A BIOGNV RETROFIT TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

In a context of accelerated energy transition and the search for sustainable mobility solutions, the Pays de la Loire Region and Transdev Pays de la Loire have explored concrete alternatives to reduce the environmental impact of their school bus fleets. The goal: to cut pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions while extending the lifespan of existing vehicles, in order to limit the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new models.

Faced with growing regulatory demands and public health challenges—particularly regarding fine particles and NOx emissions—the project set out to demonstrate that performance, sustainability, and cost control can be successfully combined through retrofitting.

A TECHNICAL CONVERSION LED BY CRMT

CRMT, in collaboration with Transdev Pays de la Loire, completed the world’s first retrofit of an IVECO Crossway Euro VI Diesel coach to BioGNV. This ambitious project, supported by the Pays de la Loire Region and GRDF, has made it possible to develop an innovative, eco-friendly, and industrializable solution.

The technical conversion included the following steps:

• Installation of a CNG fuel tank with a range of up to 300 km
• Integration of a complete CNG circuit
• Installation of a depollution system
• Replacement of the Diesel engine with a CNG engine
• Electronic recalibration of the gearbox
• Replacement of the Diesel auxiliary heater with a CNG system

OFFICIAL INAUGURATION IN SILLÉ-LE-GUILLAUME

On Friday, April 11, 2025, the retrofitted vehicle was officially inaugurated in Sillé-le-Guillaume, during the Région Pays de la Loire Tour. The event took place at the starting village of the cycling stage, in the presence of Madame Christelle Morançais, President of the Pays de la Loire Region, along with representatives from Transdev, GRDF, and the technical teams of CRMT.

This inauguration marks a major milestone in the deployment of this innovation, which is set to be rolled out more widely across the region. The retrofitted coach will now operate on an Aléop 72 school service, embodying a new generation of sustainable, locally rooted mobility.

THE ADVANTAGES OF CRMT’S BIOGNV CONVERSION KIT

This next-generation retrofit brings multiple benefits:

• 70% reduction in NOx and 80% reduction in fine particles (size > 23 nm)

• Significant cut in CO₂ emissions

• Extended vehicle lifespan

• Around 50% savings compared to purchasing a new coach

• Full compliance with current and future regulations (Crit’Air 1 certification and LEZ access)

• A range of 300 km, ideally suited for regular school routes

A SCALABLE AND AVAILABLE SOLUTION

CRMT’s retrofit solution is now available to all local authorities seeking to decarbonize their coach fleets. In addition to converting Euro VI Diesel coaches, retrofit kits are also offered for Euro V vehicles, providing a practical response to public transport modernization challenges.

The retrofit process can be completed in just two weeks, enabling a quick return to service with minimal downtime for operators.