American Power Group reports it recently received orders for 38 of its dual-fuel diesel-natural gas systems, a record number in one month for the product. APG also says the dual-fuel systems are comparing favorably in cost and reliability with gas-only engines being tried by some fleets.

The V5000 systems will be installed in Class 8 tractors, enabling their heavy diesels to burn gas with diesel to lower fuel costs and reduce exhaust emissions. The orders involve APG’s partnership with the WheelTime Network and its members, who operate service shops and parts outlets.

APG has evaluation orders for nine dual-fuel systems from a high-profile, family owned food service fleet based in Oklahoma, which has some of the lowest natural gas prices in the United States, said Lyle Jensen, APG’s chief executive officer. 

APG will coordinate this $290,000 conversion with United Engines, a WheelTime member, with operations in Oklahoma City. It expects to convert five trucks during June and install systems in four new Freightliner APG Dual Fuel Gliders later this year.

Clarke Power Services, another WheelTime member, received a follow-on order for 20 APG Dual Fuel Gliders from a food-grade bulk hauling customer who had initially purchased 10 dual-fuel glider-kitted tractors in March, Jensen said. Net fuel savings and the lighter weight of a glider compared to a new diesel tractor are the key reasons the fleet wants more dual-fuel gliders.   

Additionally, Clarke Power booked an evaluation order for conversion of two Class 8 tractors for a major for-hire carrier. Clarke also has outstanding quotes with another four major for-hire fleets.  

Penn Commercial Vehicle Solutionshas booked an initial evaluation order for five APG dual fuel systems with a large regional textile services company in Pennsylvania. The order will target conversion of 2007-2009 model year trucks in their fleet and will be filled from Penn Commerical’s existing dual fuel systems inventory, so APG expects a restocking order soon.

Interstate Power Systemshas received a follow-on order for four APG Dual Fuel Gliders from a Freightliner dealer who purchased its initial dual fuel glider in April. The dealer specializes in glider kits and is primarily focused on heavy-duty Class 8 trucks servicing the oil & gas exploration and production industry, which reportedly has 190,000 heavy-duty trucks operating in North America.

“One of the more exciting emerging trends we see is the success our 2014/2015 APG Dual Fuel Glider is having in side-by-side customer evaluation tests with dedicated natural gas engines,” Jensen said. “The Series 60 12.7L APG dual fuel glider is outperforming and experiencing less maintenance downtime then their dedicated natural gas engine counterpart."

He said the company belives its dual fuel system was going to be more than just a transition technology to dedicated natural gas engines. Early indications are showing the APG Dual Fuel Glider is becoming an alternative mainstream natural gas vehicular choice for the Class 8 trucking industry, according to Jensen.

The company currently has about 450 EPA Outside Useful Life approvals covering six engines on the road and has shipped over 250 dual-fuel vehicular conversion systems in North America and over 150 internationally, Jensen said.