DPD UK switches HGV fleet to biodiesel

• 14 November 2022
• Transport / Logistics Services

La Groupe La Poste owned delivery company DPD UK has announced it is to switch its HGV fleet over to Gd HVO biodiesel in partnership with integrated energy provider, Essar and Green Biofuels Ltd.

Gd HVO is a hydrotreated vegetable oil based biodiesel that can be used in diesel engines without any alterations to the engine. The companies say it is made from renewable feedstocks and contains a specially designed performance additive to ensure cleanliness and optimum combustion throughout the fuel system.

According to DPD, Gd HVO can cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared fossil fuel diesel. It also claims that particulates are reduced by 80% and nitrogen oxides by 20%. Where the particulates and NOx reductions are measurable, the idea that greenhouse gas emissions are reduced is somewhat greenwash as it still involves the combustion of the fuel and emission of those gases even if ‘reabsorbed’ during the lifecycle of the plants used for vegetable oil production.

DPD aim to have moved over 60% of its 1,600 strong HGV fleet to Gd HVO diesel by the end of 2022. The remaining vehicles will be switched by the end of 2023.

Justin Pegg, Chief Operating Officer at DPD commented, “This is a very significant step in the journey to decarbonising our entire fleet and achieving our aim of being the most sustainable parcel delivery company in the UK. While we are well on the way to electrifying our delivery van fleet, the HGV linehaul fleet has always been a very different challenge. We have assessed a range of options and it is clear now that this is the most effective and practical way to make a real difference. While there may be different solutions in years to come, we must start this process now by making our existing vehicles significantly cleaner.”