Compare the costs of vehicles using and not using (AdBlue ®)
Businesses, transport and logistics companies that have invested in newer truck models and switched to Euro 5 or Euro 6 standard diesel trucks may need to consider the cost of AdBlue®, which represents an added expense and increases overall monthly costs.
Today, we’d like to compare the advantages and disadvantages and analyze the cost of AdBlue® to determine if it’s truly worthwhile or if it increases expenses. We’ll create a comparison table to show the overall cost and efficiency between Euro 3 and Euro 4 standard diesel trucks (which don’t require AdBlue®) and Euro 5 and Euro 6 standard diesel trucks (which require AdBlue®). This will serve as a guide for decision-making and managing large truck fleets in the current economic climate.
Lifetime cost analysis. (Total Cost of Ownership – TCO)
Although Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel engines incur higher costs for AdBlue®, considering various factors and the long-term perspective of switching to Euro 5 and Euro 6 standard diesel engines, which are newer technology, may be more cost-effective in the long run for the following reasons:
1. Break-even point from fuel costs (Fuel Offset):
- Typically, the AdBlue® usage rate in diesel vehicles is around 3-5% of the diesel fuel combustion process, resulting in an increased cost of approximately that amount.
- However, newer diesel engines meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards with SCR systems often have 3-5% more fuel-efficient combustion rates than older models.
In summary, the increased fuel combustion efficiency can almost completely offset the cost of AdBlue refills, resulting in transportation costs (Baht per kilometer) that are virtually the same or even lower in some models.
2. Reduced Downtime and Maintenance Costs:
- Euro 3 and Euro 4 diesel vehicles often experience problems with soot buildup in the engine, leading to premature engine oil degradation and engine overheating.
- Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel vehicles with SCR systems help the engine operate efficiently and have complete combustion, resulting in a cleaner engine and thus reducing long-term engine maintenance costs.
3. Corporate Image and Sustainability (ESG):
- For transportation and logistics companies with large fleets of trucks that transport goods for large companies or industrial plants, using Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel trucks, which reduce pollution on the roads and are environmentally friendly, creates a positive image and a competitive advantage in bidding for contracts. This aligns with Green Logistics policies and the reduction of carbon footprint.
To provide a clearer picture, let’s calculate using hypothetical figures for a company with a fleet of 50 large trucks:
- Current diesel fuel price: 42.90 THB/liter (based on April 2026 fuel prices)
- Price of AdBlue®: approximately 30 THB/liter (price depends on usage volume) and other factors)
- Average mileage: 120,000 km/year/vehicle
- AdBlue® fuel consumption rate: approximately 4% of the amount of diesel fuel used
From the calculations in Table 2, it can be seen that although Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicles have an additional cost of approximately 36,000 baht/year/vehicle for AdBlue fluid, the more complete combustion of the engine results in fuel savings of up to 67,739 baht/year/vehicle.
Therefore, if a transportation and logistics company with a total of 50 trucks can save on fuel costs, the total annual cost would be 31,739 x 50 = 1,586,950 baht per year.
Other factors can further contribute to cost savings.
In addition to the calculation examples in the table above, transportation operators can further reduce costs and other hidden expenses, such as:
- Maintenance costs are reduced because Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel vehicles have more complete fuel combustion efficiency, reducing soot and keeping the engine cleaner. This results in cleaner engine oil, reducing the frequency of oil changes by up to 15% – 20%.
- It helps extend the lifespan of the engine because it runs smoothly and efficiently.
- New Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel vehicles are likely to be in higher demand in the used car market due to emission restrictions in major urban areas, resulting in higher resale values compared to Euro 3 and Euro 4 diesel vehicles.
Based on the analysis of samples and a cost-benefit analysis, it can be seen that AdBlue does not increase the overall costs and expenses of a transportation business. Conversely, investing in new diesel vehicles with SCR technology, which improves combustion efficiency and reduces pollution, allows businesses to save more in the long run.
If your business, transportation, or logistics company requires a continuous and large-volume supply of AdBlue® and is looking for cost-effective solutions, please contact our sales team to find the perfect solution for your needs.