Scania has delivered five gas-fuelled Scania OmniCity buses to the city of Tartu in Estonia.

“With these buses, a door has opened for new projects,” says Alar Prääm, Sales and Marketing Manager at Scania Eesti. He’s referring to a bus order from the city of Tartu for 28 city buses, five of which are gas-fuelled. “We are already discussing a project with gas-fuelled garbage collection trucks.”

This procurement represents an important step towards alternative fuels for public transport in Estonia. The city chose gas-fuelled buses because of its partnership in the Baltic Biogas Bus Project, which was initiated by Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL), the regional public transport company in Stockholm, Sweden. SL has more than 20 years experience with gas-fuelled buses. The project’s aim is to reduce the environmental impact of traffic by increasing the use of biogas in public transport.

Tartu’s new buses are Scania Omnicity models equipped with Scania’s nine-litre, 270 hp engines that comply with Euro 5 and EEV. Running on biogas takes sustainability to a new level, offering carbon-dioxide reductions of up to 70 percent.

Three of the five gas-fuelled buses Scania has delivered to the city of Tartu in Estonia.

Scania began testing gas-fuelled vehicles in 1980, and the company delivered the first gas-fuelled buses in 1992. Since then Scania has supplied gas-fuelled vehicles to passenger transport companies in Australia, Iceland, Italy and Sweden. In addition to buses, Scania has delivered gas-fuelled engines for distribution and garbage collection trucks as well as for generator sets and other industrial applications.

The Finnish dairy company Valio has invested in a Scania P 270 distribution truck that complies with Enhanced Environmentally friendly Vehicle (EEV) requirements, an emission standard slightly more strict than Euro 5.

Raine Vartiainen, owner of VV-Transport Company, one of Valio's subcontractors.

“We see the potential for having a couple hundred ethanol vehicles here,” says Mika Jukkara, Product Manager, Scan-Auto in Helsinki. “But customers are quite careful, and they want to see how the vehicles work first.”

In an increasing number of countries, customers are looking to decrease their carbon dioxide emissions by operating vehicles fueled by ethanol. Scania has delivered such vehicles to customers in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The majority of Scania’s ethanol-fueled vehicles are city buses, although refuse trucks and distribution trucks are gaining interest.

Scania regards ethanol as the most cost-efficient renewable fuel currently available for urban operation, since it can contribute immediately to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Scania has produced ethanol bus engines for close to 20 years. The technology is mature and viable for intense, everyday city service.

Scania has built 600 ethanol-powered city buses since 1989, supplying most of them to Swedish cities with impressive environmental benefits. According to Stockholm Public Transport (SL), there are no operational drawbacks as long as scheduled maintenance requirements are followed. The buses are completely standard, using regular Scania components.

Scania’s ethanol engines work according to the diesel principle (compression-ignition) and the efficiency of this third generation is up to diesel engine standards. The ethanol used for diesel combustion contains additives (five to seven percent) that improve ignition and lubrication.

The ethanol engine is an adaptation of Scania’s 9-litre diesel engine with charge-cooling and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). Its performance is impressive for a 9-litre engine; the power is 270 hp, and the torque is a full 1200 Nm, resulting in excellent response and drivability.

 
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Scania has a particularly broad bus and coach offer to cater for different customer needs in different markets, from low-floor city buses to the most exclusive luxury coaches. Full aftermarket support is provided via the Scania service network.

• Scania OmniCity: full low-floor 2-axle or 3-axle articulated city bus
• Scania OmniLink: low-entrance 2- or 3-axle single bus or 3-axle articulated city, suburban or interurban bus
• Scania OmniExpress: 2- or 3-axle intercity or tourist coach, two heights for intercity or coach use
• Scania Irizar i4: 2- or 3-axle intercity or tourist coach, three floor layouts for regular rural, intercity or coach use
• Scania Irizar Century: 2- or 3-axle tourist coach
• Scania Irizar PB: 2- or 3-axle luxury coach

Particular attention has been paid to the driver environment, which is based on Scania’s new driver station. Driver appeal is second-to-none and many studies have highlighted the importance for safety of good interaction between driver and vehicle.

Scania Irizar Century

Scania Irizar range

Powertrains with EGR for maximum convenience

Scania’s bus engines are all equipped with Scania EGR, exhaust gas recirculation, requiring no aftertreatment equipment or additives on-board the vehicle. All engines up to 360 hp are available as EEV (enhanced environmentally friendly vehicle). Engines that meet Euro 5 emission standards extend up to 480 hp.

The new 9-litre 360 hp EEV engine for the intercity and coach segments provides a lightweight alternative for 2-axle coaches and 2- and 3-axle intercity buses.

Torque delivery and driveability are outstanding for all engines in the new range, minimising the need for gearchanges and providing a relaxed ride. The new bus range is also available with Euro 4 and Euro 3 engines.

Gearbox options include manual gearboxes with Scania Comfort Shift, an electronic gearshift servo, as standard. Automated gearchanging, Scania Opticruise, is optional, as well as fully automatic ZF transmissions.

Unique renewable fuel solution

Scania also offers operators the unique possibility of specifying a diesel engine adapted to run on ethanol in city buses. The technology is highly efficient, since combustion takes place according to the diesel principle, and has been proven in 20 years of busy city traffic in the Swedish capital of Stockholm, for example.

This renewable fuel cuts CO2 emissions by up to 90% if produced in a sustainable way from Brazilian sugar cane. Being a liquid fuel, distribution and handling are exceptionally simple and production of ethanol is booming all over the world.

The diesel-ethanol engine is a 270 hp 9-litre unit with 1200 Nm of torque.

New articulated bus

Scania now offers two types of articulated buses. The Scania OmniCity, which has been sold for more than a decade, is now complemented by a low-entrance OmniLink. The two types are also available as assembly kits supplied to selected bodybuilders.

The new low-entrance articulated bus, which is intended for intercity traffic involving long-distance and BRT systems, has a higher floor from the second axle and rearwards, a layout that provides numerous benefits:

• Greater passenger capacity. No intruding wheel housings in the higher rear section.
• Greater comfort with a maximum number of seats, all facing forward, but less room for standees.
• Disabled passengers or passengers with prams have easy access to the low-floor area via the 1st and 2nd doors.
• Simpler mechanicals and better fuel economy with the longitudinal powertrain.

The version with a full-length low floor is intended for inner-city applications requiring a fast flow of passengers.

The new low-entrance articulated bus is available with the 310 hp 9-litre Euro 4 engine.

Instrument cluster

• New instrument cluster with improved graphics on all models
• 10 extra lamp positions for bodywork functions
• Information from digital tachograph can be displayed
• Three variants: Basic, Colour plus and VDV
• Programmable fields (Colour plus)

Scania Basic bus instrument cluster

Basic
3.8-inch monochrome display
Basic trip computer included
Functions controlled from steering wheel
Minor gauges for coolant temperature and fuel
Display fields (top to bottom):

• Gearbox information and time
• Messages, warnings and menus
• Warning symbols
• Odometer, ambient temperature, frost warning

Scania Colour Plus bus instrument cluster

Colour plus
6.5-inch full-colour TFT display
Trip computer included
Functions controlled from steering wheel
Minor gauges for fuel consumption, engine oil pressure, coolant temperature and fuel
Display fields (top to bottom):

• Gearbox information and time
• Programmable field – driver selects functions to display
• Messages, warnings and menus
• Warning symbols
• Programmable field – driver selects functions to display
• Odometer, ambient temperature, frost warning

Scania VDV-adapted bus instrument cluster

VDV version
3.8-inch monochrome display
Fulfills the VDV recommendation.
Specially developed for city buses.
Easy menu structure controlled by a single button on the dashboard
Two gauges: speedometer and tachometer
Bus picture with visual presentation of doors, ramps, kneeling and brakes in the display
Display fields (top to bottom):

• Gearbox information and time
• Messages, warnings and menus
• Warning symbols
• Odometer, ambient temperature, frost warning

Adjustable VDV dashboard

Linked to the VDV instrument cluster is a dashboard for urban buses conforming to the VDV recommendation 234. The recommendation has attracted a considerable following among public transport companies and trade unions in Germany and Spain, for instance. The purpose is to provide a type of standard workplace for bus drivers where they readily feel at home and know the whereabouts of all vital controls.

Scania has integrated the VDV recommendations into Scania’s new driver station, maintaining the ergonomics while adding the features required. The result is stylish and very driver-friendly. Much appreciated features like the generous steering wheel adjustment for tilt and reach, and pendant pedals are naturally retained. The entire dashboard is also adjustable for reach, moving with the steering wheel when adjusted.

Acceleration control

Passenger comfort and safety are of primary importance to a city bus operator. So is fuel economy and, closely related to that, environmental impact.

Scania is now introducing acceleration control as an option, designed to smooth out the ride when the bus is less than fully laden, eliminating the jerking associated with busy city traffic. This function has been developed at the request of several city bus operators.

The function controls acceleration electronically, taking into account the actual weight of the bus at any time. The preset acceleration value of 4 km/h/s from standstill tails off gradually to 2 km/h/s at 90 km/h.

At speeds above 30 km/h the driver can temporarily override the system using kickdown, for example for overtaking.

The settings of the acceleration control can be adjusted by Scania service workshops to suit individual conditions.

The fuel saving potential is up to 6% in typically busy stop-and-go city traffic. Additional savings result from reduced wear and tear on the powertrain and brakes, as well as from the enhanced well-being and comfort of the occupants.

TPM promotes safety and economy

Tyre pressure monitoring (TPM) is being introduced as an option for all buses. The system alerts the driver if the pressure in any single tyre drops below the preset value, providing invaluable backup for visual checks should something untoward happen. At the same time, the system saves fuel by making it easier for drivers and operators to maintain correct tyre pressures, signalling even the slightest deviation via the central instrument.

Safety features on Scania buses and coaches also include electronically controlled disc brakes all-round, hill-hold for easy uphill starting, emergency braking assistance providing extra braking power in case of panic braking and electronic stability program to minimise the risk of skidding and rollovers.

Faster gearing – more relaxed cruising

A faster 2.73:1 rear axle is now available, enabling a coach to cruise around 1400 r/min at 100 km/h with a standard direct-drive gearbox. The ratios available are 3.42, 3.07, 2.92 and 2.73.

The ultimate in cruising comfort is obtained with the overdrive 12-speed gearbox, available on luxury coaches. Revs are then below 1200 r/min, enabling Scania’s high-torque engines to make the most out of every drop of fuel.

F-series – a long and proud tradition living on

For many years Scania has been able to provide a full-size front-engined bus chassis ex-factory, as opposed to truck chassis that are re-built for bus service post-delivery.

Front-engined buses are preferred for use on poor roads off-highway due to their robustness and easy servicing. The concept has found particular favour in South America and southern Africa, but there is also interest from other regions.

The Scania F-series traditionally has an exceptionally robust chassis frame with extra ground clearance.

The latest F-series features the same components, electrical system and features as the latest bus and truck series, including the new driver station and CAN-bus based electrics.

The first version out is a right-hand-drive heavy-duty 4×2 with 9-litre 230 or 270 hp engine and a horizontal 6-speed manual gearbox to keep down the floor level. This combination provides ample performance and excellent fuel economy for this type of operation.

Scania Fleet Management

Scania’s fleet management solutions are designed to help drivers and operators achieve the highest possible efficiency from their vehicle fleet, while also allowing smooth interaction with the office and other on-board equipment and systems.

Scania’s data logging and communication service has been developed to provide a powerful tool for detailed monitoring and follow-up of fleet operations. The transport operator gets a complete package that provides an overview of how the fleet of vehicles is used, which in turn contributes to lower fuel costs and more perceptive and motivated drivers. The system is fully compatible with a mixed fleet of vehicles.

The service includes an on-board data logging unit, GPS positioning and communication with the office. Data can be read and analysed on the office portal or via an on-board computer, if fitted.

On-board computers are available in two sizes: Scania Interactor 300 and 500 with 7-inch and 10-inch touch screens. The Scania Interactor 500 is an open Windows-based platform that permits free installation of third-party software, whereas the 300 is intended for pre-installed software.

For further information, please contact

• Per-Erik Nordström, Product Affairs, mobile tel. +46 70 5535577, email per-erik.nordstrom[at]scania.com
• Gunnar Boman, Corporate Relations, mobile tel. +46 70 5508606, email gunnar.boman[at]scania.com

Pioneering technology in new engine platform

Scania’s new inline engine platform pioneers several new technologies. A new common-rail injection system, Scania XPI, reduces particulates with its extra-high injection pressures. Common-rail also allows fine-tuning of combustion with multiple injections. Scania EGR exhaust gas recirculation lowers the combustion temperature to reduce NOx emissions, on some engines with a patented two-stage cooling circuit. A variable-geometry turbocharger supplies precisely the right amount of EGR to the intake side. All this is controlled by Scania’s own engine management system.

The new 5- and 6-cylinder inline engines span outputs from 230 hp and 1050 Nm, to 480 hp and 2500 Nm. High torque ratings provide exceptional driveability and enable highly economical overall gearing at low cruising revs. The engines are now being introduced in all Scania truck series – P, G and R – and throughout the Scania bus and coach range.

Since the introduction around one year ago, some 2,500 trucks and buses with the new engine platform have so far been delivered to customers in selected countries.

Euro 5 and EEV (enhanced environmentally friendly vehicles)

Euro 5 becomes mandatory for all new vehicles from October 2009. However, growing environmental concern has made authorities and operators look for solutions yielding the lowest possible emissions. Until the rules for Euro 6 are finalised and manufacturers have had time to develop corresponding products, this demand is being met by EEV standards. There is thus an appreciable market for EEV in buses and also for certain truck applications.

Scania 13-litre 6-cylinder Euro 5 engine

Scania is responding to this demand by providing EEV as well as Euro 5 versions of its 230, 280 and 320 hp 9-litre engines for trucks as well as buses. A new 360 hp EEV version caters for the needs of the fast-growing intercity bus and coach segment.

Scania 360/400/440/480 hp 13-litre Euro 5 engine

An EEV version of the 420 hp truck engine covers the need for the lowest possible emissions, for example in some construction, haulage and special-purpose applications, while enabling operators to prove their environmental commitment and in some cases benefit from incentives.

Choice of technology

EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) is used exclusively on buses, whereas truck operators in the medium-output range have a choice of EGR and SCR (selective catalytic reduction). The high-output V8 engines use SCR technology. (Euro 4 and Euro 3 engines are also available for some markets.)

Overview of EEV engines for trucks, buses and coaches

Overview of Euro 5 engines for trucks, buses and coaches

For more information, please contact

Per-Erik Nordström, Product Affairs, mobile tel. +46 70 5535577, email per-erik.nordstrom[at]scania.com

Emission technologies include EGR (exhaust gas recirculation), where the combustion process is optimised, and SCR (selective catalytic reduction), where the exhaust gases are cleaned in an aftertreatment process in the silencer.

Scania 16-litre V8 Euro 5 engine

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