TRU C
IS HERE
K
OVATION A INN D AR W
THE FUTURE
FUTURE FUELS
2022
by ITOY
DAF has received not one, but two, awards from the International Truck of the Year (IToY) jury. Words: Steve Banner Photographs: DAF Trucks
T
he New Generation XF, XG and XG+ scooped the top accolade for 2022. However DAF also captured the jury’s 2022 Truck Innovation Award for its XF Hydrogen; a prototype 4x2 tractor unit equipped with a hydrogen combustion engine rather than a fuel cell. The award underlines the manufacturer’s commitment to low- and zero-emission power trains as it looks to the future; but there is no need for customers to wait. Some of the environmentally-beneficial solutions it has been discussing are available right now. HVO An environmentally-friendly alternative to ordinary diesel that can be used instantly in any modern DAF engine without the need for modifications, HVO hydrotreated vegetable oil - is made from renewable waste materials such as plant oils and animal fats. On sale today, it can slash well-towheel CO2 emissions by up to 90% or more. Particulates tumble by up to 85% claim its supporters, while NOx emissions are down by up to 29%. Because it produces less NOx, the truck will consume less AdBlue. HVO is what is known as a dropin fuel. It can either be used on its own or mixed with fossil diesel in
a haulier’s bulk tank or a truck’s running tanks. No special storage arrangements are required. It is odourless and noncarcinogenic, and if it is spilled on the ground then it biodegrades in under two months. It burns cleanly too, with zero smoke. Trucks that run on it do not need any additional servicing, and filters do not require replacing more frequently. Nor does its use have any impact on residual values. On the downside it is around 10% more expensive than standard diesel, and is not available at filling stations. It can be purchased in bulk by operators right now however from a growing number of fuel distributors. AUTUMN 2021 DAF DRIVER
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