With its focus firmly fixed on sustainability, the Scania stand at Euro Bus Expo 2018 (A20, Hall 5, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, 30 Oct - 1 Nov) will be entirely populated by vehicles capable of operating on renewable fuels. Included here are options for biofuels – biodiesel, biogas and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) – and hybrid power. This represents the first time a complete Scania UK exhibition stand featuring a full range of passenger carrying vehicle solutions covering city/suburban applications, intercity/commuter operations and long-haul touring has been devoted to sustainable transport.
"Two years ago, Scania declared its intention to drive the shift to sustainable transport systems," says Martin West, New Bus and Coach Sales Director for Scania (Great Britain) Limited. "This was followed earlier this year by a major sustainable transport forum in Stockholm where the results of a study commissioned by Scania were presented. This study defines the pathways available to the commercial vehicle industry if the ambition of the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global warming to a maximum of two degrees Celsius by 2050 is to be met. The study also concludes that we have now passed the tipping point whereby climate passiveness is no longer an option – and our display at Euro Bus Expo 2018 is a direct response to that call to action."
In terms of fuel, biofuel engines are a solution Scania can provide here and now. These have the potential to reduce well-to-wheel emissions of carbon dioxide by as much as 90 percent in the case of biogas and HVO. HVO is particularly interesting as an option for coach operators travelling into low emission zones, and Scania has recently completed a trial with a major UK operator proving its viability in this respect.
In the mid- to long-term, electrification will play a key role in meeting emissions targets. Beginning with hybrid and followed by full electric vehicles – either Battery Electric Vehicles, vehicles powered by overhead lines, or fuel cell-powered vehicles – electrification can reduce well-to-wheel carbon dioxide emissions by up to 92 percent .