is the fact that Scania anticipates trends. And offering in Brazil a range of products aligned with the most modern in the world. With gas trucks, the company encourages the entire chain in the sector - from expanding the refueling network to generating income through support for biomethane production.

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