Commercial GreenFleet March 2021

MARCH 2021

DRIVING THE SWITCH TO CLEANER COMMERCIAL FLEETS

NEWS

REFRIGERATED TRUCKS

INTERVIEW

RENEWABLE FUELS

BOOSTING CONFIDENCE IN RENEWABLE FUELS A new assurance scheme will give fleet operators clarity on the environmental credentials of renewable fuels

Image shows CNG Fuels refuelling station in Warrington

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Electric truck and hydrogen-powered bus projects receive funding The government is investing £54 million for innovative green projects, such as next generation electric trucks, hydrogen-powered buses, and motorsport technology.

The three projects in Cwmbran, Warwickshire and Ballymena will receive more than £54 million of funding from UK government and industry and are forecast to secure nearly 10,000 jobs across the UK. They could also save 45 million tonnes of carbon emissions, equal to the total amount of emissions produced by 1.8 million cars over their lifetimes.

The three projects being funded are £31.9 million to develop electric propulsion systems for heavy goods vehicles in Cwmbran, Wales. This technology could be applied in a range of ways, such as giving lorries greater travel range and better

energy efficiency for coaches and construction vehicles. £11.3 million will go towards developing energy-saving technology from motorsport for use in cars and vans from a centre in Warwickshire, and £11.2 million will go towards developing and manufacturing low-cost hydrogen fuel cell technology for buses, and create a hydrogen centre of excellence with Wrightbus in Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “These projects will not only help accelerate the wider application of greener technology in lorries and buses, but will also help generate high-skilled jobs to level up communities.”

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/zch5fk35

RETROFIT TECHNOLOGY

Updated retrofit technology guide to help fleets with CAZ compliance Zemo Partnership (formerly LowCVP) has published an updated Clean Vehicle Retrofit Technology Guide to highlight the role that retrofit technologies can play in cleaning up the existing vehicle fleet.

The updated guide comes following the introduction of the Bath Clean Air Zone this week, with Birmingham to launch on 1 June and others to follow.

The Clean Vehicle Retrofit Technology Guide aims to give vehicle operators and local authorities an understanding of national air quality frameworks for reducing roadside NO2 concentrations, providing case studies with examples of a range of accredited retrofit technologies that achieve Euro VI-equivalent levels of emissions through the Clean Vehicle Retrofit Accreditation Scheme (CVRAS). The Guide covers technologies accredited for buses, coaches, trucks, refuse collection vehicles and black cabs.

NOx abatement technologies such as Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and Euro VI engine repower can provide costeffective alternatives to purchasing new CAZ or ULEZ-compliant vehicles. Of course, retrofitting a fully electric drivetrain will also eliminate tailpipe emissions, but

these too need to be accredited to ensure robust standards. Case studies and total cost of ownership (TCO) examples for accredited technologies are included in the guide to direct readers to the most suitable solution.

The CVRAS standards have also been adopted by Transport Scotland and Transport for London (TfL), so that a vehicle with CVRASapproved technology installed is identified in the central national database and can enter Low Emission Zones in Scotland, CAZs across England and the ULEZ in London, without receiving a penalty charge. It’s important to note that only CVRAS-approved retrofits are compliant with the emission zone standards.

The CVRAS Register is a useful free tool to identify which CVRASapproved companies and emission reduction systems suit vehicles best, based on make, model and engine type to support companies’ efforts to improve their fleets, and lists the only retrofit options available that comply with the Clean Air Zones, Ultra Low Emission Zones, and Low Emission Zones.

Commercial Vehicle News

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Logistics UK’s Denise Beedell Government must help industry in alternative fuels switch The forthcoming publication of the government’s Transport Decarbonisation Strategy, set to be announced this spring, will provide Logistics UK and its members with vital guidance on how logistics businesses can achieve net-zero transport emissions by 2050.

While industry is fully committed to reducing its emissions, the government has a crucial role to play in ensuring suitable plans are in place to support this net-zero target. Logistics UK needs the government to create simple and consistent policies for grants, taxation, regulations and urban restrictions to ensure the transition from conventionally fuelled vehicles does not place additional financial strain on businesses that are still recovering from a financially challenging 12 months. Before any mass transition to electric vehicles (EVs) can happen, the government must ensure the correct power supply capacity and infrastructure is in place to provide sufficient power at both depots and homes.

Many fleet operators have already begun the transition to EVs; however, there are many that have not, with the lack of available vehicle types remaining a key barrier to further uptake. Logistics UK has called on manufacturers to present definitive timelines as to when heavier models – such as those over 3.5 tonnes – will be available, as well as models such as tippers and pickups. The business group is also calling for government intervention to help bring forward the market introduction of cleaner, low-carbon HGVs. Currently, there are only three large vans and trucks that qualify for Department of Transport funding, compared to 19 vans. In the view of Logistics UK, the government must work with industry to decide how to increase the number of trucks that qualify for a grant, as well as fund demonstrator projects to pull forward innovative technology.

While positive progress has been made towards reducing emissions and decarbonising the industry, such as the trial of Longer Semi-Trailers (LSTs), Logistics UK – and its members – are looking forward to the publication of the Transport Decarbonisation Strategy and working together with the government to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Logistics UK (formerly FTA) is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With COVID19, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods.

FURTHER INFORMATION For more information about the organisation and its work, including its ground-breaking research into the impacts of COVID-19 on the whole supply chain, please visit logistics.org.uk

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/kad5tc

Denise Beedell, policy manager for vans and urban, Logistics UK

MARCH 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Mokka-e range 100kW (136PS). Mpg (l/100km): N/A. CO2 emissions: 0g/km. Electric range up to 201 miles (WLTP).

The range and electric consumption figures mentioned comply with the WLTP test procedure, on the basis of which new vehicles are type approved from 1 September 2018. They may vary depending on actual conditions of use and on different factors such as: vehicle load, accessories fitted (post registration), speed, thermal comfort on board the vehicle, driving style and outside temperature. **You can obtain 15–80% of the vehicle charge in 30 minutes from a 100kW rapid charging station.

The vehicle will rapid charge at a rate of up to 100kW, depending on the power of the rapid charging station used and will take longer to charge at a lower power.

Rapid charging stations are available across the UK at various locations and their power rating varies, typically from 50kW and sometimes up to 350kW. For further information on public charging stations across the UK, please visit www.zap-map.com. *2021/22 Tax Year. †3 Day Test Drive terms and conditions apply and vehicles are subject to availability. Please contact your Vauxhall Retailer for further information. All figures quoted correct at time of going to press (March 2021).

REFUSE TRUCKS

Waltham Forest unveils new electric waste and cleansing fleet

City of London Corporation to run electric refuse trucks

The London Borough of Waltham Forest (LBWF) has unveiled its new fleet of electric waste and recycling collection, street cleansing and grounds maintenance vehicles.

The fleet has been supplied

by Urbaser and includes an Electra 26t refuse collection vehicle, two Tenax International MaxVac electric mechanical sweepers, up to four MaxVac Vanguard vacuum sweepers, 12 Nissan e-NV200 vans, two Renault Twizy electric utility vehicles and 48 items of fully electric equipment, such as hedge trimmers and leaf blowers for the grounds maintenance service.

The Electra refuse truck, which will be charged at the Waltham Forest Council depot, has been designed for a 12-hour shift, to cover 1,200 lifts per day and over 60 miles. The vehicle will be working in and around Walthamstow market, the longest outdoor street market in Europe. The vehicle is fitted with a 287kWh battery pack and costs an average of £46

per day, which is approximately half the cost of running a conventional diesel refuse truck.

Once charged, the electric sweepers, which are powered by lithium and lead acid batteries, can work for up to 10 hours before they require charging. As well as delivering zero emissions the Electric Tenax International MaxVac sweepers are 50 per cent more energy efficient and 30 per cent quieter compared to conventional diesel sweepers.

In addition, thanks to their

48V ultra low-tension power system they ensure maximum safety for the operators.

Pod Point charge points for the fleet of 12 electric supervisor vans have been installed at LBWF Town Hall and the council’s Low Hall depot and Jubilee Sports Ground depot, and home charge points have been installed at supervisors’ homes.

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/4zmtfapd

Commercial Vehicle News

REFUSE TRUCKS

The City of London Corporation will be running a full fleet of electric refuse collection vehicles, following recent successful trials.

The vehicles will form the UK’s first zero emission recycling and waste collection fleet and will collect residents’ waste and recycling in the Square Mile.

They will be operated by Veolia, who deliver the City Corporation’s recycling and waste collections, street cleansing and ancillary services operations.

The new 18-tonne and 26tonne trucks will be powered by lithium-ion batteries, rather than diesel, and will help with the continued reduction of air pollution in the City.

The vehicles can complete a full shift on one charge and will start their first rounds this month.

They are to collect an estimated 20,000 tonnes of waste and recycling over the next six years.

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/tanspcx6

ELECTRIC VANS

FedEx commits to electrifying parcel pick up and delivery fleet FedEx has announced an ambitious goal to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040, and will be doing this through vehicle electrification, sustainable energy and carbon sequestration.

By 2040, the entire FedEx parcel pickup and delivery (PUD) fleet will be zeroemission electric vehicles. This will be accomplished through phased programs to replace existing vehicles. For example, by 2025, 50% of FedEx Express global PUD vehicle purchases will be electric, rising to 100% of all purchases by 2030.

FedEx will work with customers to offer end-toend sustainability for their supply chains through carbonneutral shipping offerings and sustainable packaging solutions.

FedEx will also continue to invest in alternative fuels to

reduce aircraft and vehicle emissions. It will build on its successful FedEx Fuel Sense initiatives designed to reduce fuel consumption in its aircraft. Since 2012, the FedEx Fuel Sense and Aircraft Modernization programs have saved a combined 1.43 billion gallons of jet fuel and avoided over 13.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

FedEx is also pledging

of $100 million to Yale University to help establish the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture, accelerating research into methods of carbon sequestration at scale, with an initial focus on helping to offset greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to current airline emissions.

“We have a responsibility to take bold action in addressing climate challenges,” said

Frederick W. Smith, Chairman and CEO, FedEx Corp.

“This goal builds on our longstanding commitment to sustainability throughout our operations, while at the same time investing in long-term, transformational solutions for FedEx and our entire industry.”

READ MORE https://tinyurl.com/57cr7rz8

MARCH 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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Keeping perishable goods cold, from food to pharmaceuticals, and transporting them the length and breadth of the country, takes a lot of energy.

There are around 100,000 refrigerated vehicles in the UK, most of them powered by diesel and the majority of those rely on an auxiliary diesel engine to provide power for the cooling system, known as a Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU).

These TRUs account for up to 95 per cent of all particulate matter (PM) emissions and 40 per cent of all nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions from a modern Euro VI refrigerated vehicle, and the fuel costs of TRUs in the UK will increase by 70 per cent from 2022 with the removal of the red diesel subsidy.

The environmental and financial impacts, plus tightening legislation and corporate social responsibility, mean customers require a clean and economical alternative.

Written by Victor Lejona, a technical specialist in sustainable transport at Cenex

The environmental and financial impacts, plus tightening legislation and corporate social responsibility, mean refrigerated transport requires a clean and economical alternative to diesel auxiliary engines, writes Victor Lejona, a technical specialist in sustainable transport at Cenex

Refrigerated Trucks

Greening refrigerated transport

If we compare the latest emissions standards (stage V NRMM) for auxiliary TRU engines against the latest Euro VI standards from truck main engines, auxiliary engines emit 16 times more NOx and 40 times more PM per kWh of energy.

And this is an optimistic estimate, as the standards were introduced in 2019 as opposed to 2013 for Euro VI truck engine standards, meaning that most auxiliary TRU engines on the road do not comply with them.

In fact, prior to 2019, new diesel auxiliary TRU engines were not obliged to comply with any emission standard at all if they operated within UK borders.

In a study of TRU emission in Leeds, Cenex estimated that, with the implementation of a Class B clean air zone (CAZ) where most vehicles are Euro VI compliant, TRU emissions would then account for around 54 per cent of all NOx emissions from temperature-controlled transport vehicles as traction engines emissions reduce.

With more UK cities implementing CAZs, and the necessity to reduce emissions from transport, the demand for a cleaner alternative mode of powering refrigerated vehicles will only increase.

The environmental Issue In terms of carbon emissions, auxiliary engines for transport refrigeration have a significant impact, as the average diesel trailer TRU typically consumes around 3,000 litres and produces around eight tonnes of tailpipe CO2 per year, equivalent The economic issue to four average UK cars in a year.

Using diesel to power TRUs has so far In a study commissioned by Transport for been the most economic option London in 2017, Cenex - an independent, due to the fuel price. low emission transport and energy TRUs use red diesel research technology organisation which can be legally (RTO) and consultancy K e eping used in “excepted estimated that diesel TRUs perisha vehicles”, for example account for around nine b l goods c e in agricultural per cent (83,500 tonnes old vehicles, construction per year) of all well-toand tra n s p vehicles and wheel CO2 emissions o r ting them th mobile generators, from temperaturee l ength and bre including the TRU controlled transport auxiliary engine. E that enters London. coun adth of th

e try take s a lot of ener gy

MARCH 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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Alternatives to diesel There are currently three alternative TRU technologies to using auxiliary diesel: alternative fuels, cryogenics, and electrification.

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) is produced from virgin and waste vegetable oils and can be used directly in diesel TRUs with no impact on operational requirements, as it is classified as a ‘drop-in’ fuel, with greenhouse gas emission savings of 91 per cent compared to red diesel.

Similarly, bespoke TRU auxiliary engines in America are also fuelled with compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and their renewable versions (biomethane and bio-LPG) - Cenex has researched these technologies in the past, and the use of biomethane (bioCNG and bio-LNG) can result in CO2 savings of 80 per cent when compared to diesel.

Cryogenic systems use liquid nitrogen, liquid air, or liquid CO2, either by releasing the cooling gas into the cargo space, or via a heat exchanger.

Marks & Spencer and Starbucks have trialled indirect cooling using liquid nitrogen in the past, while Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer have also trialled TRUs powered by a liquid nitrogen engine since 2016 and 2018, respectively, however none of these have had any real commercial success due to high capital and operating expenditure.

The Sunswap system with solar panels on the trailer roof, battery packs located underneath the trailer and TRU system mounted on the front wall

Refrigerated Trucks

 Red diesel is chemically identical to regular diesel other than its red dye (to facilitate its detection when used illegally), and is taxed at a lower rate than regular diesel historically at 11.14 pence per litre, compared to 57.95 pence per litre for regular diesel.

The UK government, however, announced the removal of the red diesel entitlement from April 2022 onwards in its 2020 budget, except for agricultural vehicles.

When both fuels reach tax parity in 2022, the fuel cost of TRUs will increase by 70 per cent, and a typical trailer TRU using 3,000 litres per year in fuel will cost an additional £1,400 per year in increased taxes.

This highlights an interesting opportunity to move TRUs to non-conventional and lower emitting fuel sources.

There are around 100,000 refrigerated vehicles in the UK, most of them powered by diesel and the majority of those rely on an auxiliary diesel engine to provide power for the cooling system Finally, electricity, sourced from a battery, fuel cell, or even a solar photovoltaic array, can also be used to power the compressor in a refrigeration system, and is being investigated as an alternative to diesel where it may pose a better business case as a result of increasing technological advancements.

Electric powertrains are more efficient than auxiliary diesel engines, providing significant fuel cost savings, and the inclusion of renewable energy can further enhance the cost savings and green credentials.

Pure electric vehicles have been combined with eutectic plates or heat batteries, the latter used in the research project that finished in 2019 involving the Iceland retail company, vehicle builders Paneltex, the heat battery developer Sunamp, and the LowCVP. Zero emission refrigerated operations Electrification technology is being researched

by Sunswap - a start-up developing electric transport refrigeration technology utilising energy prediction, adaptive battery capacity and solar power to decarbonise the cold chain - and Cenex, in the Innovate UK funded project ZERO: Zero Emissions Refrigerated Operations.

Together, the two companies are developing a next generation electrical architecture for a solar & battery powered TRU that lowers emissions and meets real customer operational requirements.

The solution proposed by the project is to replace the diesel TRU with a solar and battery powered system.

At the core of the product is the patentpending battery technology, charged by renewable solar energy, which will enable the TRU to meet a wide range of customer requirements, with the

Front view of the Sunswap TRU system, mounted on the front wall of the trailer

trailer roof covered with solar panels to provide extra on-board energy.

In order to understand the needs and operational patterns, such as variations in grid capacity, fleet downtime and charging speeds, Cenex has formed a Customers Requirements Group, comprising supermarkets and logistics operators such as Aldi, Howard Tenens, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose and Wincanton, as well as refrigerated vehicle leasing provider Petit Forestier, the Cold Chain Federation industry body, and vehicle builders Gray & Adams, Paneltex and Solomon Commercials.

A refrigerated fleet techno-economic model and report on the environmental benefits of the solution is being produced by Cenex, and the results will inform Sunswap’s development to refine the design of a TRU electrical system that provides a solution with an attractive business case and zero emissions.

Demand for a solution Environmental and social responsibility is driving the industry, and in particular supermarkets, to lower their fleets’ emissions.

Sustainability targets and the pressures from customers for valid green credentials, combined with the imminent rise in fuel costs, present a unique opportunity for refrigerated vehicles to now begin the transition to zero emissions vehicles.

The solutions need to be attractive business propositions - economically, operationally and environmentally - and, while the research is ongoing, there is confidence the sector can fully decarbonise. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.cenex.co.uk

MARCH 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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Renewable Fuels

CNG Fuels is RFAS approved. Image shows its refuelling station in Warrington

Boosting confidence and uptake of renewable fuels A newly launched assurance scheme for high blend renewable fuels will give fleet operators robust information about the greenhouse gas and wider sustainability performance of renewable fuels A recent study by Zemo Partnership (formerly LowCVP) found that heavy-duty vehicle fleet operators need more clarity on the environmental credentials of renewable fuels if they are to make such a switch, both for company carbon reporting and making decisions on fleet decarbonisation solutions.

While the electrification of cars and vans is now well under way, larger, long-range vehicles and legacy cars and vans will be on the road for the next 20-30 years. Cutting GHG emissions from these vehicles by using renewable fuels remains a key objective as we strive to achieve net zero by 2050.

To address these challenges, Zemo Partnership has launched a Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS) for high blend renewable fuels which will give fleet operators key information about the green credentials of renewable fuels supplied in the UK. The RFAS approves companies supplying high blend renewable fuels on the basis of meeting three performance criteria, with evidence verified by an independent auditor complementing the safeguards included in the Renewable Transport Fuel

Obligation (RTFO). The assurance criteria and Gasrec to enable their approval. All are based on life-cycle GHG emissions, these companies are producing biofuels feedstock sustainability and supply chain from waste feedstocks, achieving GHG traceability. The scheme is open to companies emission savings of between 80 per cent supplying renewable fuels for use in road and 90 per cent compared with diesel. vehicles and non-road mobile machinery, including biofuels and hydrogen.

Accurate and transparent A unique feature of the scheme is a information ‘Renewable Fuel Declaration’ Gloria Esposito, head of which fleet operators receive sustainability at Zemo Zemo with batches of the Partnership says: “It’s Partner renewable fuel purchase. critical that technological s has lau hip The declaration includes interventions to tackle a colour-coded GHG climate change live up Renewa nched a emission savings to their billing and can b l e Fuels Assuran banding system, similar demonstrate verifiable c e Scheme (RFAS) to energy efficiency life cycle GHG for high labels, encouraging emissions savings and b r l e end newabl fleet operators to strive strong sustainability fuels su e fuels to achieve higher GHG performance in terms pplie emissions savings. of their production. the UK d in Zemo Partnership piloted “With increasing the scheme with several attention being given to renewable fuel suppliers. Argent Scope 3 emissions in corporate Energy and CNG Fuels are now approved carbon reporting, measures to lower GHG under the scheme and Zemo Partnership is emissions across company supply chains working with Green Biofuels Ltd, Air Liquide are becoming increasingly important. E MARCH 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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FURTHER INFORMATION

Renewable Fuels

 One of the benefits of the RFAS is that it will provide accurate, robust and transparent renewable fuel GHG emissions data, and assist fleet operator decision making and reporting with regards to choosing sustainable low carbon solutions.”

Dickon Posnett, director of corporate affairs at Argent Energy said: “We are delighted and proud to be the first biodiesel manufacturer in the UK to be awarded accreditation of Zemo Partnership’s Renewable Fuel Assurance Scheme. This accreditation confirms the sustainability attributes of Argent’s distilled biodiesel and provides independent assurance that customers using our high-blend product can reduce their carbon footprint in the most cost-effective way.”

Phillip Fjeld, chief executive officer, CNG Fuels said: “Since September 2016, 100 per cent of the fuel dispensed at CNG Fuels’ growing network of Bio-CNG stations has been RTFO-approved biomethane. This new scheme from Zemo Partnership is of great value to us and our customers, as the Renewable Fuel Declarations provide robust, independently-verified evidence that our customers are running their vehicles on sustainable and renewable biomethane fuel when using our station network.”

Justin Laney, general manager – fleet at John Lewis Partnership said: “We’re in the process of switching John Lewis’s 600-strong fleet of diesel delivery trucks to run on biomethane. This assurance scheme will provide valuable, independent verification that the fuels we are using to power our trucks meet the highest standards in terms of environmental sustainability and help maximise emissions reductions from our fleet.”

Katie Rodham, head of health, safety, environment & quality (Europe, UK & Ireland) for CEVA Logistics in the UK, said: “CEVA Logistics currently has 50 vehicles operating on HVO fuel in the UK. Since starting to use the fuel in May 2020, we have eliminated more than 250 tonnes of carbon from our operations. The Scheme provides us with reliable emissions data to confirm the success of this carbon reduction initiative. Reducing our carbon footprint is vital to future-proofing our business and ensuring we do our part to create a sustainable logistics industry.”

Zemo Partnership is complementing the launch of the RFAS by publishing an updated Renewable Fuels Guide (co-produced with Cenex, first published in spring 2020).

The guide for HDV operators provides an overview of the operational, cost and environmental credentials of different high blend renewable fuels currently available.

To promote these initiatives, Zemo Partnership and the Renewable Transport Fuels Association are running a series of webinars on UK prospects for advanced renewable fuels in road and aviation sectors.

Visit the website below for more details.

Example Renewable Fuel Declaration

Work starts on Scotland’s first public-access biomethane refuelling station CNG Fuels has started building Scotland’s first public access renewable biomethane HGV refuelling station, which will refuel up to 450 lorries a day when it opens in November, enabling HGVs to make low-carbon deliveries across most of Scotland.

Most of England and Wales is already within a 300-mile round trip of a biomethane refuelling station and the new facility will put Inverness and Aberdeen within this range.

Bakery brand Warburtons is the latest major name to announce it is adopting biomethane, following companies such as Hermes, John Lewis, Waitrose and Asda. Renewable biomethane, is the lowest carbon, most cost-effective alternative to diesel for HGVs – it is 35-40 per cent cheaper and cuts vehicle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 85 per cent. From next year CNG Fuels will dispense fully carbon neutral fuel by sourcing biomethane from manure.

Philip Fjeld, CEO of CNG Fuels, said: “Fleet operators keen to cut carbon and save money are switching to biomethane in droves, and our first station in Scotland will play a vital part in our network, allowing gas trucks to make deliveries throughout Britain.

Biomethane can play a key role in helping the country meet its net zero targets and it is fitting that the station will open just as Glasgow hosts the UN Climate Summit.”

The new station, at the Eurocentral industrial estate off the M8 near Bellshill, is due to open in November.

CNG Fuels customers with depots on or close to the estate include Warburtons and parcel delivery company Hermes, which already runs 90 gas trucks.

Steven Gray, Warburtons National Transport Manager, said: “After extensive alternative-fuel vehicle trials, Warburtons has chosen CNG technology, and specifically biomethane fuel, as our preferred strategy to decarbonise our Primary HGV fleet.

CNG Fuels’ progressive Bio-CNG Station roll-out plans across the UK will allow us to begin our decarbonisation strategy and the Eurocentral refuelling facility is a key location for our fleet.”

CNG Fuels currently operates six refuelling stations in England and is rapidly building out a strategic network on major routes. Eurocentral is the first of 14 further stations that are due to be built over the next two years with £80 million of funding from a new partnership with Foresight Group, including two more in Scotland near Larkhall and Livingston.

100 per cent of the fuel supplied by CNG Fuels is renewable and sustainable biomethane, approved under the Department for Transport’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) scheme. It is delivered to stations via the existing gas grid where it is compressed into fuel. Low processing, transportation and electricity costs make it a low-cost, clean solution.

Bio-CNG is currently sourced from food waste but CNG Fuels is securing supplies of gas derived from manure to create a fuel that will be carbon neutral overall. It expects to introduce carbon neutral biomethane across from 2022 at the same price.

Manure gives off methane, a greenhouse gas 28 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Using methane as an HGV fuel prevents it from going into the atmosphere and reduces overall emissions. The EU’s revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) recognises biomethane from manure as a carbon negative fuel, and the UK is expected to adopt the same rules in 2022.

www.zemo.org.uk

MARCH 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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Our Cargo Bikes have seen improved collection and delivery times, operating 2.5x more quickly than vans. The ability to carry goods up to 150kg has seen a change in customer booking behaviour, meaning our Cargo Bikes are now the vehicle of choice.

How are your electric vehicles charged? Does the company have its own charging infrastructure?

Our Eco Hub, and our three other London locations, are all fitted with electric charging points for vehicles and batteries. Our Eco Hub underground Cargo Bike storage facility allows us to store, maintain and charge all our vehicles on site, safely and securely.

A courier with a carbon neutral mindset London-based courier company Absolutely is flying the flag for cargo bikes and Electric Assisted Vehicles for urban deliveries.

Absolutely’s CEO Stuart Godman shares the company’s strategy How many and what types of Our Eco Hub, and expanding fleet of vehicles make up your fleet? extra-large electric Cargo Bikes, will enable We have a fleet of over 250 couriers Absolutely to continue delivering ‘world and predominantly operate an class’ service whilst adhering to the owner-rider/driver model latest legislations and building We supported by owning on our ambition to be a true will alw approximately 10 per ambassador for carbon cent of our vehicle neutrality. The added options explore ays n fleet. This model of storage, fulfilment and e w produc allows us, and urgent/instant deliveries t s and alterna our owner-riders/ offers our customers t i v to ensu e vehicles drivers, complete even more options for flexibility for all. the continued success the forere we stay at Our fleet of their business. front of our comprises a mix Our long-term vision industr y of vehicles, led by is to expand our operating our environmentally nodes throughout London to friendly Pushbikes, maximise the range of our everCargo Bikes, EAVs (Electric expanding electric Cargo Bike and Assisted Vehicles) and also EAV fleet, with a planned 60 per cent Motorbikes and Vans for more distanced increase in the fleet by the end of 2021. based deliveries. All allowing us the flexibility to support a wide range of Aside from being zero emissions, customer demands across the differing what other benefits are there urban environments in London. to using e-cargo bikes in urban environments?

How is your Eco Hub in Holborn Cargo Bikes are the ideal final mile solution, supporting the electric cargo bike which allows businesses to utilise a two expansion across the capital? wheeled carbon neutral vehicle rather We’ve been planning the launch of our Eco than an ICE (internal combustion engine) Hub for some time to ensure our business vehicle. Reports have suggested that continues our ‘customer centric’ approach, average speeds in Central London range supporting the capital’s zero emission targets between 4-7mph when travelling by van and ensuring future long-term success for all. or car, however, our Cargo Bikes can travel

How important is it to have zero emission last mile deliveries in London?

The Mayor of London is committed to making London a zero-carbon City by 2050, and with the recent announcement of a ban on new petrol and diesel cars in the UK by 2030, carbon neutrality is the only way forward. Absolutely is committed to driving a first and final mile carbon neutral approach wherever possible.

We have been very successful to date, with 90 per cent of all our UK Overnight collections managed on EAVs, with a view to closing this gap by the end of 2021.

Are you using any other alternatively fuelled vehicles or have plans to?

We will always explore new products and alternative vehicles to ensure we stay at the forefront of our industry. We started our partnership with Fully Charged, our original Cargo Bike provider, way back in 2017 and together we have continued to partner and grow throughout the last four years. More recently we have engaged with other partners, such as EAV, that have vehicles with a top speed of 15mph and have a 60-mile battery life on one single charge. With EAV we are also taking delivery of temperaturecontrolled electric vehicles to help facilitate our customers’ growth across the everexpanding medical and food sectors.

What advice would you give to other companies looking to take on EVs or e-cargo bikes?

We are already seeing many in our industry, and similar organisations, investing in Cargo Bikes, and I would encourage them to do so wherever possible. We are proud to be the market leader in this particular area and I feel that we have really made the Sameday courier sector sit up and take notice. Cargo Bikes, and EAVs, are the only way forward in our opinion, and we will continue to push boundaries to help the drive towards carbon neutrality which we all desperately want. L FURTHER INFORMATION www.absolutelycourier.com

MARCH 2021 | COMMERCIAL GREENFLEET

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