Waitrose has launched a commercial vehicle fleet powered by compressed natural gas biomethane. The ten trucks, built by Scania, are supplied with the renewable fuel by CNG Fuels.
Waitrose first put the new trucks on the road last month – and are used for deliveries to stores in the North and Midlands. According to CNG Fuels, the trucks can always run enti
rely on biomethane, and which is “35 per cent to 40 per cent cheaper than diesel and emits 70 per cent less CO2.”
The cost of the vehicle alone is 50 per cent more than a standard diesel truck, but according to the company, a truck will repay extra costs in two to three years with fuel savings or £15,000 – £20,000 a year.
The CNG trucks are predicted to operate for at least five more years, generating savings of £75,000 to £100,000 compared to diesel.
“With Europe’s most advanced CNG trucks, we will be able to make deliveries to our stores without having to refuel away from base,” said Justin Laney, general manager, central transport, John Lewis Partnership.
“Using biomethane will deliver significant environmental and operational benefits to our business. It’s much cleaner and quieter than diesel, and we can run five gas trucks for the same emissions as one diesel lorry.”
Philip Fjeld, chief executive of CNG Fuels, said: “High pressure carbon-fibre fuel tanks demolish the ‘range anxiety’ concerns that have made many hauliers reluctant to move away from diesel to CNG. Renewable biomethane is far cheaper and cleaner than diesel, and, with a range of up to 500 miles, it is a game-changer for road transport operators.”
