Mack Trucks announced June 11 that it is expanding its natural gas-powered offerings and has taken a key step forward in its hybrid vehicle development process. Mack plans to offer natural gas-powered versions of the Pinnacle and Granite models in 2013.
Both models will be powered by the Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine that will enter production next year. Customer testing is scheduled to begin this year.
The addition of the 12-liter natural gas-powered models expands Mack’s current natural gas solutions to on-highway and construction applications. Mack already offers natural gas-powered TerraPro low entry and TerraPro cabover refuse models.
Like their Mack TerraPro natural gas counterparts, the Mack natural gas-powered Pinnacle and Granite models will feature maintenance-free aftertreatment and require only a three-way catalyst to meet EPA 2010 and CARB emissions standards, setting a new benchmark for lower alternative fuel vehicle lifecycle costs and improving customers’ return on investment. Mack’s natural gas-powered trucks are available with compressed (CNG) or liquefied (LNG) fuel systems.
“Mack has a long history in alternative driveline technologies, and in particular, natural gas,” says Kevin Flaherty, president, Mack Trucks North American Sales & Marketing. “We’ve offered natural gas since it became clear that it was a viable energy solution in the refuse segment. Now customers within the regional haul, LTL, and construction segments will have the benefits of natural gas combined with the power and performance they expect from Mack.”
Mack also is investigating other alternative driveline technologies, including high pressure direct injection, which uses a combination of natural gas and a small amount of diesel in the combustion process, and DME (dimethyl ether), which can be produced from natural gas.
In addition, the company continues to move forward on development of diesel-electric hybrid TerraPro models, recently delivering additional low-entry test units to the New York City Department of Sanitation for evaluation.
The Mack diesel-electric hybrid technology provides up to a 30% fuel economy improvement in stop-and-go applications such as refuse, with a corresponding greenhouse gas emissions benefit.
“We listen to what our customers want and develop the technologies best suited for their needs,” Flaherty says. “Mack’s alternative driveline technologies represent an ongoing evolution built upon our proven experience.”