Hermes commits to CNG trucks and electric delivery vans

Delivery firm Hermes has ordered 30 trucks that will be powered by bio-CNG, making them the first parcel carrier to have ordered a fleet of HGV tractor units running fully on renewable biomethane. Hermes is also introducing 32 electric vans to service the central London area, inside the low emission zone.
 
The new electric fleet will be housed at Gemini Park in Beckton and will serve more than 100 delivery rounds inside the low emission zone.
 
The CNG for 30 new Iveco HGV tractor units provided by Cartwright Group will be supplied by CNG Fuels. Each of these vehicles is expected to reduce the Hermes fleet’s Green House Gas emissions by more than 80% compared to a diesel vehicle, resulting in a reduction of 4,500 tons of CO2 across the 30 CNG vehicle fleet per year.
 
The tractor units were introduced following a six month trial and will be based at the Hermes hub in Rugby, which is near to the CNG refuelling station.

Hermes is working towards reducing CO2 emissions by 50% by 2020 and the addition of CNG and electric vehicles to the fleet will move Hermes closer to this target.
 
Martijn de Lange, CEO of Hermes UK, said: “We’re proud of our strides forward in sustainability as we become the first parcel carrier to invest in bio fuels for our fleet. This, plus the additional investment in our electric vehicles, will not only support our clients in achieving their sustainability goals, but also ultimately benefit people across the UK as we all look to reduce our carbon footprint. As a parcel carrier delivering within central London, we are committed to helping improve air quality in the capital and supporting London on its path to a zero emission future, so we look forward to continuing to collaborate with Transport for London.”
 
Alex Williams, TfL’s Director of City Planning, said: “London’s toxic air is a public health crisis that affects everyone, which is why we’re doing all we can to tackle it.

“We are delighted that Hermes has taken action to reduce emissions from their fleet, in preparation for the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone, which begins next April. Businesses like Hermes have an important role to play in helping us clean up the city’s air and these electric vans will bring health benefits, not only to their drivers, but people across London.”