Following news this month that the date for phasing out the sale of cars and vans powered by fossil fuel has been pushed back by the government by five years to 2035, a recent survey carried out by the BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) suggests that the UK is also “falling behind” its schedule to phase out the sale of new commercial vehicles powered by internal combustion engines (ICE).
In its latest Industry Outlook survey, the trade association found that 88% of its members think the UK is behind schedule on its phase-out targets for HGVs. The survey results showed that zero respondents believe that the UK is ahead of schedule for the phase-out targets for HGVs.
As the policy currently stands, the government plans to end the sale of new, non-zero emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) less than or equal to 26 tonnes from 2035, and all new non-zero emission HGVs from 2040.
The UK market for new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) has recovered well since the pandemic. According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), registrations of new HGVs (of all fuel types) grew by just over 17% in the first half of 2023 to 22,691 units, which exceeded typical pre-pandemic levels. Rising demand from operators and the easing of manufacturer supply chain restrictions contributed to the increase, which is the fifth successive quarter uptick in registrations. The positive market also demonstrates the confidence of HGV operators in renewing their fleets with the latest fuel efficient trucks with electric and hydrogen HGVs representing 0.4% of the market, up from 0.3% in Q1 this year.
However, the SMMT states that gradual zero emission vehicle uptake is tempered by the urgent need to deliver HGV-dedicated public charging and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure, currently absent on UK roads, as well as the necessary depot infrastructure.
Some of the UK’s largest fleet operators are calling on the government to set ambitious sales targets for zero emission vehicle (ZEVs) sales in the lead up to the ban. Known as the ZEV Mandate, the plans are currently under consideration by legislators and would require manufacturers to sell a certain proportion of EVs as part of their overall vehicle sales. Those that fail to hit the targets could face fines.
“The fleet sector has always led the way in adopting new technologies and bringing cleaner, greener vehicles to our roads,” said BVRLA chief executive, Gerry Keaney. “The diverse nature of the commercial vehicle sector means that there is no silver bullet when it comes to decarbonisation. A range of solutions are required to meet what are often unique use cases.”
With road transport producing around 16% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions according to DfT data, decarbonisation is of particular significance to HGV operators. Research from Logistics UK highlights that almost 90% of logistics firms are considering decarbonising their vehicle fleets through a range of measures, including the introduction of ultra-low emission HGVs. In addition, positive steps are being achieved in the UK’s diesel HGV parc to ensuring that trucks are compliant with Euro VI emissions regulations. This now accounts for over 70% of the total number of HGVs on the road, according to Logistics UK.
Euro VI trucks are fitted with diesel particulate filters (DPFs) as part of the vehicle’s exhaust after treatment system (EATS), which prevents noxious particulate matter, such as soot and ash, from entering the atmosphere. During normal operation, these by-products of diesel combustion accumulate in the DPF. To ensure the filter performs efficiently, a DPF ‘regeneration’ process occurs at certain intervals, where the engine has to work harder to add extra heat into the exhaust system, in order to burn off the soot deposits.
Ash deposits, however, also build up in the DPF over time but these cannot be burnt off through regeneration. When a filter becomes saturated, typically at intervals of around 100,000km, the ash must be removed off-vehicle, via a professional cleaning process and this is where Ceramex supports the HGV industry, not just in the UK but internationally, through its partnerships in the USA, Japan and India.
According to years of research and experience by Ceramex, a lack of cleaning can result in significant damage to the EATS, due to an increase in exhaust back pressure, as well as causing an increase in fuel consumption and probable decrease in engine power.
Processing some 2,000 HGV DPF units per week from its 67,000 square-foot Reading facility, Ceramex provides HGV fleets with an exchange-based service, where batches of dirty DPFs are collected from customers in the UK and overseas and replaced with fully cleaned and remanufactured ‘truck ready’ units, on a scheduled basis. This fast turnaround, contract-based approach minimises vehicle downtime and offers customers value through economies of scale and a planned approach to HGV DPF cleaning, which ensures vehicles run efficiently. Alongside HGVs, Ceramex also offers DPF cleaning for a range of sectors including off-highway vehicles, powered industrial equipment and marine applications.
Ceramex’s patented Xpurge® cleaning process, which uses an innovative combination of de-ionised water and compressed air, removes accumulated soot and ash deposits within the DPF. Xpurge® collects the particulate matter in aqueous suspension, which eliminates any risk of noxious particulates entering the atmosphere. This process is unique to Ceramex across the world. After cleaning, Ceramex’s patented Veritex® technology provides a detailed internal inspection of the DPF, to prove the results of the cleaning process and give customers reassurance as to the quality of the returned filter.
Taking an environmentally responsible approach to waste removal and disposal, Ceramex is also the only specialist HGV DPF cleaning provider which has an onsite treatment plant that safely removes the particulate matter form the water. The solid matter is safely disposed of by a government licensed third party, in accordance with environment regulations, and the waste water is cleaned and returned to the mains supply.
To find out more about how Ceramex can add value to your HGV fleet operation, please get in touch with us.
