Natural Gas Engines: A Cost-Saving Fuel Choice for Fleets
Natural Gas Engines are Ready for Your Vocational Fleet
Many small and mid-size fleets are now looking for sustainable ways to power their trucks. They also want to control their fuel costs more tightly. Therefore, natural gas (CNG and LNG) is a proven alternative fuel that works for medium-duty vocational trucks. Truck manufacturers and engine makers are expanding their offerings. This growth means natural gas is a choice that makes sense for fleets in construction, waste, and local delivery routes.
Cut Emissions and Stabilize Fuel Costs
Natural gas engines run much cleaner than diesel. Consequently, they produce significantly lower Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions, sometimes up to 50% less than current EPA standards. For fleets focused on environmental impact, this is a major benefit.
The business case for natural gas is also strong. While the upfront cost of a natural gas truck is higher, the fuel itself can be less expensive and more stable in price than diesel. Furthermore, in many areas, fleets can get government grants and incentives to help pay for the initial truck and refueling infrastructure costs. The combination of lower fuel prices and available incentives helps accelerate the return on investment (ROI).
New Options for Medium-Duty Chassis
Engine and truck manufacturers are making new natural gas options available for popular chassis. For example, Peterbilt recently announced the Cummins B6.7N natural gas engine for their new medium-duty Model 536 and 537 trucks. This engine size (200-240 HP) is a perfect fit for many vocational applications.
In addition, Allison Transmission is actively integrating its automatic transmissions with new natural gas engines from Cummins. Their automatic transmissions are known for reliability, which is critical in tough work truck cycles. Moreover, the new natural gas engines are often lighter than their diesel equivalents. This weight savings means your work truck can carry a slightly larger payload, increasing your operational efficiency.
Refueling and Infrastructure Considerations
Moving to natural gas requires careful planning, especially for refueling. Natural gas is not available at every corner station like diesel. Therefore, small fleets must decide if they will use nearby public stations or install their own small, private refueling station.
If your trucks operate on fixed, predictable routes, using a central private station can be very efficient. However, if your trucks travel long distances or different routes daily, using public stations might be a better choice. Ultimately, successful conversion to natural gas depends on having a steady, reliable source of fuel that is easy for your drivers to access.
Finding Quality External Resources
When considering alternative fuels, reliable data is a must. These resources offer great information on natural gas adoption and planning:
Also read: EV Charging for Small Fleets: Start Smart to Save Big
