> Mercedes says Fleets will Turn to Alternative Fuels

By Ian Tonkin

Mercedes-Benz predicts that future commercial vehicle fleets will use more than one alternative fuel technology to reflect a breadth of operations, as well as the increasing need to reduce emissions.

John Reed, van product manager at Mercedes-Benz, says: "While there have been tremendous strides made in the development of alternative power  such as battery technology, hybrids and biofuels. There are still limitations that are preventing widespread adoption, such as infrastructure development, vehicle range and fuel availability."

Reed suggests that fleets will become more specialised with time where each alternative technology will be used for very specific purposes such as being bought exclusively for city-centre work, while vehicles using different technology would be purchased to do longer delivery journeys.

Reed suggest that fleets will become more specialised over time, where each alternative technology will be used for very specific purposes. For example, battery-powered and hybrid vehicles will be bought exclusively for urban and city work, while biodiesel and regular diesel vehicles would be purchased to do longer delivery journeys.

He adds: "We currently sell a compressed natural gas (CNG) version of our Sprinter, which is paired with a petrol engine. This can already use renewable energy  in the form of Biomethane, however we are looking to develop this technology further and work towards the ultimate goal of renewable energy such as hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.

"But, for sure, there won't be just one alternative substitute for diesel. It'll have to be combination of all the current technologies available, with each used for specific jobs."

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