UK: Waitrose launches fleet of biomethan CNG-powered trucks

British supermarket chain Waitrose will have Europe’s “most advanced” fleet of CNG -powered trucks.

CNG Fuels, a supplier of renewable biomethane fuel, and Waitrose have introduced a fleet of CNG-powered trucks with a range of up to 500 miles.

They will use modern technology developed jointly with Scania and Agility Fuel Solutions, the leading CNG fuel systems and cylinders company in North America.

According to CNG Fuels, it also makes it easier for fleet operators to switch to renewable biomethane CNG, the most cost-effective and lowest carbon alternative to diesel for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

“Each of Waitrose’s new CNG trucks costs 50% more than one which runs on diesel, but will repay the extra costs in two to three years with fuel savings of £15,000 to £20,000 a year depending on mileage,” says CNG Fuels.

Ten new Scania-manufactured CNG trucks entered operation for Waitrose in January and will be used to make deliveries to the company’s stores in the Midlands and the North of the UK.

They are the first in Europe to use twin 26-inch diameter carbon fibre fuel tanks which store gas at 250 bar of pressure to increase range from around 300 miles to as much as 500, according to CNG Fuels.