Renewable fuels
Making transport more sustainable
Electrification is an increasingly important tool for making transport more sustainable, but it cannot achieve the necessary decarbonisation alone. Sustainable bio-fuels are often a both cost and CO2 efficient solution – and sometimes the only viable option for some transport applications and markets.
Scania develops and provides the largest portfolio of engines on the market that can run on alternatives to fossil fuels, like biodiesel, HVO and Liquefied or compressed biogas. All of our Euro 5 and 6 engines can run on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), while nearly all our vehicles can run on FAME biodiesel. We have developed this portfolio for more than 25 years.
In the transport sector, biofuels can make an almost instant contribution to decarbonisation. According to a recent study by “Stockholm Environmental Institute, biofuels are vital for decarbonising heavy duty transport over the next decades, both for new and rolling fleets.
The supply of biogas for the transport sector is increasing rapidly, mainly using the existing gas infrastructure for distribution, which makes the transition from natural gas to biogas smooth and cost efficient. Scania is working closely with our partners in the energy sector to scale up the availability of biogas for our customers.
CO2 reduction figures
The CO2 reduction will vary depending on fuel quality, as well as different driving environments and applications. Therefore, we present an interval for the CO2 reduction and then add a more typical case with a footnote as showed below: "CO2 reduction compared to diesel, from a well-to-wheel perspective."
When communicating on a general level about Scania's different alternatives to fossil diesel combustion engines, we use these figures:
- Biogas (methane): 50-90%, typically 80%*
- Biodiesel-FAME: 50-80%, typically 60%
- HVO: 50-90%, typically 83%*
*from waste-based feedstock
Biomethane
Biomethane (also known as “renewable natural gas” or RNG) can be produced from a number of sources, and the most sustainable and cost efficient way is to use local sewage or organic waste. Using some types of waste, like e.g. manure, is a througly sustainable and circular solution that could even result in a CO2 reduction of more than 100%. Biogas consists of the same molecule as natural gas, but biogas is renewable and natural gas is fossil. The two can be used in parallel.
- CNG is compressed natural gas.
- LNG is liquefied natural gas.
Reduction rate: Normally between 50- 90%, typically around 80%*
*C02 reduction compared to diesel, from a well-to-wheel perspective.
HVO
HVO can be made from different sources - such as waste oil, rape seed oil, waste cooking oil and animal fat waste. Using these sources of energy has a great impact on the total greenhouse gas savings.
Reduction rate: Normally between 50- 90%, typically around 83%.*
*C02 reduction compared to diesel, from a well-to-wheel perspective.
Biodiesel / FAME
The supply of sustainable biodiesel is primarily being used for low- blending in diesel, or in a pure 100% form.
Reduction rate: Normally between 50- 80%, typically around 60%.*
*C02 reduction compared to diesel, from a well-to-wheel perspective.
Hybrid
The hybrid has a combination of an electrical driveline and a traditional combustion engine. This greatly reduces the fuel consumption, that in turn leads to lower CO2-emissions. It also reduces noise, which can give the hybrid vehicle special benefits, like permission to operate in cities during early mornings, late evenings, or nights. Off-peak deliveries offer several other benefits such as increased efficiency, reduction of driving time, better working conditions for drivers and it also increases the use of the vehicle.
The plug-in version makes it possible to start your day’s work in electric mode - fully charged. Then complimentary charging can also be carried out during a driver's shift, e.g. while parked for loading or unloading, or while resting.
The hybrid enables a fuel saving of typically 15 – 40%, depending on specification and type of operation. This of course saves money, but also reduces CO2 emissions. By also using a renewable fuel, like biodiesel/FAME or HVO, CO2 savings will be even higher, even over 90%*, compared to fossil diesel operation.
*C02 reduction compared to diesel, from a well-to-wheel perspective.