Kenworth Truck Co. said it will begin producing a low-emissions liquefied natural gas (LNG) T800 truck at its manufacturing facility in Renton, Wash., beginning next year.
Under an agreement with Westport

Innovations Inc. in Vancouver, B.C., Kenworth will use Westport's LNG fuel system technology adapted for the Cummins ISX 15-liter engine.
"The Kenworth T800, equipped with a Cummins ISX and Westport's HPDI fuel system, offers an industry-leading solution with world-class low emissions and greenhouse gases, while delivering outstanding horsepower, torque, and efficiency comparable to a diesel engine," said Bob Christensen, Kenworth general manager and Paccar vice president.
The Kenworth 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 replacing many of the 16,800 Class 8 trucks serving the ports with LNG-powered vehicles. The ports have also proposed a controversial plan to progressively remove all pre-2007 trucks by
2012.
Kenworth and Westport Innovations previously collaborated on an aftermarket basis to equip Kenworth T800s with LNG fuel systems. These trucks are already serving the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. In addition, Pacific Gas &Electric Co. in San Francisco recently began
operating Kenworth T800 LNG-powered trucks.
Westport will open a new LNG Fuel System Assembly Center in British Columbia to support the Kenworth factory initiative.
Kenworth's T800 serves a variety of applications from sleeper-cab linehaul tractors to severe service on/off-highway dump and mixer trucks. LNG is a low-carbon, low-emissions fuel favored by Clean Air Authorities. that enjoys direct and indirect government subsidies.
The Westport ISX-LNG system is available with 400 and 450 horsepower ratings and up to 1,750 pounds-feet of torque for heavy-duty port, freight and vocational applications. 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.