Switching to natural gas can lead to significant savings for some fleet applications. As the cost of diesel continues to fluctuate, natural gas (NG) fuel prices have remained relatively stable—and less expensive—making it an economical choice.

Heavy-duty truck manufacturers have realized the cost-saving potential and have responded with various NG-powered offerings that provide fleets with options when considering truck models. Read on for a recap of some of the latest NG offerings. 

The Freightliner M2 112 NG, featuring the Cummins Westport ISL G, is ideal for regional distribution, pick up and delivery, food and beverage, and utility use, the truck maker said. The model can handle GVWs up to 66,000 lbs. and can be spec’d to handle GVW/GCW up to 80,000 lbs., depending on application.
Freightliner offers factory-installed and warranty-covered compressed natural gas (CNG) tanks in 60 diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) and 75 DGE configurations in the M2 112, installed back of cab. Factory-installed liquefied natural gas (LNG) options on the M2 112 include 119- and 150-gal. tanks, which equate to 65 and 86 DGE, respectively.

Freightliner plans to begin production of its Cascadia 113 NG in the fourth quarter of 2013. The truck incorporates the clean-engine technology of the new Cummins Westport ISX12 G heavy-duty NG engine, which offers 400 HP and 1,450 lb./ft. of torque. An increased variety of available CNG and LNG fuel tank options will allow for increased range over other product offerings, the truck maker said.

Kenworth offers several NG models. The T440, T470 and W900S are offered with the Cummins Westport ISL G engine that can run on either LNG or CNG. These three models can be ordered with ratings up to 66,000 lbs. GCW. The T440 also can be spec’d as a heavy Class 7 at 33,000 lb. GCW. The Kenworth T660, T800 short hood (116.5-in. BBC), and W900S are available with the Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine, which the truck maker said requires a single fuel source and can run on either CNG or LNG.

Also available for heavier applications is Kenworth’s T800 standard hood (122.5-in. BBC) with the Westport 15L HPDI technology NG engine. The T800—available only for LNG use—can be ordered in a GCW starting at 80,000 lb. for over-the-road operation, with additional ratings exceeding 130,000 lbs. available for heavy applications.

Volvo currently offers two NG-powered Class 8 solutions: the VNL daycab, equipped with a 12-liter Cummins-Westport ISX12 G engine, and the VNM daycab, featuring a factory-installed 8.9 liter Cummins ISL G engine.

Volvo said its proprietary 13-liter LNG compression-ignition engine, utilizing a small amount of diesel fuel to ignite the LNG, delivers diesel-like durability and performance in terms of horsepower and torque. The D13-LNG also provides about a 20% fuel efficiency improvement compared with spark-ignition NG engines and an even greater fuel cost reduction when compared to diesel-powered engines. VNL daycabs powered by the Volvo D13-LNG engine will be available for order during the second half of 2014.

Mack Trucks’ 12-liter NG-powered Pinnacle Axle Back model offers a NG solution for on-highway applications. Ideal for regional haul and LTL, the Mack Pinnacle is equipped with the Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine and available for order with either an LNG or CNG fuel system.

Navistar said the International TranStar CNG, with a spark-ignited, turbo-charged engine rated at 320 HP with 1,000 lb./ft. of torque, is well-suited for a variety of applications. Available through a partnership with Westport, the ISL-G combines high displacement and superior horsepower with proven Wastegate turbocharger technology for impressive low-end torque, transient response, and increased fuel efficiency, the truck maker said.

Peterbilt recently announced the availability of the new 2013 Cummins Westport ISX12 G NG engine. Based on the Cummins ISX12 diesel engine, the ISX12 G is both EPA and CARB certified; it will not require a diesel particulate filter or a selective catalytic reduction system, the truck maker added.

Available in August, the ISX12 G features spark ignition technology and a 3-way catalyst, and will be available with a maximum 400 HP and max torque ratings of up to 1,450 lb./ft.