Fiat launches the new Ducato 140 natural gas van

The new Fiat Ducato 140 natural gas has gone on sale today; the van is a natural gas powered vehicle that is more environmentally friendly and producing much lower emissions than petrol and diesel engine vehicles. Although it’s powered by natural gas the van still has a small 15 litres petrol tank that holds enough fuel for travelling 60 miles and should the gas run out it will automatically switch over to petrol power.

The Ducato extends the range of natural gas powered vehicle currently on offer by Fiat which include the: Panda Van 1.2, Punto Van 1.2, Multipla Van 1.6, Doblò Cargo 1.6 and Doblò Cargo Maxi 1.6.

The Ducatos 3 litre dual fuel engine was developed and produced by FPT – FIAT Powertrain Technologies and provides a maximum 136 HP (100 kW), with 2,750-3,500 rpm, and maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,500 rpm.

To store the vans supply of natural gas there are 5 storage tanks installed under the vans flooring which means that the entire storage area is kept free. Each tank can hold 44 litres of compressed natural gas which adds up to an overall storage capacity of 220 litres. The gas is stored at 200 bar, 15°C and is fed to the engine through 4 low pressure injectors. Should the supply of gas run out the electronic control system will automatically switch to powering the engine with petrol.

Fiats new gas powered Ducato van should be cheaper to run than conventional petrol or diesel models because not only is the fuel cheaper to buy in the first place but natural gas is also more efficient for producing power and produces less harmful emissions.