Beyond eLCVs: How Commercial Vehicle Fleets Are Turning to Clean Fuels for a Greener Future

The transportation sector stands at a crossroads. As emissions regulations tighten and sustainability targets loom, commercial vehicle fleets are scrambling for viable alternatives to traditional diesel-powered light commercial vehicles (LCVs). While electric LCVs (eLCVs) seem like the obvious choice, their adoption has been hampered by infrastructure constraints, extended charging times, and range limitations. This has driven fleet operators to explore alternative clean fuels—solutions that bridge the gap between sustainability and practicality.

Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Super Ethanol-E85: Low-Hanging Fruit for Fleets

Some solutions are immediately accessible, requiring little to no modifications to existing vehicles. Enter Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and Super Ethanol-E85. HVO, a synthetic diesel derived from vegetable oils and animal fats, delivers a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions while maintaining compatibility with conventional diesel engines. No need for extensive vehicle overhauls—just a fuel switch.

Super Ethanol-E85, a biofuel with a high ethanol concentration, follows a similar trajectory. It slashes carbon emissions and offers a sustainable alternative for fleets looking to decarbonize without reinventing their entire logistics strategy. Even better? Both HVO and E85 refueling are just as quick as diesel, eliminating the downtime that electric alternatives struggle to overcome.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: A High-Potential Contender

Then there's hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) have been touted as the future of clean transport, converting hydrogen gas into electricity while emitting nothing but water vapor. For fleet operators with high-mileage demands, hydrogen offers a compelling case—long ranges, fast refueling, and zero tailpipe emissions.

Take Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered 34-ton cargo truck, for example. With a range of 400 kilometers and refueling times of just 8 to 20 minutes, it shatters the limitations of battery-electric solutions. The technology is advancing, but infrastructure remains a sticking point. Until hydrogen refueling stations become widespread, adoption will remain slow—yet the potential is undeniable.

Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs): A Familiar Alternative

Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) have long been utilized in commercial transport. NGVs offer lower CO₂ emissions compared to diesel, and the fueling network is already well-developed in many regions. However, methane leakage concerns cast a shadow over its sustainability credentials. A cleaner burn, yes, but is it truly the long-term solution? That depends on how the industry addresses methane emissions and sources more renewable gas options.

The Infrastructure Puzzle: Investment in Multi-Energy Hubs

No transition happens in isolation. Clean fuels require an equally robust infrastructure to support widespread adoption. Recognizing this, companies like Aegis Energy are leading the charge, investing £100 million into multi-energy refueling hubs that cater to a mix of electric, hydrogen, HVO, and biomethane-powered vehicles. The first hub is expected to open by 2026, with expansion plans extending to 2030.

Conclusion: A Multi-Fuel Future?

The race toward fleet decarbonization won’t have a single winner. While eLCVs dominate urban deliveries, alternative fuels like HVO, hydrogen, and natural gas are carving out their own niches. It’s not about one solution replacing another—it’s about strategic integration. Commercial vehicle fleets are entering an era of energy diversification, where flexibility and sustainability go hand in hand. The road to zero emissions isn’t linear, but one thing is clear: clean fuels are no longer just an alternative. They are the future.

Stay tuned with 91trucks for all the latest news and updates related to new launches, commercial vehicles and industry insights. 91trucks is the fastest-growing digital platform aimed at providing you with the latest updates and information related to the commercial vehicle industry.