Volkswagen Truck & Bus — a pioneer in research into biofuels used in commercial vehicles in Brazil — and EcoRodovias have begun testing to assess the performance and reliability of B100, a 100% renewable plant-based biodiesel, as part of the services provided along highways in the interior regions of São Paulo state by the Ecovias Noroeste Paulista concession company. This initiative reinforces the commitments of the company's Future Program, which promotes actions that leave an even more sustainable legacy for future generations.
Testing will study this fuel’s efficiency when used in highway operations and will evaluate performance, consumption, impact on the vehicle maintenance cycle (such as engine wear and replacement of parts) and reliability in real-life operational situations.
B100 is an alternative aligned with Volkswagen Truck & Bus decarbonization strategy, which includes new applications of more sustainable energy sources to replace traditional fossil diesel for mechanical propulsion of its vehicles. Produced entirely from soybeans, it can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel, according to studies by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP), the Brazilian Association of Vegetable Oil Industries (Abiove), and the Energy Research Company (EPE).
Tests are expected to last for 12 months and will be performed on four Volkswagen semi-trailer trucks: 1 Meteor 29.530 - tow application, 2 Delivery 11.180 - tow application and 1 Constellation 17.190 application; water tanker.
“As part of our journey towards providing sustainable transportation solutions, VWTB remains steadfast in our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Current tests of 100% biodiesel being performed in partnership with EcoRodovias are therefore aimed at validating the use of this fuel as means for decarbonization and improving our vehicles’ performance, efficiency, and operational reliability. These efforts will allow us to contribute to making key advances in the road transport sector and move toward more sustainable practices that are aligned with climate targets," Rodrigo Chaves, Vice President of Engineering at Volkswagen Truck & Bus, affirmed.
B100 is being tested in line with the greenhouse gas emission targets established under EcoRodovias' ESG 2030 Agenda, which include a 25% and 42% reduction in Scope 1 (emissions originating directly from the company's operations) and Scope 2 emissions (emissions indirectly caused by energy purchased by the company) by 2026 and 2030, respectively.
“A significant portion of our Scope 1 emissions originates from our diesel-powered fleet, which consists of tow trucks, ambulances, and support vehicles. We have evaluated different fuels and technologies over the years and have determined that B100 biodiesel has the potential to offer significant environmental gains and relatively low adaptation costs,” Monica Jaén, Director of Sustainability at Grupo EcoRodovias, explained.
How tests will work
The trucks being tested will be fueled by a Petroservice refueling truck that is subcontracted by F8 Fuel. Fuel will be taken from a tank installed at Ecovias’ User Service Center (SAU 2) in Araraquara (SP). The fuel used in testing will be supplied by Brejeiro, a traditional producer of soybean biodiesel.
The vehicles will receive specific adjustments, and ongoing technical monitoring will be provided by both Volkswagen Truck and Bus and EcoRodovias to analyze performance and make the necessary adjustments during testing.
About Volkswagen Truck & Bus
A member of the TRATON Group, VW Truck & Bus is a manufacturer of Volkswagen commercial vehicles and one of the largest truck and bus assemblers in Latin America. Since 1981, when VWTB first started its operations, the company has outpaced competitors on the marketplace. Meeting the needs of clients and ensuring that they are satisfied has always been the assembler’s main focus. And that's precisely what VWTB offers: customized products and excellent after-sales service. The company is also an industry reference in technological innovation and pioneered the development and production of 100% electric trucks in Latin America. VWTB actively seeks out solutions that reduce environmental impacts and help preserve our natural resources. For 40 years, the manufacturer has maintained its commitment to developing vehicles that go above and beyond the requirements of its customers, whether they are driven in Brazil and Latin America, Africa or Asia.
About TRATON GROUP
With its Volkswagen Truck & Bus, Scania, MAN and International brands, TRATON SE is the TRATON GROUP’s parent company and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial vehicles. Its product portfolio includes trucks, buses and light-duty commercial vehicles. “Transforming Transportation Together. For a sustainable world” is the inspiration behind the company's efforts to make a lasting and sustainable impact on the commercial vehicle business and the Group's commercial growth.
About EcoRodovias
EcoRodovias is Brazil’s largest highway concession company. A subsidiary of the ASTM Group, EcoRodovias is responsible for 12 highway different concessions located in eight different states with a total extension of 4,800 kilometers, in addition to a port asset and logistics platform. The company maintains operations along highway corridors used to transport agricultural and industrial products, as well as key tourism routes in the country. In seeking to open up new pathways that were previously unimaginable, EcoRodovias is a driving force in the development of Brazilian road infrastructure — efforts marked by a high level of innovation and efficiency. The company is also is committed to sustainability and maintains targets in relevant areas such as reductions in CO2 emissions, safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion. EcoRodovias excellence in sustainability has led to its inclusion in important B3 (São Paulo stock exchange) portfolios, such as the Corporate Sustainability Index (ISE), ICO2, and Idiversa.