The trial, called ‘Dedicated to Gas’, is part of the Low Emission Freight and Logistics project, funded by the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) and Innovate UK.
Kuehne + Nagel, Wincanton, Asda, Brit European, Howard Tenens and Great Bear will all test the effectiveness of 81 dedicated gas-powered HGVs. Ten vehicle configurations will be trialled, ranging from 12 to 44 tonnes, running on compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and biomethane.
The trial will deliver valuable data on vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, reliability and cost. Compared to similarly sized diesel-powered vehicles, the CNG- and LNG-powered trucks are expected to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 8%; those running on biomethane could deliver a 70% reduction.
The trial will also test a liquid nitrogen cooling system for trailer refrigeration.
Dedicated to Gas will be led by Air Liquide, with Cenex managing all data analysis and information delivery – including online and via workshops.
Data will be collected via telematics systems from Microlise and PEMS testing by Emissions Analytics.
“OEMs are working hard to bring promising zero emissions technologies to the new lorries they design, but without real-life road testing by big fleet customers, these technologies will not be able to impact CO2 emissions in a big way,” says Daniel Lambert, Air Liquide’s commercial director.
“We look forward to leading this innovative trial, and sharing the results with other HGV fleet operators across Europe and the globe.”
Asda’s fleet operations manager John Rogerson adds: “Asda is proud to be part of the select group of operators trialling new low emissions HGVs in the UK for the first time.
“We are excited to work with Cenex, Air Liquide and our other project partners to hopefully demonstrate the impact low-emissions HGV technology can have on the entire industry, while infusing the latest technology into our fleet and reducing our overall carbon footprint.”