Sustainable mobility for our vehicles

One of the aims of our Moving Green initiative is to achieve a 30% reduction in our vehicles’ Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 by optimising our transport plans, reducing fuel consumption and opting for alternative energy sources.
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Reducing fuel consumption

Since 2021, STEF has been working with DCbrain - a company that specialises in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) to complex physical networks - to trial a solution that enables the transport network to be operated in a more eco-friendly manner and increases energy efficiency.

STEF operates megatrucks in Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands. These vehicles allow loads to be grouped, thereby reducing the number of miles covered and lowering CO2 emissions by around 60%.

Alongside this, STEF is continuing to promote eco-driving, an approach which was bolstered in 2021 with a driving behaviour management system that analyses driver behaviour behind the wheel in order to make improvements on a daily basis.

Camion STEF biogaz

Using alternative fuels

STEF has chosen to prioritise low-carbon energy sources that are available immediately - or will be in the short term - and will gradually replace diesel. 

B100 biodiesel: STEF and Saipol (Avril Group) have signed a contract to run a third of STEF’s HGV fleet on Oleo100. This B100 renewable fuel made from French rapeseed reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 60%. 

Biogas: for vehicles that operate in Low Emission Zones (LEZ), STEF is implementing bio-NGV vehicles. Biogas reduces GHG emissions by 80%. 

Electric vehicles: STEF is working with manufacturers to make these vehicles compatible with its refrigerated-vehicle operating requirements, particularly in terms of driving range and charging time. STEF is engaged in a policy of continuous testing. 

Hydrogen solutions: STEF is involved in a number of studies and projects involving the use of hydrogen-powered HGVs in Europe.

In figures

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Improving our vehicles’ onboard refrigeration systems

Traditional systems for keeping vehicles at the required temperature use non-road diesel, which has a substantial impact on CO2 emissions. Consequently, STEF trials alternative solutions and rolls them out when these solutions are mature and reliable.  

  • Hydrogen : launched by Bosch and Carrier Transicold in partnership with the coachbuilder Lamberet, the hydrogen fuel cell project has entered the road testing phase with STEF; 
  • “Engineless” electric refrigeration units powered by energy from the vehicle engine: 20 vehicles were tested in 2020. In 2021, STEF decided to install electric refrigeration units as standard in all its trucks; 
  • Cryogenic systems: 90 vehicles have already been fitted with these compressed-nitrogen direct-expansion systems, which produce cold without the need for fuel. This technology offers benefits in terms of air quality, lower GHG emissions, and less noise pollution.