Brakes piloted the fuel on vehicles earlier in November and is now switching all of the depot’s vehicles to GTL. If successful, more of its 600-strong refrigerated UK fleet will be switched to GTL fuel in the future.
Because it has a high cetane number and burns more cleanly, Shell GTL produces fewer nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM) than conventional diesel.
DAF’s 2017 range of New LF, New CF and New XF vehicles is certified for use of GTL fuels. The vehicles are also certified to use HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) which offers additional carbon savings – neither fuel requires vehicle modifications or changes to service intervals.
Brakes’ DAF LF rigids are powered by Paccar PX-7 6.7-litre engines, developing 227bhp and 900Nm of torque.
“We’ll be following the progress of Brakes’ pilot London operation with great interest,” said Phil Moon, DAF’s marketing manager.
“Heavy-duty, Euro VI-compliant diesel engines already emit very low levels of NOx and particulates, and by operating on clean-burning GTL, combustion is cleaner and emissions are further reduced. The engine and its exhaust after-treatment system can spend more time operating in their more efficient modes, potentially delivering improved fuel economy.
“If the differences are significant, we expect other operators to show interest in evaluating GTL or HVO in their fleets.”