Russia's KAMAZ-54901 LNG Trucks Assemble Thousands, Promise Huge Fuel Savings

KAMAZ-54901 trucks running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) are being assembled in large quantities. The K5 series vehicle is almost indistinguishable from its diesel counterparts, but has a fundamentally different fuel system and two cryotanks of 530 liters each, which store methane at -162 °C.

The gas engine produces 460 horsepower and 2000 Nm of torque, compared to 482 hp and 2400 Nm for the diesel. However, according to Maxim Kadakov, a journalist for 'Za Rulem', the difference in dynamics is almost imperceptible, and operation is significantly cheaper due to simplified maintenance.

The main advantage is economy. The price of LNG is about 57.8 rubles per kilogram, which is almost 60% lower than the cost of diesel fuel. With high mileage, savings can reach one million rubles per year. The guaranteed mileage on one tank is 1200-1400 km.