As the push for greener transportation intensifies, operators face pressure to adopt sustainable fuel options. While electric powertrains have garnered attention, many operators are not ready to switch due to infrastructural, financial and operational constraints. Fortunately, alternatives such as gas, biofuels and hydrogen offer viable pathways towards sustainability. Natural gas, available as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG), has advanced greatly over recent years. Improved storage, safety and refuelling infrastructure are expanding in the UK. “CNG is best to use for shorter journeys; LNG’s energy density allows for longer travel distances without refuelling,” says Lars Mårtensson, director environment and innovation, Volvo Trucks. Maintenance intervals can be extended due to cleaner combustion, reducing wear on engine components. Despite higher initial investments for CNG/LNG vehicles, lower fuel costs and government incentives can offset this investment over time.
A boom for biofuels? Biofuels have improved, with better production techniques enhancing energy density and combustion efficiency. Biodiesel and renewable diesel are becoming popular as drop-in fuels, usable with existing diesel engines with minimal modifications.“Alongside a range of electric models, all DAF ‘diesel-fuelled’ vehicles can be operated on fuels that meet EN 15940, including gas-to-liquid (GTL), biomass-to-liquid (BTL) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO),” says Phil Moon, marketing manager at DAF Trucks. “HVO can not only deliver reductions in NOX and PM emissions but also deliver a 90% reduction in well-to-wheel CO2 emissions, enabling transport operators to cut their carbon emissions by the same proportion.”Using high-quality biofuels and maintaining proper storage conditions optimises engine performance and reduces downtime. “We offer both bio-CNG engines for medium-duty trucks and bio-LNG engines for heavy-duty trucks as well as biodiesel and HVO as drop-in replacement fuels for use in diesel engines,” explains Mårtensson. “The challenge with HVO is being able to access it in large enough volumes. Also, in some countries, HVO can cost more than regular diesel.”
Hope for hydrogenHydrogen fuel technology is often touted as the next big hope for commercial vehicles, with applications in fuel cells and hydrogen internal combustion engines. Advances focus on improving fuel cell efficiency, durability and the development of green hydrogen produced using renewable energy. Volvo Trucks is working on both hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen ICE technologies, with Mårtensson admitting that hydrogen “gets a lot of attention, but it will be some years in the future before it is viable”.Hydrogen fuel cells offer higher efficiency than traditional ICEs, translating to longer ranges and reduced refuelling times. Investing in robust hydrogen infrastructure, including refuelling stations and maintenance facilities, enhances operational efficiency. Handling hydrogen requires stringent safety protocols due to its high flammability. Ensuring leak-proof storage, transport, and refuelling systems is critical, as is regular training and certification of personnel handling hydrogen to maintain operational safety. Though not currently marketed, DAF and Paccar are developing hydrogen-powered solutions, including fuel cell and ICE alternatives.
uptime maximisedRegardless of energy source, fleet and driver management practices influence efficiency, uptime and TCO. Implementing advanced telematics systems provides real-time data on vehicle performance, fuel consumption and maintenance needs – allowing optimisation of routes, driver behaviour and preventive maintenance schedules.Investing in comprehensive driver training programmes improves fuel efficiency. Educating drivers on eco-driving techniques, such as smooth acceleration, maintaining steady speeds and minimising idling, leads to substantial fuel savings and reduced vehicle wear.“For best efficiency, uptime and TCO, Renault’s Optifleet telematics system is a ‘turnkey’ fleet management support solution that keeps transport operators connected to their vehicles at all times to monitor the real-time performance of both vehicles and drivers,” explains Alex Williams, head of brand and sustainability, Renault Trucks. “It’s an invaluable tool that helps steer decision making – for example reviewing routes – and drives down operating costs.”Regular maintenance is crucial for the reliability and longevity of vehicles using alternative fuels. Establishing a preventive maintenance schedule, including regular inspections of fuel systems, engines and emission controls, prevents unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs.Developing adequate refuelling and maintenance infrastructure is essential for the successful deployment of alternative fuel vehicles. Collaboration with fuel suppliers and investment in strategically located refuelling stations to minimise downtime and enhance operational efficiency.“HVO is seamless in operation allowing operators to use as a direct drop-in alternative to regular fossil diesel with no impact on maintenance, warranties, or operation,” says Moon. “Its flexibility allows operators to blend with or switch back to diesel at will.”
Fuels in operationEnsuring the quality and consistency of alternative fuels is paramount. Variations in fuel composition can affect engine performance and emissions. Fleet operators should collaborate closely with suppliers to ensure fuel quality and address any issues promptly.“If you run biodiesel or HVO in our engines that have been adapted to run on whichever one – and follow our service intervals – there shouldn’t be any problems at all,” states Mårtensson. “LNG, however, is a cold gas so you need to take some precautious when you fill up with that, but as long as you’re following the guidance there will be no problems. If a truck is going to stand still for a long time you need to make sure that pressure doesn’t build up causing the safety vents to open and you lose the gas. The best thing is to use up all the gas before the truck sits idle or keep the tank cold.”Not all engines are compatible with every type of alternative fuel. Engineers must ensure compatibility with the vehicle’s engine and fuel system to avoid performance issues and potential damage. Adhering to regulatory standards is critical for fleet operators to avoid fines and ensure legal operation.
The best route to take?As the transportation sector moves towards sustainability, alternative fuels offer viable options for HGV operators. Moon and Mårtensson agree that future sustainable fuels will likely be hydrogen and electric once infrastructure and technology are established.Williams goes further, saying that Renault Trucks has made huge investments in electric trucks, including proving that they will work for fleets. The French manufacturer offers a full range of battery-powered vehicles, from 3.1 to 44 tonnes. By staying informed about developments, maximising efficiency and uptime – and addressing operational issues – fleet operators can balance sustainability with practicality. Integrating alternative fuels into existing operations while ensuring safety, reliability and cost effectiveness is challenging but essential for a greener future in heavy goods transportation.
