Cenex is supporting a monitored research trial on low emission HGV vehicles.

EarthSense Systems will be providing technology called Zephyr to monitor air quality, and assist in developing zero-emission running strategies.

The research is part of the Temperature-controlled Range-extenders and Integrated Urban Mapping of Pollution (TRIUMPH) project, led by logistics provider Kuehne and Nagel and supported by Cenex.

It is hoped the results, when shared with logistics operators, will encourage the industry to invest in low-carbon technology for the delivery of food and perishable goods.

The TRIUMPH project, part of the Office for Low Emission Vehicles’ Low Emission Freight and Logistics Trial in partnership with Innovate UK, will see Kuehne and Nagel introduce four fully electric lorries: two range extended electric vehicles and two liquid nitrogen cooled refrigeration vehicles.

This is one of the first trials of its kind to provide real-world performance data to make the business case for investment in zero emission capable trucks and zero emission temperature controlled transport.

Cenex will manage data collection and mapping for the trial, while Microlise develops a supporting telemetry system and Tevva provides zero emission running strategies – based on the real time air quality measurements captured by EarthSense.

Finally, Emissions Analytics will be responsible for measuring trial vehicles’ emissions and range capability.

EarthSense’s technical director Professor Roland Leigh said: “We look forward to working with Cenex, Kuehne and Nagel and the other project partners, to better understand the true air quality and carbon reduction improvements electric vehicles and nitrogen cooling technologies can offer the logistics industry.

“However, predicted CO2 savings and reductions in Particulate Matter emissions are only a guide; the true test will be when these technologies are monitored on daily transport routes within the TRIUMPH trial.”