The Mercedes team has completed a trial of using biofuels in its 16 race trucks as part of the final three races of the 2022 European season. The test was part of the drive to further reduce carbon emissions and reach verified net-zero by 2030, and served to understand the magnitude of carbon savings and positive impacts achieved through the use of biofuels be able.
At the same time, he highlighted the challenges in sourcing biofuels across Europe and helped support the development of the strategy to make the best use of sustainable fuels in the European races in 2023.
The trial took place at the Grands Prix of Belgium at Spa, the Netherlands at Zandvoort and Italy at Monza, a distance of around 1,400 kilometers. Analysis conducted after the trial concluded that the use of HVO100 biofuel saved 44,091 kilograms of CO2 and reduced freight emissions by 89 percent.
First, one of the team trucks passed a successful test on HVO100 biofuel on the way back from Hungary to the team’s headquarters in Brackley (UK). 13 race trucks that had spent the summer in Belgium and three trucks from the UK then drove 300km from Spa to Zandvoort and then 1,100km from Zandvoort to Monza on local biofuel, with only the last 20km having to be covered due to diesel fuel supply issues .
What is HVO100?
HVO100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel is a 100 percent renewable, fossil-free product derived from vegetable oils, waste oils and fats. Using HVO100 can significantly reduce CO2 emissions and reduce the impact of freight transport on local air quality by reducing NOx and particulate emissions.
Bioenergy currently accounts for about a tenth of the world’s total primary energy supply, with demand for biofuels expected to increase by 28 percent by 2026.
Biofuels are already being used in motor sports. Formula 1 this year introduced the use of E10 biofuel to switch to 100 percent sustainable fuels in Formula 1 cars from the 2026 season.
Over the past few years, Mercedes has worked tirelessly to transform and better understand the impact of its operations. Along the way, the mission has evolved while trying to achieve sustainability on the racetrack and in business.
Mercedes also invests in aviation fuel
This announcement follows a number of commitments by the team to be more sustainable, including being the first global sports team to invest in sustainable aviation fuel. The announcement also underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and driving change within Formula 1.
“Sustainability is at the heart of our activities,” says team boss Toto Wolff. “Trialing the use of biofuels for our land freight is another example of our commitment to build sustainability into every decision and action we take.”
“We strive to be at the forefront of change and hope to enable the adoption of sustainable technologies as we all race towards a sustainable future.”