National Grid HVO trial cuts fleet emissions nearly 90 per cent

A recent trial has seen more than 100 National Grid vehicles adopting the fuel, which is derived from used cooking oils, tallows and other recyclable waste. The Boston fleet enables linespersons, engineers and technicians to fix faults, restore power, and undertake maintenance across Lincolnshire.

According to National Grid, the average monthly mileage covered by the vehicles using HVO is 1,100 miles, with the biofuel used as a drop-in replacement for diesel. It’s claimed HVO could be a vital tool in decarbonising National Grid’s operations, particularly for off-road HGVs like the Mercedes Unimogs in National Grid’s fleet, where electrification is not yet an option.

“As the country’s largest distribution network operator, we have one of the largest fleets in the UK, and we are working tirelessly to deliver more electric vehicles each year where suitable alternatives exist,” said Christopher Mayell, transport manager at National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED).