Hermes will be taking delivery of a further seven 400HP IVECO Stralis Natural Power (AS440S40T/P NG) 4×2 trucks into its 400 strong fleet of tractor units, and now runs the largest CNG powered fleet in the UK of 90 vehicles, all of which are IVECO. The Stralis NP trucks were chosen based on its green credentials, low fuel costs and driver acceptability. In addition to primary environmental considerations, the company has reported fuel cost savings per truck, making the Stralis NP’s TCO very favorable when compared with diesel.
“We are pioneers in our industry and that extends into the way we run our trucks, which is why we continue to add Stralis NPs to our fleet. Our approach to business is very sustainable and we are proud to champion alternative low carbon fuels to achieve our goal of slashing emissions,” said Mervyn McIntyre, Hermes Head of Network Fleet and Vehicle Compliance. “The Stralis trucks are performing very well and are helping keep our operating costs down as well as emissions and noise pollution.”
CNG Fuels has built a biomethane station next to the Hermes parcel distribution facility in Warrington, which is the largest of its kind in Europe, capable of refueling 800 trucks a day. 100% of the fuel supplied by CNG Fuels is renewable and sustainable biomethane approved under the Department for Transport’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) scheme and is currently sourced from waste feedstocks, such as food waste.
“The Warrington site was developed to cater for large operators like Hermes who are switching their truck fleets to gas based on the healthy reductions in emissions and fuel costs,” commented Peter Eaton, CNG Fuels’ general manager. “Our latest evaluation shows that typically a single CNG truck can achieve a fuel cost saving of between £20,000-£25,000 per annum when compared to an equivalent diesel unit and has an average greenhouse gas emission reduction of around 85% when running on our 100% biomethane. We are currently in the process of developing a nationwide network of bio-CNG refueling infrastructure to support fleet operators like Hermes make the switch to this low-carbon fuel.”
“We are now the largest CNG-powered fleet by choice made possible by working with forward-thinking partners such as IVECO, CFS Glasgow and CNG Fuels,” added McIntyre. “The majority of new trucks we have added to our fleet over the past 12-18 months have been CNG instead of diesel, a policy that is set to continue.”
The Stralis NP continues to be one of the most sustainable heavy trucks for 40-ton operation with natural gas tanks mounted on both sides of the chassis, making it perfect for Hermes’ back-to-base trunking operation. Drivers also benefit from a quieter driving experience. “We enjoy working with Hermes by introducing innovation and sustainability into its fleet operation. Our trucks are already paying Hermes dividends and by working with external partners like CNG Fuels we are able to help operators realize that gas power is a proven technology that is a reality today for heavy truck operation, and a reality that can benefit the environment, their green credentials and their bottom line,” said Gareth Lumsdaine, IVECO Truck Business Line Director.
Sustainability has become an even greater focus for Hermes as it continues to reduce the emissions and noise pollution of its fleet, particularly when operating in urban areas and trunking between depots at night.
Source: Iveco UK
