Asda Scales Gas Fleet Fast, with Huge Volvo FH LNG Order
by Martin Tomlinson (Volvo Trucks) Asda is taking delivery of 202 Volvo FH LNG tractor units in the run-up to Christmas peak trading, in what is believed to be the single largest order ever placed in the UK for heavy trucks running on renewable fuels.
The supermarket has ambitions to transition its core fleet of 1,000 tractor units from diesel to gas by 2024, after in-house trials showed running on biomethane reduced CO2 emissions by more than 80 per cent. The delivery also sees Volvo’s share of Asda’s fleet more than double in size to one third.
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The bulk of the new trucks will remain in service until January 2026 – 12 months longer than Asda’s typical replacement cycle for diesel vehicles.
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Sharing more details about the successful trial phase, he adds: “Our drivers in Avonmouth have really supported the transition. They love the Volvos and have found that running on gas is smoother and quieter than diesel, and there’s none of the range anxiety you can get with some of the other current alternative fuel options.”
The longest run covered by Asda’s 4x2s is a return trip of 380 miles, which is comfortably achieved with a quarter tank of biomethane remaining. At 44-tonnes, the 6x2s with double-deck trailers are covering up to 350 miles between refills, which fits Asda’s route network perfectly. Refuelling is provided by Air Liquide and Gasrec, via a mix of on-site and open-access facilities.
The FH LNGs each benefit from Volvo’s unique approach to gas engine technology, using small amounts of diesel to initiate ignition of the air-fuel mixture. READ MORE
Air Liquide to Expand U.K.’s Biomethane Fueling Network (NGT News)
Air Liquide steps up its biomethane activity in the UK with a major contract with ASDA (Air Liquide)
Air Liquide builds six biogas stations for UK leading supermarket chain (NGV Journal)
Air Liquide to install, operate six biomethane stations for ASDA (Bioenergy Insight)
