A Beginner’s Guide To Understanding Alternative Fuels

If you’re new to haulage work there are many aspects that can be initially confusing, especially if you’re not yet familiar with the industry. One of the most common topics of debates and conversations you will likely encounter is alternative fuels. If you’re not quite sure what that is, fear not! This article is the perfect introduction to what kinds of fuels are out there other than the traditional diesel or petrol, so you can feel confident to chime in next time your co-workers are talking about biofuel or hydrogen.

In the Long Run: Hydrogen

Hydrogen is often considered one of the best alternative energy sources for combustion engines out there as it gives off zero emissions; instead of harmful substances leaving the tailpipes of vehicles that run on this fuel, only water is produced. This is one of the main reasons why it’s an ideal long term solution. Not only that, hydrogen can be used to create electricity – meaning that drivers won’t have to worry about any on-board batteries dying.

For a Time: Biofuel

Biofuel isn’t as sustainable as hydrogen, but it is considered the best medium term solution. There are a few different types, and each is made differently. For example, biodiesel comes from animal fats, while bioethanol (an alternative to petrol) is made from sugar cane and corn. Both kinds are able to replace non-renewable fuels derived from oil.

Biofuel is quite well known in the logistics industry so you’re quite likely to hear this term as you go about your haulage work.

Not So Common: LPG

LPG, or liquefied petroleum gas, is most commonly used by businesses and homes – however, it can also be used to fuel vehicles. As the name suggests, it’s a type of liquid gas. While it was originally meant to be burnt off and wasted, it has since been discovered that it has a productive use as a versatile low-carbon fuel.

Popular Today: Electricity

Recently, vehicles powered by electricity have been receiving more attention and they are becoming more popular with each passing year. They get their energy from batteries, which can be charged repeatedly. Unfortunately, however, there are a few downsides. For example, the price of these electric-powered vehicles is very high and battery efficiency is a bit low (hauliers tend to only be able to drive 100 miles before needing to recharge, which could take several hours) – although there are advancements being made in this area.

If you’ve just begun your career in haulage work, the topic of alternative fuel solutions can be a little confusing. However, hopefully after reading this article you feel like you’ve got a bit more knowledge about the various ways those in logistics can choose to go green – and a few more facts to slip into the next conversation your fellow hauliers have about the benefits of electricity versus biofuel.

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Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage work with available drivers, and is now the fastest growing Freight Exchange in the UK.