Hydrogen lorries: Will fleets use them?

Is the future really electric or are there some creditable alternatives being developed? For fleet managers, electric vehicles are often presented as the only option for the future of fleets. However, this is unlikely to be the case. There are many alternative fuels in development as we prepare for the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030. Previously, we have discussed HVO as a potential option but fleet managers should also evaluate if hydrogen-powered vehicles could form a part of their future fleet profile. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are currently seeing an increase in interest as the technology has seen huge steps forward in recent years. So, are hydrogen-powered HGVs viable for fleets?

How do hydrogen HGVs work?

 

There are a couple of ways that HGV engines can be structured to use hydrogen as a fuel. For example, hydrogen combustion engines operate similarly to regular internal combustion engines (ICEs). There are also hydrogen fuel cell engines, which are the most prominent option in development.


Hydrogen fuel cells use electrochemical reactions to create usable power for a variety of applications and sectors. When applied to engines, a fuel cell is quite like a battery, except that it creates its own electricity from fuel instead of needing to be charged.


Hydrogen fuel cells use both hydrogen and oxygen to power the motor of the vehicle. The process works as follows:

Step one

A fuel cell is made up of a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte membrane.

Hydrogen fuel cell step two

Oxygen travels to the cathode of the fuel cell. Meanwhile, the hydrogen atoms travel to the anode, where they are split into protons and electrons.

Hydrogen fuel cell step three

The hydrogen electrodes go through a circuit, generating heat and electricity. 

Hydrogen fuel cell step four

The hydrogen protons, now positively charged, travel through the electrolyte membrane.

Hydrogen fuel cells step five

When the electrons have travelled through the circuit and the protons have travelled through the membrane, they meet at the cathode and react with the oxygen to create water/H2O.

How do hydrogen fuel cells work?

The only by-products of hydrogen fuel cells are heat and water, with no carbon emissions. This makes them an exciting option to add to the UK’s transportation network ahead of 2030. So, what do we need to consider when looking at the possibility of adding hydrogen lorries to our fleets?

Won’t fleets be using electric vehicles?

Hydrogen-powered HGVs are currently in development worldwide as the technology plays catch up to electric vehicles. For fleet operators, the option of incorporating hydrogen HGVs will potentially circumvent some of the worries that have been raised by the switch to EVs.

 

Even with the vast development of the UK’s electric vehicle network, there are still major doubts about if EV technology will be able to support heavier fleet and transportation activity. This is mainly due to the shortened ranges that EVs have before needing to refuel when compared to diesel vehicles. The length of time needed to recharge EVs is also a concern as it will potentially cause delays for drivers.

What could hydrogen fuel mean for HGV fleets in the future?

 

It was recently announced that Tevva, an Essex-based company, has added a hydrogen fuel cell to their electric HGV design, to support the battery and ensure there is a backup in case the vehicle runs out of charge on the road, increasing its range to 310 miles. This is an important milestone as it marks the first hydrogen-powered vehicle to be designed and manufactured in the UK, showing strides forwards in the technology and its commercial ability.


Volvo Trucks is also in the process of testing a zero-emissions HGV powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which is reporting a range of up to 1,000km (621 miles) and a refuelling time of 15 minutes. At the rate of their current testing, this HGV would be on sale in the latter half of the decade.


In terms of the wider future of hydrogen-powered HGVs, Element Energy Ltd carried out a study to “provide costs, efficiencies and roll-out trajectories for zero-emission HGVs, buses and coaches” back in 2020. Their prediction regarding hydrogen-powered LGVs (referred to in the study as FCEV or Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) was that, by 2050, hydrogen-powered vehicles would not be as cost-effective as electric vehicles due to the infrastructural support behind EVs. However, they have posited that “FCEV refuelling is easier to manage than BEV (Battery Electric Vehicles) recharging, and some operators may be willing to pay a cost premium for the vehicles to save driver time and operational complexity.”


When asked about the future of hydrogen-powered fleets, Roger Elm, President of Volvo Trucks, said “My clear message to all transport companies is to start the journey today with battery-electric, biogas, and other options available. The fuel cell trucks will be an important complement for longer and heavier transports in a few years from now.


Mixed fleets do look to be the way forward as we leave fossil fuels behind. Electric cars will no doubt make up the majority of fleet vehicles in the future as they’re a perfect option for company cars. Meanwhile, larger transport vehicles, such as HGVs, and more time-poor fleets will likely turn to the advantages of hydrogen-powered lorries.


In the meantime, HVO is also a great option for those wanting to bridge the gap and cut down on CO2 usage as we move over to carbon neutral options, as many diesel vehicles do not need any alterations to use it as fuel.

Image of lorry shape in trees from above

Advantages of hydrogen-powered lorries

 

With hydrogen lorries looking on their way to becoming a viable option for fleets by the end of the decade, it’s important for fleet managers to spend the run-up researching the possibilities of the technology to decide if it’s right for them. There are 5 main benefits to consider when thinking about the future of hydrogen-powered HGVs:

 

1. The reduction in carbon emissions. The only by-products would be water and heat.

 

2. Fuel cells are much quieter than combustion engines as there are no moving parts, leading to much quieter roads and working environments for your drivers.

 

3. Hydrogen can be refuelled quickly. As opposed to electric battery-powered vehicles, which need to be charged for long periods of time, hydrogen fuel cells just need to be refilled.

 

4. Hydrogen fuel cells convert energy more efficiently than traditional combustion engines, so you get more power and distance for the same amount of fuel.

 

5. Hydrogen fuel cells give HGVs a greater range than electric vehicles.

Disadvantages of hydrogen-powered lorries

 

However, there are also drawbacks to using hydrogen for fleets. Most of these disadvantages are due to hydrogen vehicles being in the relatively early stages of their development. These include:


1. A current lack of investment in the infrastructure needed for hydrogen vehicles to be viable for fleet usage. Political support would be needed to make sure the UK is able to offer adequate refuelling points, grants, or vehicle options for hydrogen HGVs.


2. As there is currently very little infrastructure for hydrogen vehicles, this will limit the number of places that hydrogen-powered vehicles can be repaired.


3. To be used as fuel, hydrogen needs to be extracted from water using electrolysis, which can be expensive due to the materials needed for this process. The expense needed to create hydrogen fuel will bump up the cost for consumers.


It is worth noting that, if hydrogen-powered fleets see the same level of rollout as electric vehicles, more issues with commercial use may come to light.

When looking at the future of fleets, it can be overwhelming to consider which option may be right for you. As we get closer to the government’s deadline, it is looking more likely that large fleets will use a mix of fuel sources past 2030. If you would like a consultation regarding your fleet operations, including a detailed invoice analysis to break down your current fuel usage, get in touch with our team today.

Will HVO fuel the future?

HVO fuel, or Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is one of the many alternative fuels gaining popularity in the UK’s journey to becoming carbon-neutral. The government’s upcoming ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030 has left many weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of using HVO fuel to power their fleet.


A huge advantage is that, for most diesel users, HVO fuel doesn’t require purchasing new vehicles or significantly changing a company’s infrastructure in order for fleets to use it as a fuel source. This makes it an easy-to-implement choice for reducing your fleet’s carbon footprint. But what is HVO fuel?

What is HVO fuel?

 

HVO fuel is a low-carbon alternative to diesel. Also known as green diesel or renewable diesel, the use of HVO fuels can cut a vehicle’s carbon emissions down by 90%.


HVO itself is a second-generation biofuel. The first generation of biofuels was a step towards sustainable fuels and offered options such as bioethanol or biodiesel. The second generation contains even more advanced options, such as HVO fuel.

What is HVO fuel made of?

 

HVO fuel is made of vegetable oils and animal fats and is mostly manufactured from food waste.

 

The first generation of biofuels boasted a huge reduction in the use of fossil fuels and reduced carbon emissions. Unfortunately, the fact that they were manufactured from food products created friction between the food production and fuel industries over limited supplies. The development of HVO fuels worked to solve this problem.

 

In HVO manufacture, the oils are hydrotreated for a process with lower carbon emissions and can be used for diesel engines with little to no modification. As well as helping solve the food supply issue, this will also reduce global food waste, making HVO fuel an overall attractive option for those considering the environmental impact of their business.

Can fleets use HVO fuel?

 

With the diesel vehicles currently on the market not requiring major modifications to use HVO fuel, it looks like a viable and attractive fuel option for fleets. Speedy announced in 2021 that they would be moving to use HVO fuel to power their commercial fleet going forwards.

“Our fuel usage comprises the largest part of the business’s carbon footprint, making it a priority area for us to take action. Reducing emissions in our delivery fleet helps customers to make big gains in decarbonising their supply chain, reducing the overall carbon footprint of their projects.”

Mike DeRome, head of fuel at Speedy

Speedy isn’t alone. Many large fleets, with national operations, have begun trialling or implementing HVO fuels into their fleets over the past year. These companies include Evri, Travis Perkins, and Wren Kitchens.

HVO fuel vs Electric

 

When looking to the future, electric vehicles (or EVs) are seen as the primary option for fleets. In fact, FleetNews’ 2022 poll asking readers what their next company car would be showed that 51.9% favoured pure electric vehicles, with only 16.5% opting for diesel.

 

However, BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has warned against relying entirely on EVs moving forwards. In 2022, we saw the economic consequences, throughout Europe, of sanctions imposed on Russia’s crude oil exports after their invasion of Ukraine. We also saw the knock-on effects of microchip shortages in China causing delays in vehicle manufacture and purchasing. Both of these events highlighted the dangers of becoming dependent on a limited number of countries for necessary resources.

 

This is why it’s important that those considering the future vehicles for their fleet examine the variety of alternative fuels available. HVO fuel also offers a number of benefits that electric vehicles don’t.

Benefits of HVO fuel

 

HVO fuel has many advantages that make it a viable replacement for diesel, some of which are:


● Refuelling with HVO is like refuelling with diesel: you simply need to refill the tank. When compared to electric vehicles’ much slower charging method, HVO fuel could potentially save fleets a great deal of time.


HVO fuels can be used in most diesel engines without prior modification and without negatively affecting engine health. The fact that HVO use can be implemented across a fleet without major infrastructural changes would make the potential rollout much smoother than the rollout of electric vehicles, which would require the vehicles themselves, instead of just the fuel type, to be changed.


● HVO also features a much higher cetane rating than conventional diesel, which means that the starting power of the fuel is much greater.


● The long shelf life and easy storage of HVO fuel is also a benefit. It withstands wintry weather very well, making long-term storage easier to maintain.

What are the problems with HVO fuel?

This is not to say that HVO fuel is not without disadvantages. Fleet managers have been made wary due to:

 

● The current limited availability of HVO fuels on the market.

 

The potentially negative environmental effects that may come into play when switching to a new fuel source, even one with a lower carbon footprint. When the first generation of biofuels rolled out, the industry realised that moving our fuel dependency from fossil fuels to fuels grown on land has a high likelihood of increasing deforestation.

 

The higher price. Although this varies depending on the supplier and the current market, HVO fuel usually comes with a higher price point than traditional diesel or charging an electric car, although the cost of purchasing EVs also needs to be considered by fleet managers.

Is HVO fuel right for me?

 

Overall, HVO fuel is a valid and attractive choice for those looking for ways to reduce the carbon emissions of their fleet. It’s important to make sure that you are aware of the range of options available, so you can make informed decisions about your supply moving forwards. For more advice on insight into the fuel industry, make sure to keep up to date with our blog. For advice on your fleet’s fuel usage and fuel card solution, give us a call today.

Fleet Buying in a Changing World

It’s no secret that the past two years have been tough for those managing fleets. Lockdowns, fuel price surges, and driver shortages have left the industry reeling and many fleet managers asking about the future of diesel and petrol fleets. With the incoming government regulations for the UK to reach net zero by 2050 including banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, those in charge of fleet buying are now beginning to look to the future. 

 

While it isn’t realistic to expect a fleet to roll out electric vehicles (or EVs) en masse, when buying for your fleet, it is now a good time to be looking at filtering in EVs. Previously, electric vehicles have been both challenging to procure and difficult to facilitate for long journeys. So, should fleets switch to electric vehicles?

Should I move away from petrol and diesel when buying fleet vehicles?

 

The government policies to reduce carbon emissions are being put in place with the aim of lessening the consequences of climate change before the world reaches a “point of no return”.

 

The most widely discussed and commonly known advantage of electric vehicles is their lack of exhaust emissions. This is of vital importance to the reduction of the effects of climate change and the wellbeing of future generations. This means that, when fleet buying, it will not only be a morally influenced decision to go green, but one of legal obligation and logistical necessity.

 

In addition to this, as a result of the environmental crisis, customers are now considering companies’ green policies and actions when looking at who they’re spending with. At the same time, they are still wanting fast delivery and service. Fleetnews have stated that 80% shoppers want same day shipping, at the same time, 81% customers want companies to work towards helping the environment.

 

This means that companies need to be environmentally aware yet able to operate at their previous capacity in order to please their consumer base. With this in mind, it is best for fleet managers to consider introducing electric or hybrid vehicles into their fleets in a phased approach to minimize any disruptions to their operations.

electric-vehicles

Can an electric vehicle save me money?

 

More recently, fleet managers operating fleets using petrol and diesel vehicles will have been feeling the pinch of rising fuel prices. During the first quarter of 2022, fuel prices rose to their highest rate since 2008 due to a variety of factors. This rise in prices has made the prospect of turning away from fossil fuels even more appealing to many fleet managers.

 

Notably, electric vehicles generally benefit from lower running costs. EVs require less maintenance than traditional diesel or petrol vehicles due to the decreased number of moving parts within their engines. There is also no need for costly and time-consuming oil changes. As well as saving you money on the upfront cost of repairs, this also reduces operational downtime and keeps your fleet on the road.

 

However, the comparison between the price to refuel a diesel or petrol vehicle and the price to recharge an EV is a bit of a tempestuous subject. Which is better value for the upfront refuelling/recharging price fluctuates depending on the market prices of oil vs electricity.

 

Saying this, on average, it does usually cost less to charge an EV. Wilsons previously estimated that, for those with a 30-minute daily commute, an EV could save them up to £850 per year, but bear in mind that this may not accurately reflect the savings for fleet use. When buying, it’s best to assess this on a business-by-business basis.

Planning the move to electric

 

When moving your fleet to electric and hybrid vehicles, make sure you have time to manage a considered and careful transition.

 

The best way to approach this change would be to assess your current fleet and see if there are any vehicles that are costing you more in repairs then they are perhaps worth. If you source your vehicles through a provider or vehicle management service, get in touch with your account manager to discuss the range of more sustainable models available that would suit your fleets needs moving forwards.

 

There will be a stage of trial and error when it comes to finding out which electric or hybrid vehicles are right for you and your fleet, but you’ll find that, in the long run, the transition is worth it both financially and logistically.

 

You will also need to plan how your drivers will charge their vehicles. Previously, fleet managers have been hesitant to switch to EVs due to the lower amount of charge points compared to fuel stations. However, between 2019 and 2023, the number of EV models available has been predicted to double and the rollout of charge points is constantly increasing the ability to charge vehicles on the go. The ever-increasing amount of charge points across the country will help fleets during the transition away from petrol and diesel in the coming years.

 

If on the road, you’ll find that fuel cards are, of course, still available for electric vehicles. Our Chargemate fuel card offers access to the expanding network of charge points whilst still giving you access to the comprehensive fleet services we provide.

 

If you would like any help with your future fleet buying and options, or would like us to run our personalised analysis on your current fuel spend free of charge, get in touch today.

10 Alternative Fuels for Vehicles

If you operate a fleet, you’re most likely aware of the Government’s plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. Naturally, this has spiked an interest in alternative fuels for vehicles as fuel-dependent businesses look to go green, be informed and make the best decisions.

 

There’s an abundance of different alternative fuel sources for vehicles, including renewable energy sources – in fact, 1 in 10 cars registered in the UK in 2020 were alternative fuel vehicles compared to about 1 in 30 in 2019. So, how do you know which type of fuel you should go for? We’re here to help you make that decision. Read on to see the pros and cons of 10 alternative fuels for vehicles:

10 Alternative Fuel Sources for Vehicles

 

1. Battery Electric

Battery electric cars are already growing in popularity in the UK, and many commercial car parks have designated electric vehicle charging spots. Plus, electric fleets can enjoy the benefits of Chargemate cards.

 

Electric vehicles use a lithium-ion (li-ion) battery, which is rechargeable. This battery is connected to an electric motor (or motors) in the vehicle. When you drive, the battery powers the motor which then powers the wheels.

 

Pros:

  • No exhaust emissions: Although electricity is not always a renewable energy source for vehicles, by operating an electric vehicle you aren’t contributing to exhaust emissions. Plus, studies suggest that electric vehicles emit up to 30% fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared with diesel and petrol vehicles.

  • Fuel savings: In 2020, DirectLine found that the cost of fuelling a petrol car is 58% more expensive than fuelling an electric car.

  • Lower maintenance costs: Typically, there are fewer moving parts in an electric vehicle compared to a vehicle running on petrol or diesel, so you’re less likely to run into mechanical trouble resulting in a hefty bill.

  • Government grants: The Government offers grants for many new electric vehicles, helping you to reduce initial costs.

Cons:

  • Charging: One of the most significant issues drivers have with electric vehicles is the time and planning that goes into charging them. Charging a battery electric vehicle can take a couple of hours, and this wait time can extend if your battery is older.
Black electric car plugged in and charging in a carpark.

2. Plug-in Hybrid

Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) use two sources of energy to power them. Batteries are used to power an electric motor and another fuel, typically petrol or diesel, is used to power an internal combustion engine.

As the name suggest, you plug in your vehicle to recharge the battery with electricity. Once the battery charge runs out, the additional fuel source will power your vehicle for the remainder of your journey.

 

Pros:

  • Reduced carbon emissions: PHEVs run, in part, on electric charge which significantly cuts down on carbon emissions.

  • Model range: PHEVs are a popular option for drivers, meaning there’s a plentiful range of plug-in hybrids to choose from.

Cons:

  • Dead weight: Once the battery charge has run out, you’re carrying around a heavy battery for the duration of your journey. This means your petrol or diesel won’t take you as far as it would in a traditional vehicle. If you’re a sole trader or run a small, local fleet, this may not be as big of an issue for you.


3. Biogas CNG

Biogas CNG is an exciting alternative fuel for vehicles. CNG stands for ‘compressed natural gas’, and it is predominantly made up of methane. Biogas CNG, on the other hand, comes from renewable energy sources, making it a more carbon-friendly option.

Pros:

  • Renewable: Biogas CNG is better for the environment as it is a renewable energy source that doesn’t rely on fossil fuels.

Cons:

  • Expensive upfront costs: There are few vehicles designed to run on Biogas CNG, which makes them a pricier vehicle choice.

  • Lack of infrastructure: In the UK, there are few stations where you can refuel your vehicle with Biogas CNG.

4. Biogas LNG

Biogas LNG is another renewable energy source for vehicles. More specifically, it is a renewable replacement for liquified natural gas (LNG) and is obtained from biogas CNG.

Pros:

  • Highly efficient: Biogas LNG is a highly efficient fuel, making your money go further.

  • Good for long-haul journeys: Unlike electric vehicles, you can refuel a Biogas LNG vehicle in a similar amount of time as it would take you to refuel a petrol or diesel alternative. Plus, it should take you further than an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Cons:

  • Cost: Biogas LNG is generally more expensive than diesel. This is because it’s a newer fuel source and so the mass infrastructure required to lower costs is not fully established.
Steering wheel and dashboard of a vehicle.

5. HVO

HVO, which stands for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is an excellent alternative fuel for vehicles. It’s a liquid diesel product made from 100% renewable raw materials, such as vegetable oils or animal fats, making it a great option for businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Pros:

  • Environmentally-friendly: Not only is HVO a renewable energy source for vehicles, it also emits up to 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Easy to store: If stored correctly, you can store HVO for up to ten times longer than regular diesel without its quality deteriorating.

  • High flashpoint: HVO has a high flashpoint leading to improved safety, storage and handling.

  • No vehicle modification: If your vehicle has a diesel engine, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to modify it for HVO fuel.

Cons:

  • Access: HVO is still relatively new to the fuel market and, as a result, it’s harder to source compared with petrol and diesel. This could easily change as our reliance on petrol and diesel wanes over the coming years.

6. Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a practical alternative fuel source for diesel vehicles. It can be derived from a range of sources, including waste cooking oil, animal fats and rapeseed oil, and it is a carbon neutral energy source. In theory, biodiesel can be used to fuel many diesel engines, either as a straight replacement for regular diesel or blended with regular diesel. However, there are many vehicle manufacturers who are yet to approve the use of biodiesel as a direct replacement for diesel in their engines.

Pros:

  • Greener fuel: Biodiesel can be produced with organic waste products, which has benefits for the environment.

  • High flashpoint: The flashpoint for biodiesel is higher than diesel which makes it safer to transport and store.

  • Engine health: Biodiesel increases the lubricity of fuel. This lubricating effect can reduce wear and tear, improving overall engine health.

Cons:

  • Storage: Biodiesel can prove challenging to store. In temperatures too hot, biodiesel can develop mould. In temperatures too cold, biodiesel can convert to a gel-like consistency.

  • Less fuel efficient: Biodiesel engines are slightly less fuel efficient than diesel engines.

7. Hydrogen
Hydrogen is already being used as an alternative fuel source for vehicles – the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai NEXO are just two example models. The key components in a hydrogen-powered vehicle are the electric motor, hydrogen tank and fuel cell. Hydrogen mixes with oxygen in the fuel cell, and the chemical reaction provides energy to the electrical motor, turning the wheels of the vehicle. H2O is also a product of this reaction, which leaves the vehicle exhaust as water vapour.

Pros:

  • Environmentally friendly: Hydrogen vehicles are locally emission-free because the only exhaust gas is water vapour.

  • Quick charge: Hydrogen vehicles can typically refuel in less than ten or even five minutes. This is much faster compared to electric vehicles.

  • Quiet: Like an electric vehicle, a hydrogen vehicle has minimal engine noise, reducing noise pollution.

Cons:

  • Limited vehicle selection: Hydrogen cars are not hugely popular, and therefore the vehicle models you have to choose from are limited.

  • Difficult to charge: Because hydrogen cars aren’t widely used, it can be difficult to find a fuel station where you can recharge.
Lorry with orange shipping container in motion on the road.
Jarek Kilian/Shutterstock

8. Compressed Air

Compressed air vehicles (CAVs) require a compressed air tank to function. These tanks store compressed air at a high pressure which is released into the engine. Pressure generated from the expanding air in the engine drives the pistons. The most notable CAV is the Tata AirPod, which was a small prototype car developed in India.

Pros:

  • Light: CAVs require fewer internal parts than a petrol or diesel vehicle, plus the engine size can be reduced. As the engine is powered by air, it can be made with lighter materials, such as aluminium. This reduced weight can lower the upfront cost of the vehicle, reduce road damage and minimise maintenance costs.

  • Environmentally-friendly: Air is an abundant, renewable resource. The compressed air tanks are also easier to recycle than batteries.

  • Quick to refill at service stations: When refilling at an air service station, CAVs can be refilled in just a few minutes.

Cons:

  • Energy waste: There is a significant amount of energy wasted when operating a compressed air vehicle, reducing efficiency.

  • Lack of power: CAVs are not currently suitable for travelling at speed or long distances.


9. Ethanol
At present, petrol in the UK contains up to 5% bioethanol – this is known as E5. However, there are plans to introduce an E10 blend, containing 10% bioethanol. Most petrol vehicles can run on this blend without needing to modify any elements of the vehicle.

There are currently no vehicles (other than some motor sport cars) designed to run on 100% ethanol. This is why it’s blended with petrol. In theory, vehicles could run on pure ethanol, but it isn’t practical for burning in cold weather.

Pros:

  • Better for the planet: Blending a higher percentage of bioethanol with petrol is a practical next step for lower carbon dioxide emissions.

  • Accessibility: E10 blends should be readily available at most fuel stations, so you should find it easy to locate a garage.

Cons:

  • Compatibility: Older vehicles won’t be able to function using a higher ethanol blend, putting those with older vehicles at a disadvantage.

  • Reduced fuel economy: E10 is slightly less efficient than E5, which can make a difference if you’re covering a lot of miles on a regular basis.

10. LPG
As we mentioned earlier, LPG stands for liquified petroleum gas. It is a natural by-product of processing natural gas and refining oil and is used as a fuel source of its own. Many petrol vehicles can be converted to LPG vehicles by adding an LPG fuel tank.

Pros:

  • Cheap: The price you pay for LPG typically comes in significantly lower than petrol or diesel, minimising your running costs.

  • Greener fuel choice: Compared with petrol and diesel, LPG offers more environmental benefits; vehicles running on LPG emit less carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide.

Cons:

  • Lack of availability: LPG is not a popular alternative fuel for vehicles in the UK, making it difficult to come by. Most stations don’t offer LPG because the demand isn’t there.

  • Cost of car conversion: Converting your vehicle to be compatible with LPG is likely to set you back at least £1000, a hefty up-front cost.

 

We hope this list of alternative fuels for vehicles will help you when deciding on the future of your vehicle or fleet! As the Government strives to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, it only makes sense that we start learning more about eco-friendly solutions for our businesses.

To keep up to date with industry developments and read more tips on managing your fleet, just take a look at our blog.

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