Royal Mail is adding 29 gas powered trucks, fuelled by bio-compressed natural gas (Bio-CNG), to its fleet. The trucks will be introduced to the fleet in the North West of England, in addition to the two already in operation.

It has been 117 years since Royal Mail first experimented with using mechanical vehicles to deliver the mail, and the first vehicle used was also gas (steam) driven when a second-hand traction engine was purchased in 1904, following trials between steam, electric or ‘oil driven’ motors.

The 40 tonne HGVs are similar in size and look to a conventional Royal Mail truck but are significantly quieter. They also emit roughly 84 per cent less CO2e than a typical diesel-fuelled vehicle of this size whilst being significantly more cost effective than diesel and offering a 99 per cent reduction in particulate matter.

The vehicles can travel up to 400 miles at a time and are designed to help Royal Mail transport letters and parcels securely, while reducing any associated carbon emissions.

The expansion of gas-powered trucks in Royal Mail’s fleet follows a successful trial in 2017, and the subsequent introduction of two trucks in 2019-20. The use of these two vehicles alone is saving the Company an estimated 107 tonnes of CO2e per year, compared to those they replaced.

Philip Fjeld, CEO of CNG Fuels said: “CNG Fuels is delighted to support Royal Mail's continued rollout of Bio-CNG trucks, through our rapidly expanding network of large public-access Bio-CNG stations. By running on our 100 per cent renewable and sustainable biomethane fuel, Royal Mail will achieve more than 85 per cent reduction in GHG emissions.”

Royal Mail operates the largest fleet in the country with more than 48,000 vehicles including 295 electric vans.

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