In order to meet the growing demands of its customers and to pursue its responsible commitments defined in its CSR policy, Kiloutou is innovating by integrating CNG road tractors into its logistics fleet. As of today, 5 CNG trucks will be able to make deliveries to construction sites. In 2019, 10 additional references will be deployed in France in order to cover the needs of equipment delivery in large urban areas.
Natural Gas for Vehicles (NGV): THE solution for clean journeys.
Kiloutou has been committed to reducing the environmental impact of its activity for many years and has developed various actions as part of its CSR policy: optimising deliveries and stocks, labelling CO2 on invoices, constant replacement of its fleet of heavy goods vehicles that consume less energy, etc.
Today, Kiloutou is going one step further: it is the first company in the sector to offer a logistics delivery fleet comprising vehicles powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Natural gas for vehicles is currently the most ecological fuel and the most suitable for responsible transport. This gas, composed of more than 95% methane, is the same as that used daily by households, businesses and communities as fuel, and is also used to refuel trucks, barges and ships. It is distributed via supply networks, in a liquid state maintained at -160°C.
By pooling routes to different sites and using clean trucks, Kiloutou is able to significantly reduce the environmental footprint of its activity in the service of its clients.
Vehicles with exceptional performance and comfort
The latest model in its category, the IVECO STRALIS NP 460 Ch CNG, is the model selected by Kiloutou.
It combines cylindrical power (equivalent to combustion engines) and respect for the environment. In terms of air quality, it produces 99% less fine particles and 60% less harmful Nox emissions (required by the Euro VI standard). This means that it can access the major metropolitan centres, which are usually off-limits to heavy goods vehicles and polluting vehicles.
As far as noise pollution is concerned, this tractor is extremely quiet, emitting less than 71 dB. This means that it can be used in the city, day and night, which is good for the well-being and respect of city dwellers.
The tractor is also equipped with a permanent Driving Style Evaluation (DES), which provides the driver with timely information on his driving style. In single-fuel LNG configuration, the STRALIS NP 460 Ch CNG has a claimed range of 1,600 km with an average fuel consumption of 35 L and can load up to 1,000 L of LNG into its dual tank.
On the driver’s side, the STRALIS NP 460 Ch CNG offers unprecedented comfort. It produces very little noise and vibration in the cab, making it less tiring after long journeys.
Drivers trained to drive LNG road tractors
A complete training course on driving natural gas trucks will be carried out in 5 steps with 15 Kiloutou drivers:
- Step 1: presentation of the specificities and advantages of Natural Gas for Vehicles
- Step 2: learning about the regulations relating to the approval of tanks and the frequency of checks. Training on the particularities of LNG/CNG, on the possible choice of the type of tank to feed the engine, as well as on the maintenance of vehicles.
- Step 3: presentation of the IVECO STRALIS NP 460 Ch CNG tractor, its specificities of use of the CNG engine. A first driving test will then be carried out on the road.
- Step 4: training in the principles of refuelling with gas while respecting safety procedures.
- Step 5: identification of the precautions to be taken when the vehicle is parked for a long period.
At the end of the training, each driver will receive an individual “trained driver card”, enabling him to refuel directly at the pump at the station.
The vehicle will also have a supply card, which will be personal and linked to the tractor used, and will only be usable in the affiliated LNG stations.