November 12, (THEWILL) – A key player in the nation’s automotive industry has observed that CNG-Powered vehicles are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
This observation was made by the Sales Manager, CFAO Equipment, Mr Caleb Bamidele, during a presentation on two Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered products it distributes in Nigeria –the King Long bus and the Sinotruk Howo truck.
Aside from the automotive journalists at the training workshop, in attendance were the Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) and the Director General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) were ably represented.
Organised by the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), the theme for this year’s training workshop was “CNG/LPG/EV Initiative: Challenges, Sustainability, Opportunities, Alternatives to Fossil Fuels in Nigeria”.
According to the auto firm, the 7-metre King Long CNG bus is aimed at reducing the financial strain on transporters and commuters, while also offering an environmentally friendly solution, he explained.
“The King Long bus, equipped with four 80-litre CNG cylinders, ensures ample fuel capacity and reduces the need for frequent refills—a significant step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to lower transportation costs. With a spacious 25+1 passenger capacity, the bus is ideal for various transportation needs, including commercial transport, school shuttles, and staff buses”.
“Moreover, the bus’s top-mounted 12kW air conditioning system ensures that passengers travel in comfort. Added features like a rearview camera enhance the overall safety and ease of operations for drivers.”
“The King Long bus is powered by a YC4D140N-50 engine that complies with Euro V emission standards, offering both fuel efficiency and lower emissions. This ensures that bus owners can save on fuel costs while helping to reduce the harmful pollution associated with traditional petrol and diesel engines”, the firm added.
He also made a presentation on the CNG-Powered Sinotruk Howo truck, explaining that the Howo N CNG tractor is built tough to withstand the challenging terrain in construction, logistics and other businesses in the different topography of the country.
According to Bamidele, the truck comes with a Sinotruk MAN, gas engine, carrying a 6-cylinder in-line system with water cooling, turbo-charging and intercooling. Its rated output is 430hp (316Kw) at 1900 rpm, offering a maximum torque of 2100Nm at 1000~1400 rpm.
Other salient features of the dynamic engine include the air compressor: Germany WABCO brand; the Supercharger: American Cummins brand; the Cylinder block: Germany MAN brand; the Oxygen sensor: Japan NTK brand; and the Inter-cooler; and the Radiator: Germany Behr.
On display at the event was the King Long bus, which was inspected by both officials of the NADDC and the PCNGi.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
