The pilot involves three Duo Trailers operating weekly between Barcelona and Madrid, each capable of carrying up to 70 tonnes per trip—reducing the need for additional vehicles. The remaining journeys on the route are handled by standard HVO-powered vehicles.
According to CEVA, the trial is expected to cut annual emissions by up to 520 tonnes of CO₂ and 180 kilograms of nitrogen oxides, the equivalent of removing 440 trucks from the road.
Further reading: XPO expands Spanish fleet with 22 duo-trailers
Duo Trailers are 32-metre-long freight combinations consisting of a tractor unit and two semi-trailers connected via a dolly axle. Their operation requires specific infrastructure and regulatory authorisation, including access validation and permanent loading dock availability.
“This project allows us to measure the real impact of sustainable solutions applied on a large scale,” said Jaume Capdevila, Head of Ground & Rail at CEVA Logistics. “It demonstrates that it is possible to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of road transport.”
The HVO fuel used is a renewable alternative produced from vegetable oil or recycled fats and treated with hydrogen. It can be used in standard diesel engines without modification and contributes to lowering greenhouse gases and harmful pollutants.
If expanded nationwide, Spain’s current 80 Duo Trailer permits could reduce the need for 35,200 conventional truck journeys annually. This would save approximately 21 million kilometres on the road and cut an estimated 19,000 tonnes of CO₂ and 6,646 kilograms of nitrogen oxides, based on figures from the Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic.
An annual pricing review for the service is planned from 2026, adjusted for inflation, tolls, and other logistics costs. The pilot is being monitored to assess whether the model can be scaled up across Spain.
