How Does AdBlue Improve Your Fleet?

AdBlue is a cost-effective additive that is assisting many fleet managers in significantly reducing their overall emissions. This relatively new product has become a legal requirement for many UK companies running their heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) as stricter emissions standards are implemented.

AdBlue is playing a significant role in the future of the UK haulage and transport industries in reducing emissions and assisting fleet managers in optimising their fuel costs.

Fuel Emissions Legislation

Since 1992, the EU has enforced regulations regarding the harmful emissions from diesel-powered vehicles to improve air quality and help the environment. These regulations involve assigning every new vehicle a number related to the required standard for emissions. For example, Euro 5 requires 67% less reduced nitrogen oxides than Euro 6. These regulations have been changed and increased over the years.

It was discovered that the air pollutant emissions from transport and haulage is one of the significant contributors to fuel emissions. As these vital industries burn fuel during their operations, they release harmful contaminants into the atmosphere, such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter.

This and other measures have been added to these legislations to assist fleet managers in reducing their emissions. Increasing aerodynamics and encouraging fuel-efficient trailers are some changes that are helping, but few match the success of SCR-equipped vehicles using AdBlue.

What Is AdBlue?

AdBlue is an additive used to reduce the environmental impact of diesel fuel emissions. Euro 6 emissions regulations stated that all diesel vans and HGVs registered in late 2015 would be allowed limited emissions, in this case, less than 80g/km of nitrous oxide (NOx).

With the transport and haulage companies previously generating a significant amount of emissions with their large vehicles, this AdBlue technology has been embraced by most HGV fleet managers.

AdBlue is a clear liquid consisting of urea and deionised water. This solution is injected into a vehicle’s selective catalyst reduction (SCR) as part of the exhaust system. This separate system is vital when using AdBlue pumps to refill as it needs to be kept separated from the rest of your vehicle’s diesel fuel.

When this is added to the vehicle’s diesel fuel, it starts a chemical reaction that will break down the mono-nitrogen oxides typically generated in diesel exhausts. As a result, this usually harmful emission is converted into harmless water and nitrogen vapour, significantly lowering the emissions produced, making it much easier for these heavy-duty vehicles to meet new standards.

AdBlue Usage for HGV Fleets

Balancing productivity with costs requires constant effort to keep your business competitive. Most fleets will run their vehicles on diesel fuel, a fuel source significantly affected by the nation’s efforts to become more environmentally friendly.

AdBlue usage in commercial vehicles is affected by the tonnage of the vehicle. For example, the average bus uses roughly 5% of AdBlue whilst consuming diesel, which would escalate to 20-30 litres a month. Therefore, by increasing the tonnage of the vehicle, you increase the amount of AdBlue the vehicle uses. So a light commercial vehicle (under 18 tonnes) that used 1000 litres of fuel would also have to use 30 litres of AdBlue per week. Alternatively, a heavy-duty vehicle (over 35 tonnes) that uses 1000 litres will also use 60 litres of AdBlue to maintain its emissions standards.

Environmental Benefits of AdBlue

One of the most significant benefits of choosing AdBlue is its immediate availability. In addition, the previously mentioned benefits of reducing emissions are something that fleet managers have available to them today as a viable, cost-effective solution.

Alternative options for a more eco-friendly fleet may be possible in the distant future. Still, as of now, they are a significantly tricky goal to meet and require profound changes and investments that will strain any commercial fleet’s expenses. Nevertheless, traditional fuels like diesel are predicted to be used on our roads for many years. However, with the AdBlue additive, a change can be made today to reduce their harmful emissions to far lower levels and help protect the environment.

AdBlue Storage Solutions

Here at Fueltek, we design and manufacture a range of fuel storage solutions, including those specifically designed for the storage of AdBlue. In addition, we can design and install a bespoke system of AdBlue storage tanks and pumps for your fleet’s exclusive use.

The benefits of investing in on-site fuel storage and dispensing are similar to on-site AdBlue storage. Our high-quality storage tanks provide your fleet with a secure, dependable location to acquire their desired additive before committing to daily operations. As a fleet manager, you can monitor this and decrease your fuel expenses as you ensure every driver has what they need and won’t need to stop to fill up on route. Additionally, AdBlue can be purchased significantly cheaper when acquired in bulk. These wholesale prices are readily available for fleet managers equipped with their AdBlue storage tanks.

You can learn more about our AdBlue solutions and other fuel management systems online.