Related: Touting CNG in the Texas Triangle
Natural-Gas Trucks Not Part of Truck Sales Boom
Truckers are ordering new equipment in record numbers, but are not turning to natural gas fueled trucks as fast as had been projected two years ago, according to a new report from ACT Research.
by Staff
April 23, 2015
Love's opened a fast-fill CNG station in Willis, Texas. Photo courtesy Love's.
1 min to read
Love's opened a fast-fill CNG station in Willis, Texas.Photo courtesy Love's.
Truckers are ordering new equipment in record numbers, but are not turning to natural gas fueled heavy-duty trucks as fast as had been projected two years ago, according to a new report from ACT Research.
The rapidly declining cost of diesel is making the return on investment for adoption of natural gas less lucrative, according to ACT's “Natural Gas Quarterly." Original projections were that 2015 would see a 5% penetration of natural-gas-powered heavy duty trucks, but based on 2014 actual results and the sharp drop in oil prices starting in the fourth quarter of 2014, the report calls that optimistic.
“With the price differential between diesel and natural gas narrowing, the ROI to convert from diesel to natural gas is moving in the wrong direction: payback periods are lengthening,” said Ken Vieth, ACT senior partner and general manager.
ACT has developed a natural gas equipment payback index as a quick reference tool for fleets evaluating a switch from diesel to natural gas.
More Fuel Smarts
How GP Transco Builds Fuel Savings a Fraction at a Time
Aerodynamic specs, solar panels, and driver incentives help GP Transco turn small efficiency gains into savings it can reinvest in its people.
Read More →
Trucking’s Diesel Squeeze Isn’t Letting Up
With diesel topping $6 a gallon nationally, ATA's Bob Costello explains why fleets should prepare for continued pressure at the pump.
Read More →
FlowBelow Redesigns Trailer AeroSlider to Cut Fuel Use
The lighter trailer aerodynamic system installs in less than 45 minutes, according to the company, with potential payback in under a year depending on fuel prices and trailer mileage.
Read More →
Why Diesel Price Relief Efforts May Fall Short
Diesel prices have eased from September’s record high, but doubts about additional Russian supply and limits on dyed-diesel tax relief mean trucking fleets still face expensive fuel. And prices could go higher.
Read More →
Why Small Fuel Savings Matter in Trucking
Can better fuel economy help pay for driver raises? In this podcast, GP Transco explains how small efficiency gains create room to reinvest in its people.
Read More →
How GP Transco Cuts Trucking Fuel Costs, a Tenth of a Gallon at a Time
What’s another tenth of a mile per gallon worth? GP Transco shares how equipment upgrades and driver coaching turn small gains into meaningful fuel savings.
Read More →
Electric Yard Tractors Move Beyond Pilots
Operating-cost savings have overtaken sustainability goals as the leading reason surveyed fleets are adopting battery-electric terminal tractors, according to new NACFE research.
Read More →
Geotab Links Fleet Card to Vehicle Data
The new card combines fuel discounts with telematics-based purchase controls. Geotab’s analysis also points to potential savings from choosing lower-priced fuel stops.
Read More →
Fleet Economics Shape Electric Truck Outlook
ACT Research expects costs, charging infrastructure, and technology improvements to drive zero-emission commercial vehicle adoption as federal regulations and incentives retreat.
Read More →
Wex Adds Cardless Fuel Payments for Over-the-Road Customers
A new fuel card feature for Wex customers offers convenience and security.
Read More →