Quite a coup for Iveco to get 29 tractor units into Royal Mail. The fact that they are all powered by gas (Bio-CNG) is even more impressive.
Over the course of coming weeks, the IVECO Stralis NP 460 CNG-fuelled trucks will be introduced to the Company’s fleet in the North West of England, in addition to the two already in operation.
The vehicles can travel up to 400 miles at a time and are designed to help Royal Mail reduce their associated carbon emissions. Additionally, in the UK, Bio-CNG fuel can be significantly cheaper than diesel. The new trucks will operate from Warrington, Chorley and Preston, where refuelling facilities are located nearby. Bio-CNG refuelling facilities are due to be expanded in locations across the UK in coming years.
The Trial Process
Gas powered vehicles were originally tested by Royal Mail in 2017. Following a successful trial, two trucks were introduced to its fleet on a permanent basis in 2019-20. It is estimated that these two trucks alone have saved the Company approximately 107 tonnes of CO2e annually.
Why Bio-CNG?
The use of Bio-CNG in a vehicle can reduce CO2e emissions by around 84 per cent, compared to an average diesel vehicle. Bio-CNG fuelled vehicles also offer a 99 per cent 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.
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-CNG is a significantly more cost effective and lower carbon alternative fuel to diesel for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs). These vehicles enable us to deliver large payloads of parcels in the most environmentally-friendly way possible.”
Philip Fjeld, Chief Executive Officer of CNG Fuels said: “CNG Fuels is delighted to support Royal Mail’s continued rollout of Bio-CNG trucks, through our rapidly expanding network of large public-access Bio-CNG stations. By running on our 100% renewable and sustainable biomethane fuel, Royal Mail will achieve more than 85% reduction in GHG emissions.”
Postal Affairs Minister Paul Scully said: “Tackling climate change is a truly national effort, so it’s great to see Royal Mail doing its bit to cut down on emissions from its fleet. Innovations like this are crucial to ensuring we build back greener from the pandemic, and customers will be pleased to know their post and parcels aren’t costing the earth.”