Volkswagen Truck & Bus is exhibiting new sustainable solutions at the International Freight Transport Trade Show - Fenatran in São Paulo (Brazil). Among the highlights presented by the company is the Constellation 26.280 model powered by biomethane, with the largest storage capacity in its application segment, the most powerful engine and the potential for a 90% reduction in CO2e emissions. The first real operational tests of the vehicle will be carried out by customers from 2025.
Designed according to the needs of companies in the solid waste collection sector, the prototype brings configurations characteristic of the Compactor vocational family. High technology, high performance and compliance with the heaviest operational requirements, differentials already known by customers, are combined with the new fuel alternative for the trucks. The vehicle is equipped with carbon steel tanks that add up to 240 cubic meters (960 liters) of storage capacity, the largest on its segment, allowing it to cover long distances without the need for frequent refueling, with a range of up to 300 kilometers.
Committed to ESG guidelines and attentive to the needs of the market, VWTB invested in the use of biomethane, a fuel that has a positive and significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions, reducing CO2e emissions in the well-to-wheel cycle by up to 90%. In a typical operation where the vehicle travels 50,000 to 70,000 kilometers per year, this is equivalent to a reduction of 150 tons of CO2e emitted per year. In addition, it is a renewable fuel, that is, its production can be continuous, as long as there is a constant source of organic matter.
Therefore, from an economic point of view, the Constellation 26.280 Biomethane also contributes to a particularly interesting scenario. The fuel savings generated by the own production of biomethane enables a low operating cost. This model features a fully automatic transmission and an Otto cycle engine with 280 hp of power and 1,100 Nm of torque, similar to the diesel version.
Combined, the settings offer the driver greater starting ability, faster acceleration, better traction, and more comfortable and controlled driving. After all, waste collection requires a powerful vehicle to overcome obstacles and ensure efficiency on routes.
The engine also brings significant reduction in noise levels. The insulating materials and efficient exhaust system contribute to a quieter working environment for the collectors and a lower noise impact in cities, enabling night-time operations in urban centers. Thanks to its simple and robust architecture, with a three-way catalytic converter exhaust gas after-treatment system, this engine model also offers low maintenance and high durability.
Comfort and technology for all operations
Maintaining the technology standard of VW trucks, Constellation 26.280 Biomethane has a retarder brake, an intelligent system that guarantees even more safety, control and efficiency to operations, enabling the optimization of the total cost of operation and a significant increase in the useful life of the components. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with stability control and hill start assist, items that provide even more reliability to operations. The project debuts a new steering system, modular suspensions and axles.