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 adds to your 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)
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:
Fuel Offset:
Typically, the AdBlue usage rate in diesel engines is around 3-5% of the diesel combustion process, resulting in that increased cost.
However, newer Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel engines with SCR systems often have 3-5% more fuel-efficient combustion than older models.
In short, the increased fuel combustion efficiency can almost completely offset the AdBlue cost, resulting in almost the same or even lower transportation costs per kilometer in some models.
Reduced Downtime and Maintenance Costs:
Euro 3 and Euro 4 diesel engines often experience problems with soot accumulation in the engine, leading to premature engine oil degradation. And the engine overheats easily.
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.
Corporate Image and Sustainability (ESG):
For operators, transport 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 that reduce road pollution and are environmentally friendly creates a positive image and a competitive advantage in bidding for contracts, as it aligns with Green Logistics policies and reducing the carbon footprint.
To provide a clearer picture, let’s calculate using hypothetical figures for an operator with a fleet of 50 large trucks as follows:
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 usage rate: Approximately 4% of the diesel fuel used
From the calculations in Table 2, it can be seen that although Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicles have an increased 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 has a total of 50 trucks, it can save a total of 31,739 x 50 = 1,586,950 baht/year in fuel costs.
Other factors can further contribute to cost savings.
In addition to the calculation examples in the table above, transportation businesses can further reduce other costs and hidden expenses, such as:
Maintenance costs: Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel vehicles offer more complete fuel combustion, reducing soot and keeping the engine cleaner. This results in cleaner engine oil, reducing the frequency of oil changes by 15% – 20%.
Extended engine lifespan: The engine operates more efficiently and effectively.
Newer Euro 5 and Euro 6 diesel vehicles are in higher demand in the used vehicle market due to emission restrictions in large urban areas, resulting in higher resale values compared to Euro 3 and Euro 4 diesel vehicles.
From the analysis and comparison of costs, it can be seen that AdBlue® does not increase the overall cost and expenses of a transportation business. Conversely, investing in newer diesel vehicles with SCR technology, which improves combustion efficiency and reduces pollution, allows businesses to save more in the long run.
If transportation and logistics companies require continuous use of AdBlue® in large quantities and are looking for cost-saving solutions, please contact our sales department for assistance. That meets the requirements of…