The Different Types Of Diesel Alternatives For Freight Businesses

The freight and logistics industry is booming. While it has been steadily growing for some time, one of the many impacts of the pandemic and international rolling lockdowns is the new massively enhanced demand for e-commerce. However, even as lockdown regulations begin to lighten, we can expect dramatic growth to continue for this industry; the comfort in the convenience of e-commerce will keep raising demand as time goes on. 

Unfortunately, the massive increase in logistics also means that the industry is now responsible for a larger than acceptable carbon footprint; if businesses don’t find diesel alternatives to rely on, that won’t further harm the environment. 

Fortunately, there are several options for you to consider if you run a freight business. And if you aren’t too sure which fuel alternative is best or what your options are, we’ve listed the top choices along with their pros and cons, enabling you to make an informed decision when switching from harmful fossil fuels to a greener fuel alternative. 

HVO Fuel

The majority of modern diesel engine vehicles can use HVO fuel. And because the world fast realizes the severity of the global environmental crisis, the world is collectively striving to achieve a net-zero target for harmful emissions. And this makes HVO fuel the most relevant diesel alternative out there, as it enables businesses to lower harmful emissions by up to a staggeringly impressive 90%. 

So, while other alternatives will enable you to use fewer fossil fuels, HVO fuels will allow you to use none whatsoever. And even though hydrotreated vegetable oil has been around for some time, many assume that this fuel cannot deliver sufficient power to vehicles. However, the only relevant downfall of HVO fuel is that the price is slightly higher than fossil fuel diesel. 

That said, it’s genuinely a small price to pay to help save the environment. And you won’t have to invest in an entirely new fleet as your diesel engine vehicles are perfectly suitable when switching to HVO fuel. 

Electric

Electric vehicles are a top choice for freight businesses. Even though the initial purchase price will be something to weigh in when making a decision, you can save on fuel costs substantially over time. Therefore, the switch will bring about ongoing fuel savings, so you’ll have your investment back in your pocket in no time.

The maintenance costs of electric cars are also pretty low, while repairs are much less frequently necessary. So you will also save in these areas of running a fleet. And there’s also a wide range of road cars, cans suitable for commercial use, and other electric vehicles to choose from, so there’s probably something perfect for your specific type of business. 

The only major downfall of electric vehicles is that not many have a significantly long drive distance per charge, so businesses that don’t just make local deliveries will have to consider solutions, such as route options with charging points. 

That said, we can expect massive growth and new exciting developments from the world of electric cars. So, it’s safe to say that the high purchase price and somewhat short drive time probably won’t be relevant downfalls for too long. 

Hybrid Electric

Hybrid electric refers to vehicles that are partially powered by diesel and partially powered by electricity. And switching to these vehicles will slash your fuel prices in half. What’s more, if you decide to use HVO fuel in place of regular diesel, you’ll be reducing emissions substantially. 

The only notable downfall with this decision is the cost of investing in a new fleet. However, the hybrid system reduces fuel consumption while reducing emissions, so it remains a viable solution for freight businesses. 

Making A Change To Grow Your Business

Because cleaner air has become a pressing demand on a global scale, businesses that make changes to achieve a zero-emissions status will appeal more to their target audiences. And as governments begin encouraging businesses to strive for zero emissions, you might even be able to enjoy some tax benefits. 

And while you might want to focus on means of enhancing delivery efficiency, such as improving punctuality, delivery accuracy, and using automated systems, you should also give some attention to creating an eco-friendly brand. This savvy decision will help you grow your business by giving you a competitive edge in the market, just the same as boosting delivery efficiency. 

And even though these kinds of business transformations can be a bit pricey at first, you will save substantial amounts down the line as eco-friendly offerings all boast the same benefit of long-term cost savings for both businesses and individuals all the same.