The supermarket giant says its latest fleet of dedicated gas trucks is also Europe’s first to run entirely on biomethane and suggests that they are the most advanced CNG-fuelled trucks on the road to date.
Twin 26-inch diameter carbon-fibre gas tanks – developed jointly by Scania and US-based CNG fuel systems specialist Agility Fuel Solutions – are the enabling technology here.
They store gas at 250bar, so increasing the fuel’s power density and enabling the range gain from traditionally 300 right up to 500 miles.
Justin Laney, general manager for central transport at John Lewis, says that the technology means his new trucks can always run entirely on biomethane, noting that the fuel is 35—40% cheaper than diesel and emits 70% less CO2.
Each of Waitrose’s new CNG trucks costs 50% more than an equivalent vehicle running on diesel, but will repay the extra in two to three years, he says, with fuel savings anticipated at £15,000—20,000 a year, depending on mileage.
Its vehicles are likely to operate for at least five more years, he adds, so generating lifetime savings of £75,000—100,000, compared with a diesel equivalent. Each truck will also save more than 100 tonnes of CO2 per year.
The carbon fibre tanks, which are already in use in the US, were adapted and certified for the European market by Agility.
They offer significant advantages over the traditional European set-up of eight steel gas tanks. Beyond the considerable range improvement, each vehicle is half a tonne lighter, and is also said to be quicker to refuel and easier to maintain.
“With Europe’s most advanced CNG trucks, we will be able to make deliveries to our stores without having to refuel away from base,” states Laney.
“Using biomethane will deliver significant environmental and operational benefits to our business,” he continues.
“It’s much cleaner and quieter than diesel, and we can run five gas trucks for the same emissions as one diesel lorry.”
“High pressure carbon-fibre fuel tanks demolish the range anxiety concerns that have made many hauliers reluctant to move away from diesel to CNG,” adds Philip Fjeld, CEO of CNG Fuels, which is supplying the biomethane.
“Renewable biomethane is far cheaper and cleaner than diesel, and, with a range of up to 500 miles, it is a game-changer,” he adds.
“We are seeing a shift to natural gas because it allows companies to control fuel costs, meet sustainability goals, and take care of drivers,” states Todd Sloan, vice president research and new product development at Agility.
“CNG costs less than diesel and has lower tailpipe emissions. In addition, our high-capacity fuel tanks increase route efficiency and driver confidence.It’s a win-win for everyone.”
“Together with Waitrose and CNG Fuels, we are developing a new UK market sector for dedicated gas vehicles, which we believe will supersede the heavier dual-fuel models seen until now,” states David Burke, sales executive for gas trucks at Scania.