Diesel on the decline: alternative drives at NUFAM
At NUFAM, alternative drives for commercial vehicles will once again play a major role – from electricity or hydrogen to gas and HVO. The transport industry is increasingly taking advantage of what is on offer. A brief foray through German vehicle fleets
The Waldbach Group, based in Melle, has been operating 17 Iveco natural gas vehicles since 2018. They run on biogas and compressed natural gas (CNG) and cover around 80,000 kilometres per year and truck. The project is considered a success both technically and financially. Both fuels produce lower emissions than diesel and reduce CO₂ and particulate matter.
CNG is a fossil fuel
The difference between biogas and CNG (compressed natural gas) lies in their origin and environmental balance, although they are chemically similar. Biogas is produced by fermenting organic waste such as liquid manure, plant residues or food waste. CNG is fossil natural gas that is compressed under high pressure. When used as a fuel, biogas can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90 per cent compared to conventional diesel. CNG is cleaner than diesel, but as a fossil fuel it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Bio-CNG is neutral
Without any technical modifications, lorries powered by CNG can also use processed biogas (known as bio-CNG) as a fuel, as the chemical composition is almost identical. Many logistics companies therefore use biogas as an environmentally friendly alternative to power their existing CNG vehicles in a CO₂-neutral way. In addition to the Waldbach Group, the Messing haulage company from Coesfeld has also converted part of its fleet to biogas.
LNG for long-distance travel
Another player among alternative drives is liquefied natural gas (LNG), a form of natural gas that is liquefied by cooling to -162°C. Thanks to its high energy density, a full tank can cover up to 1,600 kilometres. Duvenbeck, based in Bocholt, converted part of its fleet to LNG as early as 2019. Since the existing LNG tractor units can also be operated with liquefied biomethane (bio-LNG) without technical modifications, Duvenbeck converted them to biogas.
Easy entry with HVO
Hydrogenated vegetable oil – better known as HVO – is also gaining importance in the transport sector. This alternative fuel can be used to reduce CO₂ emissions with conventional diesel trucks without the need for further fleet investments. After positive experiences in a pilot project, Duvenbeck has converted parts of its truck fleet to HVO100 and secured corresponding quotas. The logistics company Dachser has also introduced HVO and has been able to achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions as a result. Grieshaber Logistik, based in Weingarten, has also been refuelling with the plant diesel HVO100 since July 2024. The same applies to the haulage company Brucker from Aalen and Hammer Advanced Logistics from Aachen.
Pabst under power
More and more transport companies are already integrating battery-electric trucks into their fleets. Pabst Transport, based in Gochsheim, put two Volvo FH electric semitrailer tractors into operation in April 2023. These vehicles are mainly used for regional transport on routes up to 300 km. Craiss from Mühlacker is also on the road electrically: in August 2024, the company expanded its fleet with twelve electric trucks from Mercedes-Benz. Ten eActros 600 are used in regular German service, while two eActros 300 are intended for short distances in Austria. Hellmann Worldwide Logistics put two fully electric 40-tonne Volvo swap body trucks into operation in May 2024. These vehicles are used on routes between Osnabrück and Bremen.