Alternative Fuels For HGV’s

Alternative fuels are an essential part of Volvo’s strategy moving forward towards sustainable transports. Within the UK, there is increasing pressure from the government following the COP26 ‘Transport Day’ Announcement that all new HGV’S sold within the UK are to be 0% emission based by 2040. Although there are still grey areas and current uncertainties on how this will be achieved fully, Volvo currently offer different solutions for alternative fuels depending on your transport assignments.

L N G

Firstly, let’s talk about LNG. Volvo’s gas powered trucks suit heavier assignments on longer distances. This clever range creates a much smaller environmental footprint and lower fuel costs compared to running diesel and petrol. For regional and long-haul transport you can get the Volvo FM LNG and the Volvo FH LNG with operating range up to 1000km with high performance on liquified natural gas or bio gas.

What is LNG and what does this mean for the environment?

In Volvo’s themselves words: “LNG is natural gas or biogas that’s been liquefied by bringing it down to low temperature. When the gas liquefies, it reduces in volume that makes it possible to have enough fuel on board to drive long haul transports. Supported by the EU, the network of LNG filling stations is growing throughout Europe. This means LNG offers a huge potential as a substitute for diesel in trucks. Our LNG-powered trucks operating on fossil natural gas, reduce the CO₂ emissions by 20%* compared to diesel. And when operating on biogas, the CO₂ emissions are reduced by 100%***.”

* This covers the emissions from the vehicle during long haul driving, the so-called “tank to wheel”, compared to a truck using European standard diesel.

***This covers the emissions from the vehicle during long haul driving, the so-called “tank to wheel”, biogas together with HVO, compared to a truck using European standard diesel.

For more information, check out this one minute video about gas-powered trucks:

Volvo Trucks – One Minute about gas-powered trucks – YouTube

E L E C T R I C 

Secondly, if you as a business are looking for ways to cut down your carbon footprint completely, you want to check out Volvo’s electric truck range. Whether it’s a medium duty truck you are after for city distribution or heavy duty regional haul, Volvo have got the truck for you.

What is electromobility?

Electromobility refers to vehicles – including cars, buses, trains and trucks – that are fully or partly powered by electricity, have a means of storing energy on board and are usually supplied via the grid. The main type of vehicle with an electric driveline is the BEV (battery electric vehicle), but there are also electric vehicles fuelled by hydrogen called fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Electromobility also includes the charging infrastructure and support services for range and route planning and other functions.

What are the advantages?

The advantages of the electric truck that it has been designed to minimise CO2, noise and air pollution but also make transportation possible in areas with strict sound levels and emissions regulations. It’s a new driveline, but with the same high standards for quality, safety and flexibility that of course, comes with every Volvo Truck.

What is the environmental impact of electric vehicles?

The environmental impact of an electric truck is very low when the truck is in use, but slightly higher during production. However, because trucks have high usage rates, it is possible to compensate for this quickly. Electric drivelines are more energy efficient and have the lowest environmental impact when they use electricity from renewable sources.

Although making the shift to electromobility may feel like a big leap, Volvo have got you covered to make the transition as smooth as possible.

To find our more about the electric range, click on the link here to read the full FAQ’s: 

Alternatively, to check out the full range, click on the link here.

Finally, for further viewing you can head to Volvo Trucks YouTube page with lots of informative videos about the range. One of our favourites is in the link below:

Volvo Trucks – Taking the leap over to electric – YouTube

If you are interested in speaking to a member of our team about the Volvo alternative fuel options, then please head to our dedicated Alternative fuels page to find out more.

Alternatively, get in touch by calling us on 01622 710811 or alternatively, sending us an email at:

contactus@mcgroupltd.co.uk