Truck manufacturer Peterbilt Motors Company, a Texas-based PACCAR company, has received accreditation for developing the industry’s first SmartWay designated alternative fuel vehicle. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Program has recognized Peterbilt’s Model 386 liquefied natural gas (LNG) truck as meeting the established fuel-saving, low-emission equipment requirements set for Class 8 trucks.
“Peterbilt is proud that the Model 386 LNG has been recognized as the industry’s first alternative fueled vehicle to obtain SmartWay designation,” said Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The Model 386 LNG SmartWay designated vehicle offers optimal fuel and emissions efficiency with horsepower and torque equal to a diesel-fueled engine, making it the ultimate environmentally sound performance solution for customers, and further demonstrates Peterbilt as an industry leader in developing innovative quality products.”
Equipped with a fuel efficient, aerodynamic package, the Model 386 LNG SmartWay designated vehicle is suited for a variety of applications, including line, bulk and tanker hauling.
“Peterbilt is always looking to achieve the next level of innovation and operating efficiency,” said Landon Sproull, Peterbilt chief engineer. “Through extensive aerodynamic analysis and testing, Peterbilt engineers combined the industry-leading Model 386 aerodynamic package with the Westport GX engine to provide the most fuel efficient, performance configuration.”
The alternative fueled vehicle is powered by the EPA-certified Westport GX engine, offering up to 475 horsepower and 1,750 lb-ft of torque. The 15-liter engine uses high pressure direct injection technology (HPDI), specialized cryogenic fuel tanks, and associated electronic components to facilitate robust performance and reliable operation. This technology uses a low cost, cleaner-burning fuel than diesel without compromising engine torque, power, fuel economy, or drivability, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent.
Peterbilt offers other compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) power platforms. Also powered by Westport GX engine, the high-performance Peterbilt Model 367 is the ideal vocational truck for a variety of dump, mixer and construction applications. In addition, Models 384, 365 and 320, equipped with the Cummins Westport ISL-G engine, can be specified with CNG or LNG offering 320 horsepower and 1,000 ft-lbs of torque, suitable for short-haul, regional, refuse and dump trucks with GCW/GVW ratings up to 66,000 lbs.
(This article compiled using information from a Peterbilt Motors Company press release)
