An experimental Lada with a fundamentally new type of gas installation was shown in Togliatti. The developer is ATS Auto, which produces methane versions of cars in cooperation with AvtoVAZ.
The main difference is almost flat fuel cylinders, which save space in the trunk and simplify the layout. Instead of storing gas under high pressure, as in conventional CNG systems, adsorbed natural gas (ANG) technology is used here.
Methane is retained in a special porous material, which reduces pressure and increases safety. Reducing the pressure means not only lower risks during operation, but also a lighter installation design.
However, this reduces the amount of fuel stored, and, as a result, reduces the car's range compared to classic methane versions. The company clarified that only one experimental copy has been released so far, which is undergoing testing. Based on the test results, a decision may be made to launch mass production.
If the system confirms reliability and efficiency, it may become the first Russian serial installation of this type.
Earlier motoram.ru reported that a Lada dealership closed in St. Petersburg — for the first time in six years.