BOC has taken the UK’s first ADR-compliant dual-fuel vehicle. The device is able to run on conventional diesel or liquefied natural gas (LNG) and can now be seen on the roads of the North West of England.
For Richard Gearing, BOC’s Director of Operations and Distribution, this is part of a long term plan. “One of our guiding principles at BOC is to do no harm to people or the environment. So we are keen to look at any opportunities to incorporate more environmentally friendly technologies across our business. However, they have to be robust and reliable which is why we test them extensively before committing ourselves to them. If the new vehicle trials prove successful, we will look for greater opportunities to introduce dual-fuel vehicles within our fleet.”
The ADR regulations are stringent legislative requirements that vehicles must meet before they are approved for the carriage of dangerous goods. BOC, a member of The Linde Group, supplies industrial and medical gases. Many of these supplies are ‘business-critical’ for the company’s customers. Failure to deliver could have significant consequences for their businesses or services. For this reason, any decision to switch to new technology must be based on rigorous reliability testing. Hence, the new vehicle is currently being put through its paces.
LNG-powered trucks emit significantly less pollutants to vehicles fuelled by ordinary means. The BOC vehicle is currently transporting hydrogen to customers and is expected to emit up to 65% less nitrogen oxides compared to conventional drive-trains, and no heavy metals or soot particles. Furthermore, burning natural gas will reduce CO2 emissions by around 20%, while noise pollution is also reduced thanks to the quieter engine.
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