The Frying Scotsman

British-made green cars exported by train that runs on used vegetable oil

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Published: August 4, 2021
This Article was written by: Katie Hill - My Green Pod
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In a UK first, hybrid cars built in the Midlands will soon be carried to continental Europe via an eco-locomotive that runs on greener fuel made from used vegetable oil.

Rail freight operator DB Cargo’s sustainable hydro-treated vegetable oil fuelled (HVO) locomotive can cut carbon emissions by up to 90% compared with diesel.

The train, named ‘I’m a climate hero’ to reflect its new role, marks a step towards the government’s goal to reach net zero by 2050.

It highlights the role that rail freight can play in the DfT’s aims to make transport greener, as outlined in the government’s recent Transport Decarbonisation Plan.

‘We are boosting British business whilst cutting carbon. This is what building back greener is all about.

‘Trains are one of the most eco-friendly ways to transport goods and, through ingenuity and innovation, DB Cargo are leading the way in making it even greener.’

CHRIS HEATON-HARRIS
Rail Minister

Transporting Toyotas

DB Cargo is the largest rail freight operating company in the country. It has been trialling and expanding its use of HVO as a way to reduce carbon emissions in the short term.

This new service using HVO will transport Toyotas built in Derby to continental Europe through the Channel Tunnel, and import Toyotas on its return leg.

‘We are 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 have used HVO on an automotive service and one bound for the continent. It’s a first on many levels for us.’

ANDREA ROSSI
DB Cargo CEO