One lesser known option is CNG which is widely accepted to be the ‘cleanest fossil fuel’. Its chemical properties mean it’s compressed to less than 1% of its volume while it reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 90 to 97 percent.

Although it’s a non-renewable source, having been formed millions of years ago from decomposing plants and animals, CNG is non-toxic and has fiscal benefits too. Every 1% increase in natural gas production can create 35,000 jobs.

Statistically, CNG is 30% more efficient than petrol with a vehicle able to travel the same distance on 6/7 litres of CNG as 10 litres of petrol. As with any fuel, pricing is subject to global market conditions, but it remains the cheapest non-renewable energy source. Its nozzle-to-pump refuelling method is also a clear user benefit.

Despite this, CNG adoption is currently in its infancy. There are currently only 4,159 refilling stations across Europe, which makes it more of an option for fleet owners as opposed to the everyday motorist. This is not to say that CNG doesn’t have mainstream potential, with the fueling option accepted in Europe for passenger vehicles. Almost any petrol vehicle can be retrofitted with a CNG system for around €3000 - €5000, which could make it a shrewd alternative to other clean fuels. This may appeal to businesses or commercial fleets that require its efficiency benefits.

In Germany – CNG market leaders – the fuel compares favourably in terms of price too. The average cost of fuel is 6.48 euros per 100km for CNG, compared to 9.05 euros for diesel and 11.74 euros, petrol.

LNG is another derivative of the abundant natural gas, formed when natural gas is compressed and cooled to -162 degrees Celsius. The International Energy Agency estimates that if consumption remains at present levels, there are enough resources to last 230 years.

Again, much like its counterpart CNG, LNG is a cleaner fossil fuel, producing 40% less carbon dioxide than coal and 30% less than oil. It’s clean and quiet burning, while its familiar refilling method should appeal to drivers.

LNG infrastructure may be embryonic, but it is fast growing. There are around 635 LNG stations on the continent with the bulk concentrated in Western Europe – Germany with 162, Italy with 130 and Spain with 90, This represents a network that has doubled in size in less than two years. Ultimately, consumers want energy to be affordable, secure and capable of driving down Carbon emissions. LNG ticks all these boxes. Its cost-competitive benefits mean it has strong potential for commercial transport.

𝗔𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗸 – 𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰 𝘃𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲𝘀

While the hydrogen propulsion method first gained traction in the early 2000s, this has been supplanted in recent years by the rise of EVs.

The European market is currently leading the charge on the global stage with 1,390,000 units sold across the continent per year. By 2030, every second car sold is expected to be powered by electricity. This has serious potential for the general motorist. Massive investments are being made across EMEA as countries pour billions into charging infrastructure. The Netherlands is currently blazing the trail with 90,000 charging points as of 2022, while Europe plans to have 1.3 million public chargers in place by 2025 and 2.9 million by 2030.

Price points also offer mainstream charging potential. In the Netherlands, the average cost of electricity per 100km is 5.31 euros compared to 8.66 euros for diesel and 12.32 euros, petrol. Home and workplace charging stations, meanwhile, remain safe and easy to use where drivers can simply ‘plug in’ their vehicle to the charge point. Despite this, charging times, range anxieties and initial cost remain main barriers to adoption.

David Mc Guinness, Director of Product Management, Electric Vehicle Charging at Dover Fueling Solutions® expands on reasons for this: “While price and range concerns are being addressed by automotive manufacturers, more needs to be done by authorities to improve access to ‘the plug’.

“Dependable, renewable energy infrastructure is required to feed the grid with a need to create a consumer-centric recharging model that serves the practical needs of EV drivers.

“As local governments begin to embrace this, companies can deliver high-quality fast chargers to market.”