Kenworth Truck Company, headquartered in Kirkland, Washington, has published an article describing the process of defining which of their natural gas powered trucks best suits a fleet operator’s business applications. While the article is specific to Kenworth models the underlying considerations may be of benefit to prospective compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) fleet operators generally.
Andy Douglas, Kenworth Truck Company’s national sales manager for specialty markets, recommends “start with two primary considerations when spec’ing natural gas-powered trucks – first, the type of natural gas available in your operating area, and second, the operating range your trucks typically travel.”
Considerations include:
- Natural Gas Availability and Expanding Infrastructure — take inventory of natural gas stations in the area and along operating routes
- Operating Range — range and GVW will help determine choice of CNG or LNG
- Fueling — can selected stations accommodate truck size and fuel type. Is CNG and/or LNG available?
- Fuel Tank Selection and Placement — experience and expertise specific to natural gas vehicle applications is important to avoid over-specification
- Engine Recommendation — Westport HD or Cummins Westport ISL G (within the Kenworth range)
- Diesel vs. Natural Gas Prices
On the last point Douglas comments: “The fuel savings, coupled with the longer trade cycles that some vocational operators already experience with their trucks, can make a positive return on investment (ROI) attainable now, even without government incentives,” he said. “The business is changing as the trend moves toward greener trucks.”
The article finishes with comments about additional benefits attained through natural gas powered fleet operations and provides links to useful resources.
Kenworth offers four natural gas models: the Class 8 Kenworth T800, T440, T470 and W900S.
(This article compiled using information from a Kenworth Truck Company press release)
