National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) has slashed emissions from its Boston fleet by replacing diesel with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).
Results of a trial of the drop-in fuel on some non-electric vehicles have shown an 89% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and NGED is now using the fuel in over 100 vehicles across the county, with an average monthly mileage of 1,100.
HVO fuel is a fossil-free alternative to diesel, derived from used cooking oils, tallows and other recyclable waste.
Combined with the 1,000 electric vehicles – including 400 commercial vans and 600 cars – already in operation across the communities that NGED serves, HVO is helping to drastically reduce the impact that its Lincolnshire team has on the environment and air quality in the county.
NGED, the country’s largest distribution network operator, said the trial showed the important role HVO could play in decarbonising fleet – particularly for vehicles that are hard to electrify such as the Mercedes Unimogs HGVs on the fleet.
The company is also working to decarbonise its fleet in an innovative new project with Škoda and vehicle conversion company Strongs, which has seen 70 Škoda Enyaqs fully electric SUVs converted into light commercial vehicles with all-terrain capability.
Christopher Mayell, NGED transport manager, said: “As the country’s largest distribution network operator, we have one of the largest fleets in the UK, and we are working tirelessly to deliver more electric vehicles each year where suitable alternatives exist.
“Of course, there are some vehicles where electric alternatives are simply not yet available, but our ambition is to be an industry leader in fleet decarbonisation. Trialling HVO in Boston is a step in the right direction to decarbonise where suitable electric vehicles alternatives are not available. This supports National Grid Electricity Distribution to find innovative ways to decarbonise our operations.”
