Royal Mail has expanded its use of low emission vehicles with the addition of 29 gas-powered trucks, fuelled by Bio-Compressed Natural Gas (Bio-CNG), to its fleet.
The trucks will be introduced to the Company’s fleet in the North West of England and, at 40 tonnes, the gas-powered trucks, will be of a similar size to a typical Royal Mail Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV).
They are designed to carry mail and equipment of all shapes and sizes and can be used on most roads and highways.
The vehicles can travel up to 400 miles at a time and are designed to help transport letters and parcels securely, while reducing any associated carbon emissions.
The new trucks will operate from Warrington, Chorley and Preston, where refuelling facilities are located nearby, with Bio-CNG refuelling facilities due to be expanded in locations across the UK.
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.
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.
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, CEO 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.”
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