Konecranes lift trucks now support renewable, fossil-free diesel 

Konecranes has been testing the use of HVO100 fossil-free fuel in lift trucks at its Swedish factory. This is part of ongoing efforts to reduce its climate impact and meet customer demand for equipment using renewable fuels. Demand for fossil-free fuel is growing as lift truck owners seek to reduce emissions and, in certain environments, meet governmental regulations. 

HVO100 is a 100% renewable and fossil-free chemical copy of regular diesel made mostly of vegetable oils as well as suitable waste and residue fat which can reduce fossil-based carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90 per cent. With nearly the same characteristics as regular diesel, renewable HVO100 can be used in most, but not all, diesel engines with no engine modifications needed. 

Konecranes has been testing HVO100 in selected lift trucks at Markaryd since the end of 2020 and it was found the fuel works as efficiently as regular diesel. 

This means HVO100 can be used in all of Konecranes’ latest generation of lift trucks, Generation C, representing approximately 40 per cent of the company’s fleet operating globally. Full compatibility with all legacy Konecranes lift trucks cannot be guaranteed given the age and wide variety of engines in older models.

While broader HVO100 adoption in the market will depend on customer preference and fuel availability, the potential for significant emission reductions is clear. Looking at Markaryd alone, the estimated reduction of tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions from HVO100-fuelled trucks both produced and used at the site is expected to fall by over 300t per year – equivalent to 100 passenger cars driving 15,000 kilometers annually.

Zandra Wallin, environment health and safety manager, Konecranes Lift Trucks said,  “The testing of renewable fuel compatibility shows how Konecranes Lift Trucks has put sustainability at the core of its strategy, driving business development and decisions. It’s fully in line with our mission – and Konecranes’ mission as a whole –  to meet or exceed environmental laws and regulations.”

Mikko Välimaa, vp for health, safety, environment and quality (HSEQ) and sustainability at Konecranes said, “Konecranes is stepping up efforts to decarbonise not only its own operations, but those of its customers. Fossil-free fuel, together with our energy-efficient Lift Trucks, provide a great opportunity for our customers to reduce their carbon footprint and give us a strong competitive advantage.“