Tose’e Andishan Atlas Knowledge-Based Company (Tavana) Replaces CNG Tanks for 60 Buses in Tehran’s Bus Fleet
In November of this year, Tavana, a knowledge-based company, signed a contract with Tehran and Suburbs Bus Company to replace the CNG tanks of 60 natural gas-powered buses.
According to Tavana’s public relations department, the company has begun this initiative as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) in modernizing the fuel tanks of the public transportation fleet.
Given Tavana’s track record—being the first Iranian company to produce Type 2 CNG tanks—this project will significantly benefit the bus company while reducing costly foreign currency expenditures. Previously, Type 2 tanks (made of a metal-composite hybrid) were entirely imported. These tanks are 20% lighter than all-metal tanks, allowing more tanks to be installed on bus roofs and increasing CNG storage capacity.
Upgraded Valves and Fittings
The old tanks’ valves had deteriorated and required replacement. The manual valves were upgraded to electrically operated ones, which posed a challenge since Iran had no domestic standard for 24V bus-compatible electric valves. However, Tavana, in collaboration with a local manufacturer, successfully developed these valves, obtaining the necessary certifications. Notably, imported valves of this type previously cost 140 million rials, while Tavana’s domestically produced version is priced at just 10 million rials.
Faster Turnaround Time
Typically, automakers take 45 days per bus for such replacements, causing significant financial losses for both drivers and the bus company. However, under this agreement, two buses are serviced every three days, minimizing downtime and ensuring quicker returns to service.