Mack Trucks announced it is expanding its natural gas-powered (NG) offerings and has taken a key step forward in its hybrid vehicle development process. According to the truck maker, it plans to offer NG-powered versions of the Mack Pinnacle and Mack Granite models in 2013. Both models will utilize the Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine. Customer testing is scheduled to begin this year.
The addition of the 12-liter NG-powered models expands Mack’s current NG solutions to on-highway and construction applications. Mack already offers NG-powered Mack TerraPro Low Entry and Mack TerraPro Cabover refuse models, the company added.
Like their Mack TerraPro NG counterparts, the Mack NG-powered Pinnacle and Granite models will feature maintenance-free aftertreatment and require only a three-way catalyst to meet EPA 2010 and CARB emissions standards. The NG-powered trucks are available with compressed (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) fuel systems.
“Mack has a long history in alternative driveline technologies, and in particular, natural gas,” said Kevin Flaherty, president, Mack Trucks North American sales and marketing. “We’ve offered natural gas since it became clear that it was a viable energy solution in the refuse segment. Now customers within the regional haul, LTL and construction segments will have the benefits of natural gas combined with the power and performance they expect from Mack.”
Mack stated it also is investigating other alternative driveline technologies, including high-pressure direct injection, which uses a combination of natural gas and a small amount of diesel in the combustion process, and DME (dimethyl ether), which can be produced from natural gas. In addition, the company continues to move forward on development of diesel-electric hybrid TerraPro models, recently delivering additional Low Entry test units to the New York City Department of Sanitation for evaluation.
The Mack diesel-electric hybrid technology provides up to a 30% fuel economy improvement in stop-and-go applications such as refuse, with a corresponding greenhouse gas emissions benefit, the truck maker added.
“We listen to what our customers want and develop the technologies best suited for their needs,” Flaherty said. “Mack’s alternative driveline technologies represent an ongoing evolution built upon our proven experience.”
