Lowering emissions

Lowering vehicle emissions

is essential to help address the climate crisis, and the commercial vehicle industry has its part to play. Iveco has led the way in the world of gas propulsion for over 25 years, providing a viable alternative to operators seeking a cleaner means of running a fleet while completing their demanding missions.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles are not only highly efficient, but overall emissions are greatly reduced. In fact, when fueled with biomethane Iveco’s CNG models can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 95% versus the equivalent diesel model. Other harmful pollutants are also greatly reduced, including NOx and other PM. Cleaner vehicles mean cleaner air for everyone.

Biomethane is a sustainable gas

There are several methods of obtaining natural gas, and while some are greener than others, there’s a clear environmental benefit at the point of vehicle operation. A great form of natural gas is biomethane. This gas comes from an anaerobic digester that breaks down animal and plant waste to collect the gas to be used as a fuel. By utilising what would otherwise be a waste product, biomethane is a sustainable and environmentally conscious source of gas. Many operators that run CNG vehicles have been able to create a circular economy with their business and the environment benefiting greatly. A partnership between McCulla Transport and Lidl in Northern Ireland does just that with food waste from 41 stores. Deposited into McCulla’s very own anaerobic digester, its fleet of Iveco S-Way Natural Gas vehicles are running totally on gas that has been generated in house at the same time helping Lidl manage its food waste.

CNG is a cost-effective sustainable solution

Iveco has invested heavily to ensure that all of its core models have a gas-powered option, allowing operators to lower emissions without compromising their mission. While the future of heavy goods transportation continues to evolve and develop, CNG is available today and provides a cost-effective solution that operators can leverage.

The Iveco Daily CNG retains its unrivaled cargo volumes and 3.5 tonne towing capacity, the highly versatile Eurocargo is a great solution for many businesses in CNG form, and the Iveco S-Way Natural Gas balances strong 2000Nm performance with all the benefits CNG offers.

All of these Iveco vehicles are free to roam Ultra Low Emissions Zones without penalty – a great benefit to operators regularly running in these spaces. Iveco’s Natural Gas vehicles are also considerate of their environment in other ways. Quieter than a diesel model by 3dBA, their reduced running noise is perfect when operating in urban environments and at night.

Gas vehicles will play an important role in decarbonisation

Steve Powell, Iveco Country Product Manager and Alternative Propulsion Lead said: “Gas vehicles will play an important role in decarbonisation alongside battery electric and fuel cell vehicles. In 2022 Iveco UK gas vehicle sales grew, highlighting the viability and benefits being reaped by operators of CNG models. Iveco’s allencompassing range of CNG vehicles gives almost every operator the opportunity to substantially lower fleet emissions” Running a CNG fleet doesn’t mean a business needs to make a huge investment in infrastructure. While some might see the benefits of having a hub and spoke model where vehicles are refueled at a central base, the number of UK CNG fuel stations is growing with more set to open this year - many located along main trucking routes and key industrial hubs. This will open up gas to operators on long-distance routes that don’t go back to base. The geopolitical landscape in 2022 heavily influenced the price of gas, however, it has once again stabilised with operators potentially enjoying a 40% fuel saving over the lifetime of the vehicle versus a conventional diesel truck. The start of February 2023 has seen slightly lower average prices of £1.20 per Kg, with the current daily price at the time of writing being £1.18 per Kg.

CNG is a viable option for today

It’s a similar story when it comes to maintenance. All of Iveco’s CNG vehicles share a common platform with traditional models, and so regular servicing can be taken care of by flagship Iveco Truck Station dealerships. Commonality of parts also means availability is good and the cost of these components in-line with existing diesel vehicles.

The number of Natural Gas powered trucks in the UK doubled last year with businesses looking to rapidly decarbonize their fleets according to CNG Fuels research.

A recent Iveco marketing event saw a distinctive Iveco Daily CNG tour the UK, stopping at 24 iconic locations around the country and covering over 2,400 miles without touching a drop of conventional fuel. In addition to completing its objective of highlighting the strength and agility of the Iveco Daily, this CNG van also highlighted that range anxiety need not be an issue for operators.

A range of Daily CNG options

Gareth Lumsdaine Truck Business Line Director said: “CNG will be an important component for operators for many years to come in lowering emissions for fleets. Iveco sees Natural Gas vehicles playing their part in decarbonization alongside future alternative propulsions based on a number of factors including their mission. The Iveco S-Way Natural Gas offers the strengths of the diesel model while delivering on reduced emissions and TCO.”

Hermes UK is one of many operators who have embraced gas alternatives.

‘Sustainability is a huge focus for us as we recognise our responsibility as one of the UK’s largest consumer delivery companies,” said David Landy, head of fleet at Hermes UK.

“We are committed to putting sustainability at the heart of every aspect of our business, through innovative products and processes. As such we were an early adopter of CNG as an alternative fuel and are continuing to increase its presence in our fleet, to drive down emissions.”

As the world looks to greatly reduce emissions and increase air quality, CNG vehicles are the perfect solution for fleets that are going green thanks to there being little in the way of compromise. The future of low emission vehicles will likely be a mix of propulsion methods, with CNG having a big role to play.