The new R460 gas truck is equipped with Scania’s latest Smart Dash digital dashboard. Launched earlier this year to meet the EU General Safety Regulations, it features a configurable Driver Display directly in front of the driver, as well as a touchscreen Centre Information Display located to the left.
The Driver Display can be tailored to individual preferences and offers clear, easy-to-read information. On the other hand, the Centre Information Display, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay, simplifies operations by removing the need for intricate menu navigation for straightforward tasks.
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While touchscreen interfaces are not to everyone’s liking, Scania has kept physical buttons for essential functions, ensuring ease of use is not sacrificed.
That said, Scania acknowledges that the Smart Dash isn’t without teething issues. For instance, as I made my way onto the motorway, the system erroneously displayed a 70mph (113km/h) speed limit sign. This is the maximum speed for cars on the UK motorway network, while trucks are limited to 90km/h.
Lately, it seems like almost every vehicle I drive is battery-powered, but the Scania R460 CNG surprises with a similarly quiet experience, particularly at a steady 90km/h. It’s an almost unnerving quiet, especially when you’d expect the typical sounds of a combustion engine straining against an incline.
However, there’s no noticeable change in pitch or effort — just smooth, silent acceleration. A quick check of the dashboard reassures me the truck is maintaining its speed effortlessly.
This seamless performance persists throughout the journey. There are no inclines steep enough to push the truck’s limits. Only when I accidentally engage adaptive cruise control and get caught behind slower traffic does the vehicle lose any speed.
On the downhill stretches, the truck’s performance remains consistent. Setting the overrun speed to 95km/h, it holds that speed perfectly without any deviation.
Spark-ignition engines, unlike diesel ones, rely on retarders for braking rather than engine brakes. In this case, the retarder operates smoothly and efficiently, providing strong, controlled deceleration.
I’m particularly impressed by Scania’s new G25 gearbox, which works flawlessly in this truck. The gear shifts are precise, quick, and smooth, ensuring the 460hp engine and 2,300Nm of torque deliver performance comparable to a diesel equivalent.
Driving a truck with traditional mirrors feels like a bit of a novelty these days. Having grown used to various camera and screen systems, this truck reminds me that there’s still nothing quite like the clarity of good old-fashioned glass mirrors.
While Scania has been working on mirrorless technology, having showcased a concept during the Super driveline launch over two years ago, it’s clear that the company hasn’t fully embraced it just yet. For now, mirrors remain the standard, as Scania continues refining its mirrorless systems.
After completing a 250km drive, while running at 40 tonnes, the digital gauge indicates that 35 per cent of the fuel has been used. At this rate, the truck shows a potential range of 690km. This suggests that Scania’s projected range of 600km at 44 tonnes is not only attainable but comfortably within reach.
Some may argue that biogas is just a stepping stone towards full electrification, and while there’s some truth to this, the transition is likely to be a lengthy one.
The significant investments from companies like CNG Fuels (see ‘filling up’) and Scania in biogas refuelling infrastructure and new vehicle development demonstrate their confidence in its long-term potential.
In my opinion, biomethane is here to stay, providing a practical and sustainable option for operators looking to reduce their carbon footprint. With the arrival of the Scania R460 6×2, I believe more UK hauliers will make the switch to this fuel.
Filling up
Before hitting the road, I made a stop at CNG Fuels’ facility in Warrington, located in northwest England, to refuel the tanks.
If you are of the opinion that refuelling with CNG involves complex safety training and multiple layers of personal protective equipment (PPE), you’ll be surprised.
The process is as quick and straightforward as topping up with diesel. In fact, it’s cleaner, with no gloves required. However, this simplicity doesn’t apply to LNG, which presents a different set of challenges.
The pump at the station featured two hoses: one dispensing biogas at 200 bar, the other at 250 bar. Scania’s CNG trucks use the 200 bar hose, which is attached to the appropriate nozzle on the nearside tank.
Aligning the valve arrows and turning them on is as simple as connecting a truck’s airline. Next, I scanned the key fob, confirmed the hose was securely connected, authorised the pump, entered the truck’s mileage, and waited about 10 minutes for the tanks to fill up. Simple and efficient!
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