In a UK first, hybrid cars built in the Midlands will soon be carried to continental Europe via a locomotive that runs on hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO).
DB Cargo has been trialling and expanding its use of HVO as a way to reduce carbon emissions and this new service will transport Toyotas built in Derby to continental Europe through the Channel Tunnel and import Toyotas on its return leg.
Named “I’m a climate hero”, the locomotive highlights the important role that rail freight can play in making transport more environmentally friendly. This is because the HVO-fuelled locomotive can cut carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel.
“We're very excited at the prospect of working with Toyota to trial the use of HVO on its services to and from Europe. HVO is one of the world’s purest and greenest fuels and has an important role to play in helping DB Cargo UK and its rail customers decarbonise their operations.
“This will be the first time we’ve used HVO on an automotive service and one bound for the continent. It’s a first on many levels for us.”
DB Cargo is the largest rail freight operator in the UK.
