- What is dual fuel?
- How does it work?
- What are the benefits?
- Where can I refuel?
- How much does it cost?
- How much CO2 can I save?
- What is the range of the vehicle?
- Is the manufacturer’s warranty affected?
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?
- What is biogas, and can this be used?
- What can be re-powered with dual fuel?
- How long does it take to re-engineer?
- Are there any extra maintenance costs?
- Is the performance affected?
- What is the substitution rate?
- Can I see it working?
- What types of fuel stations are available?
A dual fuel engine burns diesel and gas at the same time (Bi-fuel engines run on one fuel type or the other; not simultaneously). Top
The amount of diesel to be injected is reduced electronically and the equivalent energy is replaced with natural gas, injected sequentially into the inlet ports. Top
-- Reduced dependency on oil
-- Overall fuel cost reduced
-- Emissions dramatically improved
-- Reduces carbon footprint
-- EU Compliance
-- Improved corporate image Top
Refuelling stations are currently limited in the UK. Please see www.ngva.co.uk or contact us for information on station availability in your area. Top
Prices will vary according to vehicle type, size and required specification, i.e. fuel containment type, and vehicle range required. Please contact us to discuss full vehicle specification and options. Typically operators will experience payback in 12 to 18 months*.
*this is an indicative figure and based on a heavy duty vehicle covering 120,000 km (75000 miles) per year. Top
CO2 saving on a dual fuel vehicle is directly proportional to the substitution rate. Combustion of natural gas produces less CO2 than its equivalent quantity of diesel, hence the more gas and less diesel used, the greater the saving. (Insert graph of substitution)
A heavy duty vehicle covering 120,000 km (75000 miles) per year, with an economy of 37.67 litres per 100km (7.5mpg) will save approximately 24000 kg of CO2 (based on a substitution of 75%) Top
What is the range of the vehicle?
The vehicle range ultimately depends on storage space available, type of fuel i.e. LNG or CNG, fuel consumption and drive cycle for the vehicle. This will be established and optimised for customer requirements at the vehicle specification stage. Typical example, 85Kg of LNG on a 44T articulated vehicle will have a dual fuel range of approximately 400km (250 miles) (based on 75% substitution and a consumption of 37.67 litres per 100km (7.5mpg)) Top
Is the manufacturer’s warranty affected?
No. Hardstaff recognise the importance of vehicle warranty, and work closely with vehicle manufacturers to ensure complete warranty cover is maintained. Top
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?
As far as the engine is concerned, it doesn’t matter – both types of fuel are gaseous and low pressure when they reach the engine. Factors to consider when choosing are; chassis space available, required range, available fuel station type. Top
What is biogas, and can this be used?
Biogas is produced from re-cycled waste material in bio digesters, or from landfill sites. It can be cleaned, up-graded and compressed for vehicle use as CNG or liquefied and used as LNG. The methane content is equal to that of fossil natural gas, and can be used in exactly the same way. Biogas is renewable, and reduces dependency on fossil fuels. Top
What can be re-powered with dual fuel?
To date, Hardstaff have re-powered several vehicle types to dual fuel, these are; Caterpillar C12, Volvo FH12, Daf CF 65 250, Daf LF 55 180, Daf CF 85 430, and are currently working on other manufacturers vehicles.
Any electronically controlled engine Euro 2 and above can be re-powered but will require a period of development. Top
How long does it take to re-engineer?
This depends on type of containment required and type of vehicle, but actual downtime would be less than a week.
Are there any extra maintenance costs?
Yes, but the small extra maintenance costs can be offset by increased oil change intervals due to a cleaner burning engine. Top
No, the performance of the engine in dual fuel mode is closely mapped to match the diesel performance characteristics. Top
What is the substitution rate?
This will vary according to engine type, but will typically be around 70% - 85%. Top
Yes, the Hardstaff fleet has been running dual fuel trucks since 1999, and has a wealth of experience to share. Top
What types of fuel stations are available?
There are three basic types, CNG, LNG and LCNG (Liquefied Compressed Natural Gas).
CNG – A compressor feeding from the National grid, dispensing CNG only. Requires a suitable local pipe line and access, and electrical supply.
LNG – Dispenses LNG only, is re-filled from a road tanker, requires management.
LCNG – Can dispense either CNG or LNG from the same station, does not require connection to the grid, instead produces CNG from vapourised LNG. Top
