Deliberately opting for CNG and LNG

French logistics specialist Transalliance is deliberately renewing its fleet with 30 CNG and LNG trucks. Purchasing Manager Hotton explains why.

One of a total of 30 new trucks powered by CNG and LNG that are particularly climate-friendly on the road for the French company Transalliance. Source: Scania France

Almost 30,000 trucks in France run on CNG or LNG drive systems, resulting in less noise and, above all, lower CO₂ emissions on the roads of the Grande Nation. In six years, there will be no fewer than 54,000 lorries making heavy transport more climate-friendly. Logistics specialist Transalliance has just put into service the last of its 30 new tractors powered by CNG and LNG. A specialist in land transport and logistics solutions on a European scale, Transalliance is a group of some 90 companies spread across France.

“Of course we’re very sensitive when it comes to the energy revolution. But for us the whole thing depends a lot on the technologies available and the economic aspects,” explains Guillaume Hotton, Purchasing Manager at Transalliance. “Only gas and biodiesel engines can solve our problems in terms of heavy trucks. Electric and hydrogen drives are simply not yet mature enough,” says Hotton. “Our strategy is to respond to the needs of our customers who want a better CO₂ footprint or who have urban delivery requirements that require pollution control and lower-noise cooling units.”

As early as 2028, more than 54,000 trucks powered by CNG and LNG, like this Scania pictured here, are expected to be on the road in France. Source: Scania France

Scania France has now supplied Transalliance with 30 vehicles, including heavy tractors, but also lighter 19- and 26-tonne trucks, each with CNG or LNG drive. “Thanks to the modularity of our series and our expertise in CNG technology, we were able to do especially well here and provide all the relevant answers,” says Cédric Leroux, Key Account Manager of Scania France. “And we were able to deliver very quickly, too.” The decision to use Scania’s CNG vehicles also meant that cab volume had to be reconsidered as compared to the previous vehicles. “The drivers are satisfied – and they really appreciate Scania’s good image,” says Guillaume Hotton.

For Transalliance’s purchasing manager, the maintenance contract offered by Scania France was another interesting argument in favour of the CNG and LNG vehicles. “The contract provides for financial compensation if the vehicle is down for more than 24 hours. Even if it doesn’t cover all costs, it certainly reflects the manufacturer’s philosophy, commitment and trust in its own products,” says Hotton. “This is crucial for us, because we’re selling our customers transportation in a gas-powered vehicle. And right now it’s impossible to loan or rent a gas vehicle to replace a decommissioned one.”

Transalliance’s drivers have also quickly taken a liking to the new Scania with CNG and LNG power. Source: Scania France

What is more, the Transalliance purchasing manager is pleased that the consumption figures announced by the Swedish manufacturer are largely adhered to. “Together with the maintenance contract, this also allows us to budget our costs more efficiently,” says Guillaume Hotton. This positive experience with the CNG and LNG Scanias could well lead to further cooperation, since only six per cent of the Transalliance fleet comprising 850 vehicles currently runs on gas. (jas, 28 July 2022)