Maximising CNG Benefits

John Lewis Partnership is putting 43 dedicated gas-powered HGVs onto the road from its Milton Keynes distribution centre, alongside a novel refrigeration unit that cuts both emissions and noise. This matters because freight transport is a major source of carbon emissions and air pollution in the UK. Diesel HGVs dominate long-haul logistics, and switching to compressed natural gas (CNG) or biomethane can significantly reduce tailpipe CO₂, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. The project moves beyond small-scale trials to test whether a large fleet rollout is operationally viable—addressing the gap between proving a technology works in principle and making it work at scale in daily commercial use. If successful, the project could demonstrate a practical, lower-emission alternative for the logistics industry without waiting for full electrification of heavy goods vehicles. CNG Fuels is building a high-pressure grid-connected refuelling station to supply biomethane during the trial, with infrastructure designed to support growing demand. Cambridge University will analyse vehicle and refrigeration performance data. The immediate impact is on supply chains and urban air quality: quieter, cleaner trucks running from distribution hubs could become a standard option for fleet operators.