Hermes will be taking delivery of a further seven 400-horsepower Natural Power IVECO Stralis NP 400 4x2s into its 400 strong fleet of tractor units, and now runs the largest Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered fleet in the UK of 90 IVECO vehicles.

Hermes statistics show that the IVECO Stralis NP reduces CO2 emissions by over 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 90-strong CNG fleet annually. Particulates are also reduced by 99% and NOx by 60%.

Hermes opted for CNG because it is the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to diesel for HGVs. 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,”

“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. We are currently in the process of developing a nationwide network of Bio-CNG refueling infrastructure to support fleet operators like Hermes make the switch to this low-carbon fuel,” explained Peter Eaton, CNG Fuels’ general manager.

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.

The Stralis NP is one of the most sustainable heavy trucks for 40-tonne operation with gas tanks mounted on both sides of the chassis, making it perfect for Hermes’ back-to-base trunking operation. Drivers also benefit from a quieter driving experience.

Its maintenance intervals of 75,000km and absence of EGR, SCR, Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) or AdBlue contributes to its low-maintenance advantages for the modern-day operator looking to run a green and cost-efficient truck fleet. The IVECO Cursor 9 NP engine develops 1,700 Nm of torque at between 1,200-1,575rpm coupled to a 12-speed automated transmission, the first to be fitted to a gas-fuelled truck.