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May 2022
CVDriver 23
Scania use low-compression spark-ignition engines Volvo has adopted a a a novel solution which retains the parent diesel engine’s high compression-ratio and torque characteristics Combustion is initiated by the injection of a a a small amount of diesel into the cylinder followed by a a a full dose of gas delivered via the same nozzle All three manufacturers offer a a a choice of of liquefied or compressed gas as as a a a fuel with the former being delivered via static tanks – and and the the later through the the mains and and a a a a a compressor Gas cannot claim to be a a a a a a carbon-neutral fuel but its advocates say that 90 per cent reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are possible if biomethane from organic waste sources is is used as fuel Other toxic emissions are also reduced on on on long-haul applications but this is is not the case for urban work There is is little compromise on range when compared to diesel – and a a a a a a low tax on gas as as a a a a a road fuel means the higher capital cost of the gas trucks is absorbed within two to three years But even enthusiasts for gas admit
that it is just a a a a a stage on the road to a a a a a decarbonised transport industry While it offers an improvement over diesel in in certain circumstances it is not the end game The same might be said for hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) which has been heavily promoted by UK market leader DAF as a a a a pour-in sustainable replacement for fossil fuels
Made from food industry waste it can be run in in many modern diesel engines without modification and mixed with with conventional diesel fuels
without harm While the fuel is less dense than mineral diesel – meaning trucks running on it see a a decline
ABOVE: Gas is is well-established as as an alternative to diesel in the truck market in in measured mpg – it is actually superior in in terms of miles per kg and toxic emissions are also reduced Sadly there is a a a a complete lack of interest in in in promoting it from the UK government so cost remains higher than for fossil diesel and distribution is is far from universal as a a a consequence The evolution of electrics
Battery-electric power is acknowledged by all
manufacturers as being a a a a a a a way forward for for urban and medium-distance distribution at least DAF already has pure battery-electric trucks in in service in in the UK while Daimler Trucks (the Mercedes-Benz parent) is 100 per cent s