Frequently asked questions about clean fuels

An electric car is a car powered by batteries, which are in turn charged by the electricity network.

Electric cars are generally supplied directly from the factory. They’re suitable for drivers who don’t travel large distances and who can charge their vehicles at home, work, or possibly at a fast charging station when taking a different route. 

All the electricity supplied by OrangeGas fast chargers is green. This green energy is generated by wind farms in the Netherlands. OrangeGas is also working on building its own solar parks so it can generate its own electricity and send it to the fast chargers. 

Electric vehicles are quiet and clean. In addition, business drivers enjoy a lower benefit-in-kind taxation rate, which keeps the lease costs for the driver low.

Lease drivers still enjoy a lower benefit-in-kind taxation rate (although it’s calculated over a higher initial cost price). The reduced benefit-in-kind taxation rate applies up to a certain amount. 22% benefit-in-kind taxation rate applies to the higher purchase price.

Private individuals cannot enjoy as many financial benefits from electric cars. The purchase price of an electric car is often too high for private individuals, and there are few second-hand cars for sale because of the life of electric cars.

Besides this, charging is also cheap. A public charging station costs €0.34/kWh on average, and a fast charging station on the motorway around €0.65/kWh. If you charge at home, the rate is around €0.22/kWh. OrangeGas charges the lowest price in the Netherlands for fast charging; €0.35/kWh. Note: some providers have an initial flat fee, which can be €3. 
 

Yes, electric cars meet all safety requirements. However, current electric cars are virtually silent. The result of this is that pedestrians often fail to hear them. We recommend drivers of electric cars take this into account. Also, be careful with the charging cable when charging the car as people may trip over it. 

You can charge an electric car quickly or slowly. However, fast charging is not yet suitable for all vehicles. Fast chargers are often located at strategic locations close to the motorway, on industrial estates, or at filling stations. There are different types of fast chargers where you can charge at different speeds, although these may only be suitable for certain types of vehicles. 

Slow chargers can be found in car parks, fast food chains, hotels, etc. Sometimes, you can charge your car at work. Finally, a domestic charger can sometimes be supplied by the lease company, although you will need your own driveway. For more technical data and specific information about loading, have a look at www.nederlandelektrisch.nl 

The charging time depends on how full the battery is, how fast the car can charge, and what charging station is available. If you charge an electric car at home with a 220 V supply and an empty battery, you should take a charging time of 8 hours into account. At a standard public charging station, it will take around 2 to 4 hours to charge an empty battery. A fast-charging station can charge an empty battery to at least 80% capacity in 30 minutes.

You can find the OrangeGas fast-charging stations on the website under filling stations. For those on the road, the OrangeGas app is a great tool for finding the nearest filling station. For all other charging stations in the Netherlands, please see https://nederlandelektrisch.nl/opladen/waar-kan-ik-laden-in-nederland

The ranges of electric cars vary widely. There can also be a big difference between the range announced by manufacturers and the real figures. OrangeGas therefore recommends this website: https://ev-database.nl that lets you consult factory figures and actual figures. Most modern electric cars have a range of between 150 km and 300 km.

The tank-to-wheel emissions of an electric car are zero. This is also known as zero emission. Well-to-wheel emissions are not so clean, mainly due to the CO2 released during battery production, tyre wear, and the use of grey electricity. However, using green electricity makes a massive difference.

You need a charge card. At the moment, you can’t pay with a debit card or credit card. A subscription is also a popular option. View all the options here: https://laadpas.com. 

Yes you can. Lots of lease car suppliers offer electric cars. 

Companies that can convert cars to electric drive do exist, but there are many electric cars now available directly from the factory. 

The fast charging infrastructure outside the Netherlands is constantly improving. This website offers an overview of the charging infrastructure outside the Netherlands https://nederlandelektrisch.nl/opladen/laden-in-het-buitenland.

OrangeGas is currently the cheapest! We only charge €0.35 per kWh and no initial flat fee applies, making us the cheapest provider for fast charging. In addition, we sell 100% green electricity, generated as locally as possible. OrangeGas is currently working hard on expanding its network. 

All the available electric models can be found on our website under 'vehicles'.

Hydrogen is an energy carrier, not a fuel that is burned. Hydrogen cars are filled up with hydrogen, which is converted into electricity by a fuel cell. The only waste product is water.

More information will follow shortly.

At present, most hydrogen vehicles are lease vehicles, public transport vehicles and taxis. This is because government procurement contracts are increasingly specifying clean vehicles. Long-distance transporters who can’t find a battery-electric solution often choose biogas or hydrogen.

Hydrogen-driven vehicles are very clean and quiet, and have a longer range than other vehicles using other clean fuels. In addition, filling only takes 5 minutes, the same as conventional fuels. 

Hydrogen cars also enjoy a lower benefit-in-kind taxation rate:

This lower benefit-in-kind taxation also applies to battery-electric vehicles, but only up to a certain amount. Hydrogen vehicles aren’t subject to this limit, so the lower benefit-in-kind taxation rate applies to the entire purchase price. 

Fuel costs are similar to petrol. Fuel costs and the prices of hydrogen cars are expected to fall in the coming years. 
 

Filling up with hydrogen is safe, as filling stations have to comply with strict regulations. Hydrogen is not inherently explosive. Even if hydrogen escapes from the tank, the risk of fire or explosion is low, and certainly not higher than with petrol or LPG, for example.

Filling up with hydrogen is pretty similar to filling up with other fuels, especially CNG/biogas. There are five public hydrogen filling stations in the Netherlands where you can simply fill up your vehicle. It is supplied at a pressure of 700 bar for passenger cars and 350 bar for buses and trucks.

At OrangeGas, you can simply fill up your vehicle with hydrogen using a normal card: debit card, fuel card, or even a credit card. 
The OrangeGas fuel card is free. However, other providers may require you to request a separate tag or your own fuel card. Check this with the relevant operator.

In Germany, there is a universal card for filling up, namely the H2 live fuel pass. https://h2.live/en/meinh2live
 

All OrangeGas hydrogen filling stations are listed under ‘filling stations' on our website. For the complete network, go to: https://opwegmetwaterstof.nl/tanklocaties/ 

The tank-to-wheel emissions of a hydrogen car are zero. The well-to-wheel emissions depends on the origin of hydrogen. Grey hydrogen is often made from natural gas, while green hydrogen is made using wind and solar energy.

Yes. This is absolutely possible. A small number of lease car suppliers now offer cars with factory-fitted hydrogen systems. 

Yes you can, many buses and trucks have already been converted. For example, installing a hydrogen fuel-cell range extender in an electric bus allows it travel further under electric power, and the chassis of diesel trucks can be converted to hydrogen. There are also companies that convert delivery vans and passenger cars to hydrogen. 

The number of hydrogen filling stations varies enormously from country to country. For example, Germany already has nearly 100, while in Belgium there are just 2. You can find all the filling stations outside the Netherlands at: https://h2.live/en/tankstellen

The hydrogen sold at OrangeGas stations is green, and we always have filling equipment for passenger cars (700 bar) and buses/trucks (350 bar). You can purchase your hydrogen at OrangeGas using normal payment methods. This is not always the case with other providers where you have to request a separate tag or fuel card. Last but not least, we attach great importance to quality and continuity, so filling up at an OrangeGas station is always a positive experience. 

The range of a hydrogen car is approximately 500 km to 650 km. Hydrogen systems are often custom made for buses and trucks, so the range depends on the size of the hydrogen tank installed. 

There are currently two cars with factory-fitted systems, the Toyota Mirai and the Hyundai Nexo. More information about these cars can be found under 'vehicles' on the website. Used hydrogen cars are also available, see smartgreencars.nl.

HVO100 is the best clean replacement for diesel. HVO100 is produced from renewable, sustainable raw materials. The number '100' indicates it’s the pure form of HVO. For example, other suppliers also sell HVO20, a mix of diesel (80%) and HVO (20%).

The chemical composition of HVO100 is similar to conventional diesel fuel, which means engines and distribution systems can be left as standard.
 

Biodiesel: HVO100 is a biodiesel. Biodiesel is a fuel made from renewable, sustainable sources, and can be used like normal diesel. 

Blue diesel: This is also a biodiesel, but it’s blue, unlike HVO100 which is transparent. 

GTL: Gas to liquid is a fuel made from fossil sources, such as natural gas, so it is much less sustainable than HVO100. 
 

HVO100 is currently mainly used for trucks, buses and coaches. HVO100 can be used in newer Euro 5/Euro 6 diesel trucks without modifications. HVO100 is also suitable for modern delivery vans, but it’s not always recommended by vehicle suppliers and may void the warranty, often because suppliers simply haven’t been able to carry out any tests yet. It is expected that the number of vehicles approved for HVO will rise.

OrangeGas HVO100 is made from residues, such as vegetable fats. This fuel is also purchased as locally as possible.

The advantage of HVO100 is that it can used in an existing Euro 5/Euro 6 truck without any modifications. HVO100 is also a circular fuel, which means it reduces CO2 emissions by almost 90%. 

A litre of HVO100 is not cheaper than a litre of diesel; on average, it costs an extra €0.15 excluding VAT. However, it can generate financial benefits if a client requires you to use clean fuel, as you don’t have to invest in new vehicles. The consumption and range of a truck running on HVO100 is the same as diesel. 

Yes, HVO100 vehicles are safe. HVO is comparable to diesel, including the safety characteristics. Delivery vans and passenger cars, however, may not be covered by the vehicle supplier’s warranty, often because suppliers simply haven’t been able to carry out any tests yet. It is expected that the number of vehicles approved for HVO will rise.

Filling up with HVO100 is exactly the same as filling up with diesel. It is still a new product, so it is not available everywhere yet. 

You can fill up with HVO100 at OrangeGas in Geesburg and Hoogeveen. OrangeGas intends to increase the number of sales points significantly in the short term Keep an eye on our filling locations for the newest places you can fill up with HVO100. 

There are lots of different providers throughout the Netherlands. However, not everyone offers 100% HVO. Often, HVO20 or HVO50 are available, but these are mixed with the fossil fuel diesel. 

HVO100 is made from renewable and sustainable raw materials, so emissions are almost 90% lower compared to diesel. Local emissions such as particulates, NOx and sulphur oxides are also zero.

HVO100 is also available outside the Netherlands. As it is a relatively new product, a complete list of all HVO100 filling stations across Europe isn’t available yet.

OrangeGas currently has the lowest forecourt prices for HVO100. In addition, it’s a high-quality, clean product. It can be used to fill up existing trucks, resulting in a considerable reduction in CO2 emissions. 

HVO100 is suitable for newer Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel trucks. Delivery vans can also run on HVO100, but this isn’t always approved by the supplier.

The range of a truck running on HVO100 is the same as a truck running on diesel. 

LBG (liquefied biogas) is the sustainable variant of LNG (liquefied natural gas). LBG is mainly used for heavy transport, shipping, and off-grid applications.

OrangeGas doesn’t sell LBG at the moment. However, there are plans to buy it in or produce it as locally as possible.

LBG is mainly used for trucks and coaches travelling long distances, and shipping. 

The range of an LBG vehicle is impressive. Some LBG trucks can even travel 1,500 km on a single tank. Filling up takes no longer than conventional fossil fuels. LBG is a clean fuel, which means 80% fewer CO2 emissions compared to diesel. Finally, the trucks make up to 50% less noise and vibration, which means loading and unloading is sometimes possible outside the hours fixed by many municipalities in the Netherlands for these tasks. All in all, good news for the health of drivers.

LBG trucks are more expensive. Depending on the distance travelled and the aforementioned advantages, the extra investment can be recovered. In fact, you can even save money by switching to LBG. If you’d like to find out more, please contact us.
 

Litre for litre, LBG is cheaper than diesel. Transporters can also save a considerable sum in Germany, as LBG trucks are exempt from Maut (German road tax)! These trucks are also 50% quieter, which means loading and unloading is sometimes possible outside the hours fixed by many municipalities in the Netherlands for these tasks. More and more clients demand clean transport, so an LBG vehicle qualifies you for their assignments. 

Yes, LBG vehicles are safe. An LBG/LNG vehicle has to comply with stringent safety requirements. LBG in the tank is free of oxygen, to prevent any possibility of explosion or ignition.

Drivers must receive training on how to fill a vehicle with LBG. Strict safety requirements apply to this process. Drivers must also use PPE such as safety glasses, cryogenic gloves and closed footwear. They must also keep their arms and legs covered while filling up. This protective equipment keeps the driver safe when handling LBG at a temperature of -160 ºC. 
 

Filling up with LBG is different to filling up with normal fuel. Drivers must follow training on how to fill a vehicle with LBG first. OrangeGas will provide this training after the first filling stations open. 

Drivers must wear PPE such as safety glasses, cryogenic gloves and closed footwear. They must also keep their arms and legs covered. 
 

There are currently few or no places where you can fill up with LBG. However, several LNG suppliers have stated that they intend to start selling LBG soon. LBG and LNG can be used in the same truck. At the moment, the network of LNG filling stations can be found via the LNG Platform: https://www.nationaallngplatform.nl/waar-kunnen-trucks-lng-tanken/

The CO2 emissions of an LBG vehicle are up to 80% lower than those of a diesel vehicle. 

The infrastructure is constantly improving in the countries neighbouring the Netherlands. As a result, more and more carriers are switching to LNG/LBG. To see all the places you can fill up outside the Netherlands, go to: https://www.ngva.eu/stations-map/

There are many different suppliers of well-known brands that supply LNG/LBG trucks and coaches. These are listed in our overview under vehicles. 

LBG is not normally used in passenger cars and delivery vans.
 

You can have your truck converted by adding a tank so your truck can run on dual fuel (such as diesel and LBG). This isn’t a particularly popular option because you can buy vehicles with factory-fitted LBG systems these days. The main advantage of LBG is the lower cost of fuel. The biggest benefits are obtained from trucks with factory-fitted LBG systems.

Depending on the tank capacity, an LBG truck can have a range of up to 1,500 km. 

ED95 is 95% bioethanol that is used as fuel in trucks and buses. It does require adjustments to the engine. Bioethanol for passenger vehicles is also available. This is called E85.

OrangeGas doesn’t sell ED95 at the moment. However, there are plans to buy it in or produce it as locally as possible.

At the moment, bioethanol is often produced by the microbial fermentation of sugars using yeasts as a production organism.
 

ED95 is cleaner and cheaper than diesel. 

A truck modified to burn ED95 costs about €10,000 more than the diesel equivalent. This is a small extra investment that allows a vehicle to use a clean fuel. However, you can get a return on your investment at the fuel pumps, as ED95 is less expensive. In Sweden, the normal price at the filling station is €1.097 per litre. Clients are increasingly asking for clean transport, so you can also generate new business. 

Yes, recent studies in Sweden have shown that ED95 is no more flammable than petrol.

Filling up with ED95 is easy, and similar to filling up with diesel.

At the moment, there are no ED95 filling stations in the Netherlands. 

Switching buses and trucks from diesel to ED95 reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 90%.

ED95 is particularly popular in the United States, Brazil and Sweden. 

At the moment, OrangeGas doesn’t sell ED95. When an ED95 filling station does open, this fuel will always be purchased as sustainably as possible and sold as cheaply as possible.

Scania is currently the only truck manufacturer whose vehicles can use ED95. 

According to Scania, fuel consumption is virtually identical to the diesel truck. The range depends on the tank capacity. 

Liquid CO2 is the ideal replacement for diesel-powered cooling in a truck. Liquid CO2 is silent and improves air quality. In the future, OrangeGas will extract CO2 from its own biogas plants. Our CO2 filling station is located in Amsterdam.

At the moment, liquid CO2 is supplied by the firm, Thermoking. Thermoking recovers it from waste flows in the Netherlands. OrangeGas is working on extracting CO2 from its own biogas plants. 

Trucks with CryoTech cooling systems. Supermarket chains are currently the largest buyers.

Filling with liquid CO2 reduces emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates. Carbon emissions are 90% lower, and there is very little noise. This makes the truck quieter, so suitable for loading and unloading outside the hours fixed by many municipalities in the Netherlands for the purpose. Liquid CO2 is also more resistant to temperature changes, meaning fewer rejected loads.

Liquid CO2 costs around €0.16/kg. A CyroTech system has a 330-litre tank.

The OrangeGas liquid CO2 installation is located in Amsterdam. OrangeGas intends to expand this infrastructure. There are currently seven liquid CO2 filling stations in the Netherlands. See the following overview for their exact locations: https://www.thermoking.nl/service-en-onderhoud/tanklocaties-cryotech

You need a tag to fill up with liquid CO2. This is supplied free with the CryoTech system.

Liquid CO2 is suitable for all trucks with cooling or freezing systems. A CryoTech installation will be required.

Filling up with liquid CO2 is easy Simply connect the nozzle to the filling point on the truck and press start. Then you wait until a signal indicates that the system is full. You can then disconnect the nozzle.

This depends to a large extent on whether you use the system for cooling or freezing, how often the doors of your trailer are opened, the outside temperature, and the size of your trailer.