DAF to showcase vegetable oil powered truck at LoCity conference

By Matt de Prez

4 September 2018

DAF Trucks is promoting the use of clean burning HVO (Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil) fuel at this year’s LoCity Annual Conference.

The company’s Showtrekker hospitality unit and new XF low-deck tractor combination heads to the Kempton Park Racecourse venue powered by the new ultra-clean fuel.

Joining DAF Trucks on its exhibition stand will be a new CF 480 8x2 rear-steer drawbar on loan from national generator supplier Power Electrics – also travelling to LoCity under HVO power.

HVO is an aromatic-free paraffinic diesel marketed as Green D by renewable fuels specialist, Green Biofuels.

It delivers up to a 90%, or greater, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from well-to-wheel compared to conventional diesel.

Use of HVO requires no vehicle modifications or changes to service intervals.

DAF Trucks’ entire range of LF, CF and XF is certified for use of HVO fuels.

Power Electrics, a supplier of power generators, is partnering with Green Biofuels to supply mobile fuel bowsers and bulk storage fuel-tanks. These self-contained transportable fuel storage tanks can enable operators keen to evaluate HVO alongside conventional diesel to do so with ease.

Power Electrics is using HVO to power its generators at music festivals and other outdoor events where environmental protection is high on the agenda, as well as for its fleet of HGVs.

“HVO is going to see a step-change in how conventional diesel engines are fuelled,” said John Pullin, director at Power Electrics, “we now market our generator products alongside the green credentials provided by HVO. We are using HVO in our DAF fleet, which totals 28 units, and includes specialist multi-axle configurations with cranes. When running on HVO we are achieving a 90% reduction in our carbon emissions as well as improving air quality; and we don’t have to worry about chassis packaging, vehicle range or any of the other complications associated with other alternative fuels.”

DAF Trucks has also seen impressive results following an intensive nine-month trial with 50 New LF 230 fridge trucks fuelled with Shell GTL Fuel in service with Brakes, a leading supplier to the foodservice sector. The trial delivered significant air quality improvements including a 47% reduction in NOx emissions.

“Heavy-duty Euro VI-compliant diesel engines already emit very low levels of NOx and particulates,” said DAF Trucks marketing manager Phil Moon, “and by operating on clean-burning HVO and GTL, combustion is more efficient, even cleaner, and emissions are further reduced. By using HVO, which is produced from renewable feedstocks, the net well-to-wheel carbon savings are very significant.”