The RAC is trialling 100% renewable hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as an alternative fuel to power its recovery trucks.

If the trial is a success the motoring organisation could roll out the use of HVO across its fleet.

The RAC has installed an HVO tank at its headquarters in Walsall to store the fuel, which can generate a reduction of up to 85% in CO2 emissions.

It will be used to run the seven recovery trucks based at Walsall and is hoped could save up to 300,000kg of CO2 per year*.

The RAC has chosen fuel distributor Certas Energy as its HVO supplier.

The HVO from Certas Energy is made from 100% renewable raw materials and sustainable waste from verified vegetable fats and oils, making it ideal for use in both on and off-road commercial vehicles and machinery.

Certas Energy MD Steve Little said: ”Our collaboration with the RAC marks a significant milestone in actively reducing carbon emissions across the UK’s roadside assistance fleet.

“Transitioning to HVO is a great short- and medium-term solution to drastically reduce carbon emissions as the transport sector continues to transition to electric vehicles. This trial with the RAC demonstrates our shared commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.

“Building on the remarkable market momentum we’ve been a part of in the last two years, with increasing demand for renewable diesel/HVO, we’re delighted that our partnerships are showcasing how renewable fuels play a vital role in the UK’s journey to net zero.”

RAC fleet manager Matt Hilliar said: “This is an exciting project which will deliver both environmental and business benefits.

“If the trial continues to be as successful as the early indications show, we will explore using HVO more widely.”

 

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