Calor wins funding to develop world’s first hybrid LPG tanker

Calor Gas is committed to leading the way in reducing its transport emissions. As part of this strategy, Calor has helped secure funding from the Department for Transport and Innovate UK to develop the world’s first hybrid LPG truck as part of their Low Emission Freight and Logistics Trial. The Government’s trial is one important step towards a future of improved air quality and reduced carbon emissions across the UK.

Working with Magnomatics Limited, Calor will convert two of its 18 tonne LPG tankers to ground-breaking hybrid drive technology, which has been coupled with a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) as is commonly used in Formula One cars. The aim is to achieve significant fuel economy and an associated reduction in vehicle emissions.

The great thing about this technology is that it harnesses the wasted energy produced when the engine is less active. For example, when a vehicle drives downhill, the excess energy created is lost. With KERS installed, you can store up the excess energy and use it when the engine needs to work harder, using less fuel in the process.

Previous tests have shown a calculated fuel saving of up to 30%. The trial, which is set to begin in April 2017, will look to prove the combined technologies’ effectiveness out in the real world.

The total project cost is £1.92m, of which the UK Government is providing £1.26m. For its part, Calor will be receiving £111,750 of funding which represents 50% of its costs incurred in relation to the project.

The new trial is one of 20 chosen as part of a government run competition to showcase new and innovative technologies.

Transport Minister John Hayes said “It is fantastic that Calor is willing to explore low and zero emission technologies, which will help improve air quality and reduce pollution in towns and cities’’.

David Brown, Calor’s Fleet Asset Manager said “This is excellent news as the Government funding will help the development happen much more quickly. If it is successful we will end up with a 21st century sustainable solution for reducing emissions and costs associated with our LPG deliveries’’.