Euro 5 fuel economy delivers 0.5 mpg extra for Cool Solutions

Hull-based European road transport operators Cool Solutions are seeing not only environmental, but financial benefits from an early move to Euro 5 with Volvo.

Cool Solutions Director Trevor Underwood is far from unaware of the emissions issue – “Volvo have done a lot of work to make these trucks as green as possible,” he says – “but by far the greatest advantage has been the 0.5mpg average increase in fuel economy across a fleet of 45 tractor units hauling 260 tautliners and 20 fridges. Fuel accounts for around a third of our running costs,” he explains. “We went straight from Euro 3 to Euro 5 because our assessment suggested Euro 4 would be a ‘ghost’ specification with no real benefits. We’ve found AdBlue usage minimal – around 30 litres per truck per week over 2,500km.”

The supply of AdBlue is straightforward, explains Trevor,” We have our own tanks on site, supplied and stocked by Yara. Additionally, all our drivers also have a RED card, which means they can draw AdBlue from any RED point, just as they would with diesel. And the Volvo Dealer network, including Crossroads, can supply AdBlue at the same price if that’s more convenient.”

What’s more, the cost benefits of Volvo SCR Euro 5 technology go beyond fuel efficiency. “The cost on trucks is lower not just initially,” continues Trevor, “but even once you’ve factored in the lifetime cost of AdBlue and the residual value. We weighed our options, took a leap of faith on price and support and found it paid off.”

Support, says Trevor, is the final, deciding factor. “The majority of our trucks are maintained by Crossroads at Hull; I’ve been dealing with them for 25 years and their service levels are second to none - the absolute best. That’s why our fleet will be practically 100% Volvo by September 2009.”