EcoDual, LLC, a provider of dual-fuel conversion systems for heavy-duty diesel trucks, has achieved authorization from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to begin installing its systems on 2004- to 2009-model year Cummins ISX engines.
The EcoDual conversion kit for the 15L Cummins ISX engine, one of the most widely used engines in heavy duty trucking with more than one million currently in service, will provide fleets with an opportunity to substitute low cost natural gas for expensive diesel fuel, according to EcoDual officials. The EcoDual technology enables existing diesel engines to be converted to operate on up to 85% natural gas, providing a substantial fuel cost savings. Company officials say the cost of the dual fuel system can be recovered in these operational savings within one year without any government incentives.
"EcoDual is committed to providing a major cost savings to truck fleet owners," says Scott Myers, chief executive officer and president. "Our system immediately provides a low-cost natural gas fueling solution to millions of heavy-duty trucks. We do this with safe, convenient, inexpensive compressed natural gas (CNG) and deliver the long-range operation of more than 800 miles on dual fuel that fleet owners want. We are starting to take orders now and will begin shipping product in May."
In 2011, the EPA streamlined the regulations for natural gas engines so that American small businesses can provide their superior, more affordable technology in the rapidly growing natural gas vehicle market for heavy trucks. This "Clean Alternative Fuel Vehicle and Engine Conversions" (CAFC) rule, created a special category, known as Outside Useful Life (OUL), which applies to heavy-duty diesel engines with more than 435,000 miles, or more than 22,000 hours of operation, or are more than 10 years old. The EcoDual system achieved its EPA compliance under this rule.
EcoDual is an independent provider of patent pending, dual-fuel conversion systems enabling existing heavy-duty diesel trucks to operate on a combination of diesel and natural gas. In dual fuel operation, the trucks maintain full torque and power with no loss of miles per gallon. The systems are easily installed at the fleet owner's site and are fully warranted. Dual-fuel provides the added benefit of automatic operation of the truck on 100% diesel if the natural gas tank runs dry.
Over the next 12 months, EcoDual will be releasing multiple systems certified for newer trucks with the Cummins ISX and other engine families from Detroit Diesel, Mack and Caterpillar. More information on EcoDual products is available at the company website, www.ecodual.com.