TNT Express France is testing a biofuel for its delivery vehicles to cut down on CO2 emissions. Thefuel – known as B30 – could be introduced nationwide if tests are successful.
B30 is a biofuel composed of methyl ester from vegetable oil (30%), extracted out of colzaoil (a kind of rape oil), and of diesel (70%). Using it allows a 20% reduction in CO2 emissionsgenerated by a standard vehicle and thus reduces local pollution, TNT Express said.
TNT Express launched the B30 biofuel tests in September 2007 with two lorries at its depot atMaxville (near Nancy) where its Eastern Region main office is situated. The tests were extended toeight light-duty pick-up and delivery vehicles last month.
The study, which will last at Maxville for six months, will enable TNT to evaluate if thissolution is feasible at an operational level and to assess the financial impact (carbon consumptionand maintenance costs). The tests will also examine the performance of the vehicles with this typeof fuel, especially as an alternative to diesel.
The first results are already promising for lorries as well as for light-duty vehicles, TNTpointed out. If the final results turn out to be positive, TNT Express France could decide todeploy B30 in its 13 operational centres across France this year.
