Royal Mail has added 29 low emission gas-powered trucks, fuelled by bio-compressed natural gas, to its fleet. The 40-tonne heavy goods vehicles are similar in both size and look to a conventional Royal Mail truck but are both significantly quieter and more environmentally friendly, emitting roughly 84% less CO2 than a typical diesel-fuelled vehicle of the same size. They also emit 99% less particulate matter than a diesel equivalent.
This move comes after the introduction of two of the trucks in 2019-2020 following a successful trial in 2017. The Royal Mail estimates that the use of those two vehicles alone prevents 107 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to the trucks they replaced. The trucks can travel up to 400 miles at a time and also help the company save on fuel costs, with bio-compressed natural gas currently being significantly cheaper than diesel. They are designed to carry mail and equipment of all shapes and sizes and can be used on most roads and highways.
The use of Bio-CNG in a vehicle can reduce CO2e emissions by around 84%, compared to an average diesel vehicle. Bio-CNG fuelled vehicles also offer a 99% reduction in particulate matter, compared to their diesel equivalents. Bio-CNG fuelled vehicles generally have a similar refuelling time to diesel and can travel considerable distances. They are also significantly quieter than traditional diesel vehicles.
Over the course of the coming weeks, the new trucks will be introduced to the company’s fleet in the North West of England. They will operate from Warrington, Chorley and Preston, where refuelling facilities are located nearby. Royal Mail state they plan to expand bio-compressed natural gas fuelling stations to locations across the UK in the near future.
James Baker, Chief Engineer and Fleet Director at Royal Mail said, “As a Company, we are committed to making changes to our operations that reduce our environmental impact. Bio-compressed natural gas is a significantly more cost-effective and lower carbon alternative fuel to diesel for Heavy Goods Vehicles. These vehicles enable us to deliver large payloads of parcels in the most environmentally-friendly way possible.”
Source: Royal Mail
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