The Zenith Guide to Low Carbon Fuels

Working together for a sustainable future

At Zenith, we know that the UK road transport industry is facing tough times as it strives to meet the government’s net zero target set for 2050. As it stands, LCVs and HGVs currently contribute to more than 35% of all transport emissions, so it’s crucial our sector addresses the issue – not only to meet government requirements but to secure a cleaner, healthier future for everyone.

In 2018, the UK Government laid out plans to reduce road transport emissions, with the introduction of electric and zero-emission vehicles part of the strategy to meet its net zero target. Since then, we’ve seen clean air zones implemented across the UK and uncertainty about what this means for our sector.

What has become clear is that more support is needed to assist the transition to cleaner fuels, with more information needed on the low carbon fuel options available. Will it be enough to convince HGV operators to shift away from diesel for good?

Breaking down the alternatives

It’s fair to say that in recent years, low carbon fuels have received less attention than many of their ‘greener’ counterparts like electric vehicles, so the perceived ambivalence towards them is understandable. However, we believe the diversity of low carbon fuel options (and their benefits) need to be better communicated to support fleet operators in making the switch from diesel to renewable fuels.

We know from speaking to fleet managers that the interest is there, but more guidance is needed around the issues of pricing, availability, and crucially, infrastructure. We also know there is much to be done to de-bunk the common misconception that transitioning from diesel is unaffordable and time-consuming, when in fact alternatives like hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) can dramatically cut tailpipe emissions with immediate effect – no vehicle modifications required.

How we’re working to accelerate progress

At Zenith, we keep a close eye on industry trends and emerging technologies to provide customers with the insight and tools they need to make informed decisions about the future of their fleets.

It’s why we’ve put together our guide to low carbon fuel alternatives.

In our 28-page guide, we’ve provided an overview of the current low carbon fuel landscape, outlining the six most common fuel types, together with their advantages, disadvantages, and key takeaways.

Our aim is not to influence companies or promote one fuel over another. Instead, we’d like to provide impartial, agnostic advice in an easy to digest format that cuts through the noise, clears up confusion, and arms fleet managers with the facts they need to make up their own minds.

At Zenith we understand the challenges you’re facing better than most. This is why we’re continuing to speak up and advocate for businesses to receive better investment opportunities and incentives from government to deploy alternative fuel technologies, reduce carbon emissions and drive forward positive change for the future.