Russia’s GAZ Group said it has started producing LNG-powered buses at its Likino plant, extending its lineup of natural gas vehicles.
The vehicle manufacturer controlled by Russian businessman Oleg Deripaska has launched mass production of its bus named LiAZ-5292 LNG, it said in a statement on March 15.
In addition, this is the first serial large city bus powered by LNG in the Russian market, according to Gaz Group.
The firm has started testing the bus designed to carry 111 passengers in Saint Petersburg following “successful” tests in Chelyabinsk last autumn, it said.
Powered by YaMZ-536 engine, the bus can “make a journey of over 300km on a 375L tank of liquefied natural gas,” the firm said.
Moreover, the LNG tank is located in the rear part of the body. This allows for “quick and easy access for maintenance without removing the tank,” the firm said.
GAZ Group says it is the biggest Russian manufacturer of gas-fueled vehicles. This includes CNG-powered buses, commercial vehicles, and specialty vehicles.
The firm added that using natural gas helps reduce fuel costs compared with gasoline and diesel but also slashes emissions.