Hermes places bumper 30-strong order of CNG-powered IVECO Stralis NPs

Hermes has ordered 30 compressed natural gas-powered (CNG) IVECO Stralis NPs after a successful six-month trial.

The parcels firm said each truck is expected to reduce the fleet’s greenhouse gas emissions by around 80% compared with a conventional diesel counterpart. This equates to around 4,500 tonnes of CO2 per year.

The trucks have been supplied by Cartwright Fleet Services and will be based at Hermes’ super hub in Rugby, Warwickshire.

They will be running on biomethane supplied by CNG Fuels, which is certified under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation scheme.

Making the move to CNG tractor units forms part of Hermes’ wider strategy to reduce CO2 emissions across the business by 50% by 2020.

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The parcels carrier has also announced its commitment to rolling out electric vehicles UK-wide following a two-month trial of 32 electric vans from its Beckton, east London hub.

Martijn de Lange, CEO of Hermes UK, said: “We’re proud of our strides forward in sustainability as we become the first parcel carrier to invest in bio fuels for our fleet.

“This, plus the additional investment in our electric vehicles, will not only support our clients in achieving their sustainability goals, but also ultimately benefit people across the UK as we all look to reduce our carbon footprint.”

Peter Eaton, general manager of CNG Fuels, said: “It’s fantastic to see one of the largest UK parcel delivery companies move so confidently and significantly in to this technology after recognising the multiple benefits of running vehicles on 100% waste-derived, renewable and sustainable biomethane fuel.”