Believed to be the first UK trial of its kind, seven coaches were fuelled with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and compared with seven diesel-powered vehicles, all running on the Portsmouth to London National Express service, operated by Lucketts.
Throughout the trial, each of the 14 coaches was closely monitored with regard to engine performance, fuel consumption and oil quality. In addition, feedback was sought from drivers, passengers and the technicians maintaining the vehicles.
“With the forthcoming introduction of ultra low emissions zones and clean air zones around the country, decarbonising long-haul coaches is a key challenge for operators today,” says Ian Luckett, director of Lucketts Travel.
“We find HVO an extremely attractive possibility, as introducing it to the fleet would be relatively straightforward with no modifications or retrofitting required, and are very much looking forward to the outcomes of the trial.”
Mark Oliver, general manager for UK bus and coach fleet sales at Scania GB, says: “HVO not only meets the Euro VI emissions standard, it also offers a ‘well-to-wheel’ reduction in carbon dioxide of up to 90%. Its properties are extremely similar to those of diesel, except that its calorific value is slightly higher. As such, it is an extremely attractive option for use as a fuel for road vehicles.”
Certified for use in all its Euro V and VI vehicles, plus the majority of its Euro IV models, Scania believes HVO provides a ready-made option for operators to improve the environmental performance of their existing fleets. It is also a flexible solution, as the biofuel can be blended with, or replaced by, diesel at any time.
The HVO used in the trial is supplied by Green Biofuels. It is produced from used cooking oil and is certified palm oil-free.