Freightliner Trucks has launched its first truck powered by natural gas.
The Freightliner Business Class M2 112 NG, is designed for port operations, natural gas utilities, and municipalities, the company says.

By using natural gas technology, fleets can save $6,000 in annual fuel and operating costs per truck, Freightliner says. Fleets in states such as California can take advantage of tax incentives by using the alternative fuel.

"The M2 112 is a versatile and hard-working truck, and adding a natural gas option only enhances its efficiency," said Melissa Clausen, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks.

The truck is powered by the Cummins Westport ISL G, an 8.9-liter stoichiometric cooled-exhaust gas recirculation engine. It's available with 320 horsepower, and satisfies EPA 2010 standards as is. The ISL G is equipped with a maintenance-free exhaust system with a three-way catalyst.

"Natural gas technology has come a long way," said Clausen. "Buses have been using it for years, but the next generation natural gas powertrains have more power because less air is needed for combustion. The technology simply burns cleaner."

Freightliner also has plans to roll out a compressed natural gas version of the M2 112, followed by a CNG single axle tractor, vocational configurations and others.

"By the end of 2010, Freightliner will have a complete Cummins Westport-powered line-up with configuration options for more than 90 percent of truck applications in North America," said Roe East, president of Cummins Westport.

More info: www.FreightlinerTrucks.com.