Hermes Iveco CNG

Hermes has added seven more gas-powered Iveco tractor units to its 400-strong HGV fleet.

The latest batch of 400hp Stralis NP 4x2s will boost the parcel carrier’s all-Iveco compressed natural gas (CNG) HGV tally to 90.

Gas trucks were chosen based on their green credentials, low fuel costs and driver acceptability, said Hermes, with a favourable total cost of ownership compared with diesel.

In addition, the company said the quiet running of the vehicles was an added bonus for operating in urban areas and night-time trunking between depots, as they emit only 71dB(A) when using Silent Mode.

Hermes statistics show that its Iveco Stralis NPs reduce CO2 emissions by more than 80% when running on biomethane compared with a diesel Euro-6 vehicle, resulting in a reduction in excess of 13,500 tonnes of CO2 across its CNG fleet annually. Particulates are also reduced by 99% and NOx by 60%.

“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," explained Mervyn McIntyre, Hermes head of network fleet and vehicle compliance. "Our approach to business is very sustainable and we are proud to champion alternative low carbon fuels to achieve our goal of slashing emissions.”

He added that the majority of new trucks added to the fleet over the past 12-18 months have been CNG instead of diesel, “a policy that is set to continue”.

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CNG Fuels has built a Bio-CNG refuelling station next to the Hermes parcel distribution facility in Warrington, which is the largest of its kind in Europe, capable of refuelling 800 trucks a day.

“The Warrington site was developed to cater for large operators like Hermes who are switching their truck fleets to gas power based on the healthy reductions in emissions and fuel costs,” explained 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 a comparable diesel unit and has an average greenhouse gas emission reduction of around 85% when running on our 100% biomethane fuel.”

CNG Fuels is in the process of developing a nationwide network of Bio-CNG refuelling infrastructure to support operators making the switch from diesel.

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.

“We enjoy working with Hermes by introducing innovation and sustainability into its truck fleet operation," said Gareth Lumsdaine, Iveco truck business line director. "Our trucks are already paying Hermes dividends and by working with external partners like CNG Fuels we are able to help operators realise 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.”