Kenworth will offer environmentally friendly, liquefied natural gas vehicles by beginning production of T800 LNG trucks at its manufacturing facility in Renton, Wash., but not until 2009. It will use the LNG fuel system adapted for the Cummins ISX 15-liter engine by Vancouver’s Westport Innovations.
The LNG factory installation coincides with the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach announcement to approve a new $1.6 billion Clean Truck Superfund. The fund will assist with replacing many of the 16,800 heavy trucks serving the ports with LNG-powered vehicles. The ports have also introduced a new progressive ban that will remove all pre-2007 trucks by 2012. Westport’s LNG fuel system is the only alternative fuel technology currently qualified for financial support under the program.
Kenworth and Westport have previously collaborated on an aftermarket basis to equip T800s with LNG fuel systems, trucks that are already working in the two California ports. Westport will open a new LNG fuel system assembly center in B.C. to support the Kenworth factory initiative.
The Westport LNG ISX engine is available with 400- and 450-hp ratings and up to 1750 lb ft torque. LNG fuel tanks can be configured to suit customer range requirements. Trucks are eligible for federal tax credits in the United States and may be eligible for other state-specific emissions credits. There are no equivalent credits in Canada.
Westport’s LNG system offers lower greenhouse gas emissions than comparable diesel engines using lower-cost, domestically available natural gas and/or biogas. The system comprises LNG fuel tanks, proprietary Westport fuel injectors, cryogenic fuel pumps and associated electronic components. It’s 2007 EPA and CARB certified to 0.8g/bhp-hr NOx and 0.01g/bhp-hr PM.
Closing the Gap
