Light commercial vehicle fleets are unprepared for the use of AdBlue in new vans that meet the recently introduced Euro6 emissions standards, leasing company Arval has claimed.
 
From the start of this month, all new diesel LCVs sold must feature Euro6 technology, which has been mandatory in cars since September 2014.
 
Arval said it has received feedback that shows fleets are not informing their drivers about AdBlue - an additive which manufacturers use to reduce exhaust emissions - with some drivers only finding out their vehicle is equipped when a warning light comes on. 

What is AdBlue?
 
According to Arval, LCV operators will need to decide whether company policy makes drivers responsible for refilling the tanks. If so,  the fleet will need to put in place best practice guidance to ensure the driver uses the right brand of AdBlue as well as adhering to safety standards, the fleet management giant warned. 

"It is obviously early days but this is something that we are monitoring quite closely. While AdBlue should not be a significant element in vehicle running costs, having to top-up the tank much more regularly than envisaged will soon mount up and is an interruption to the operational life of the vehicle," said Eddie Parker, commercial vehicle consultant at Arval.

Read more: