Citing a slowdown in the pace of the North American alternative fuel market, Volvo has modified its plans for LNG and DME projects.
Volvo Trucks Shelves LNG Engine Plan
Citing a slowdown in the pace of the North American alternative fuel market, Volvo has modified its plans for LNG and DME projects.
by Staff
October 1, 2014
Photo via Volvo Trucks.
1 min to read
Development of natural gas infrastructure to support long-haul trucking has been modest over the last year and Volvo has decided to put a hold on plans to launch its own compression ignition liquefied natural gas engine for North America.
The company’s needs are being met with the current natural gas lineup, says Volvo. Volvo will continue to field test its DME powered vehicles, but the company has now decided not to set a date for commercialization as it monitors market and stakeholder interest in the fuel.
Volvo is currently working in a partnership with Oberon Fuels and Martin Energy Services to test DME as a viable, sustainable alternative to diesel fuel in heavy duty applications.
In light of the announcement, Oberon confirmed that they are continuing to work with Volvo as they develop DME trucks together.
"We believe the simplicity of a DME fuel solution offers a significant benefit to fleet operators when compared to more complex solutions, such as LNG," said Elliot Hicks, cofounder of Oberon fuels. "Volvo's announcement is in line with where we see the alternative fuel market heading."
More Fuel Smarts
Range Energy Confirms eTrailer Performance in Winter Testing as Commercial Rollout Nears
Range Energy said its production-ready eTrailer system proved it can boost stability, safety, and efficiency in sub-zero winter conditions as the company moves toward scaled deployment.
Read More →
Top Green Fleets of 2026: Nomination Deadline Extended
Is your company a leader in sustainability efforts among trucking fleets? If so, Heavy Duty Trucking's editors want to hear from you.
Read More →
New Lightweight Wheel Cover Targets Simpler Aero Gains [Watch]
Watch to learn how Deflecktor's new wheel cover design is taking a simpler approach to aerodynamics, with an eye toward making it more practical for both trucks and trailers.
Read More →
Deflecktor: Hubbub Aerodynamic Wheel Cover Cost-Effective Even for Trailers
Aerodynamic wheel covers can deliver small but meaningful fuel-economy gains for fleets, and Deflecktor says its latest design aims to make the technology easier and more affordable to deploy.
Read More →
Cutting Fleet Fuel Costs in a Volatile Market [Listen]
When diesel prices are as volatile as they've been in 2026, it makes it tough for trucking fleets to plan and control costs. Breakthrough Fuel's Jenny Vander Zanden has insights on near-term savings strategies.
Read More →
Diesel Price Swings Aren’t Over. What Can Your Fleet Do?
Practical steps fleets can take to manage fuel costs, from purchasing strategies to driver behavior.
Read More →
Diesel Prices Surge Toward Record Highs as Oil Price Volatility Intensifies
Prices jumped another 24 cents in a week, with California topping $7.50 and new data showing fleet fuel costs may already be at record levels.
Read More →
Volvo Testing Hydrogen-Fueled Internal Combustion Engines on Trucks in Europe
Hydrogen combustion engine trucks will be especially suitable over longer distances and in regions where there is limited charging infrastructure or time for recharging of battery-electric trucks, according to the company.
Read More →
Toyota’s Entry Into Cellcentric Signals Push to Accelerate Hydrogen Truck Adoption
By joining Daimler Truck and Volvo, Toyota brings fuel cell expertise to a joint effort aimed at making hydrogen viable for heavy-duty transport.
Read More →U.S. Diesel Prices Hit $5.40, Top $7 in California
Trucking operators are slowing speeds, cutting empty miles, and declining unprofitable freight as diesel costs continue to rise due to conflict in the Middle East.
Read More →