Bentley switches to waste-based renewable fuels to drive in-house logistics

Bentley Motors has confirmed another step forward on its journey to becoming the most sustainable luxury automotive manufacturer as it announces it will be the first luxury automotive brand to run its in-house logistics on 100% renewable fuels. This follows the installation of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuelling facilities at its site in Crewe.

Ensuring that environmental factors are at the centre of current and future supply chain design is core to Bentley's industry-leading vision of sustainable manufacturing. Following this latest green switch, all of Bentley's in-house logistics now run on green fuels or electricity.

A 34,000 litre 'Green D+' HVO tank and pump now fuels the 10 logistics trucks that transfer parts between Bentley's Crewe site and storage depot in Winsford on a daily basis and over 20 smaller on-site security vehicles and delivery vans.

Over 250 forklift trucks and tow motors used inside the factory are already being charged with green electricity generated in part by Bentley's 30,000 on-site solar panels.

HVO fuel is a second-generation premium biofuel made from renewable and sustainable sources such as waste fats, vegetables and oils. Compared to conventional fuel, the switch will reduce tailpipe CO₂ emissions from logistics vehicles by over 86%, at the same time as reducing nitrous oxide by up to 30% and particulates by up to 80%.

'Green D+' can be used in Bentley's existing vehicles without any additional modifications, maintenance or changes to operating procedure - making it a quick and effective way to reduce emissions from the existing fleet and improve air quality around site at the same time.

Bentley's estimates that its local vehicle movements will now utilise around 10,000 litres of biofuel per month. With CO₂ emissions reduced by over 86%, of a total of almost 482,803km clocked up by in-house vehicles every year, over 402,336km of them are now effectively 'emissions free.'