South African motorists are receiving a welcomed reprieve in August, as The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has published the official fuel adjustments for the month. Compared to July’s prices, petrol will be decreasing 132 cents per litre while diesel decreases 88 cents per litre. Still, the burden of massive fuel hikes and their unpredictability weighs down individuals and businesses. This is especially true for those in industries who travel to deliver good and services.
A key player operating in transportation for Gauteng-based goods, BridCam Distributors, believes that forward thinking is the only way to unburden ourselves from fossil fuels. In collaboration with CNG Holdings and Scania, BridCam solely funded and brought the very first dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) truck on to South African roads. “We’ve achieved a 3-year goal,” says Willie Dry, BridCam CEO. “It meets Euro VI standards, which is one of the stages of the European emission standards which aims to increase the use of environmentally-friendly vehicles.”
The Scania 6x4 Euro VI truck operates solely on compressed natural gas, an alternative fuel which is readily available in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu Natal. As a developing country, we follow the tread of first world countries. Battery-powered electric vehicles are foreseen to take off once the electric-based load improves, then meaningful sales are expected to develop in the late 2020s. “Natural gas is here and now,” states Sustainability Manager, Mark Templeton, at Scania South Africa. “This truck proves that it is a viable, bankable solution. We’ve got the infrastructure; available resources and it is cost-efficient compared to diesel.” He affirmed that CNG is the broadest alternative fuel offering right now to help SA drive a greener solution using Euro VI engine technology. It makes economic and green sense, as it is the cheaper and cleaner choice over fossil fuels.
BridCam is using the truck to support their client, CNG Holdings, which distributes natural gas via their virtual gas network in the Gauteng region. “The venture is convenient and logical since the truck can be filled at and distribute CNG from our Langlaagte filling station,” explains Josua Le Roux, the CEO of CNG Holdings. “It not only reduces our own carbon footprint but trialling it in our supply network has proven CNG’s viability for commercial operations.”
Dry added that BridCam is excited to be offering green, low-cost and stable transportation solutions to their clients in Gauteng, including the mining and industrial sectors. As the first of its kind, this truck is beneficial for overheads and the environment. It stands as an achievement in breaking away from carbon-based fuels in our automotive and transportation industries. BridCam aims to continue pioneering workable, eco-friendly technology in South Africa.