When evaluating transportation fuels, the verdict on natural gas is in. It’s an economical, environmentally friendly, fully capable of handling grueling workloads, and built for long hauls.
Unbeatable cost efficiency
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) offer unmatched affordability. The baseline cost of the fuel molecules is incredibly low, and when you factor in the lucrative tax and environmental credits generated by utilizing CNG and RNG in transportation, the financial advantages multiply.
For fleets that choose to finance, construct, and manage their own private fueling infrastructure, the final cost of fuel can plummet to a mere $0.50 to $1 per Diesel Gallon Equivalent (DGE). Even if a fleet prefers to outsource the station's construction and maintenance to a third party—or simply relies on public-access retail stations—the price only steps up to a highly competitive $2 to $3 per gallon. By transitioning away from standard diesel to natural gas, operations can lock in substantial, bottom-line cash savings.
A clear win for the environment and public health
Natural gas is an exceptionally clean energy source. Take a look at Cummins’ latest 9-liter and 15-liter engine lineups: they slash particulate matter and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions by a staggering 90% compared to even the cleanest diesel models on the market—all without requiring complex, wallet-draining pollution-control hardware. This dramatic reduction directly improves air quality and human health, delivering vital relief to communities situated near bustling shipping ports, industrial zones, and major freeways.
On top of that, burning CNG and RNG generates far fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than traditional or renewable diesel. Consider the Carbon Intensity (CI) score breakdown:
By capturing raw methane at dairies and confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) to produce RNG, we prevent a potent greenhouse gas from escaping into our atmosphere. Embracing CNG and RNG for commercial transportation presents a powerful, dual-action opportunity to protect local public health and combat global climate change.
Built for heavy workloads and long distances
Natural gas is more than capable of pulling its weight. Before Cummins launched the X15N natural gas engine in the US market in 2024, trucks running on CNG or RNG routinely struggled when hauling loads north of 82,000 pounds. Today, however, rigs equipped with the X15N are seamlessly pulling gross weights of 105,000 to 115,000 pounds, effortlessly tackling steep 6% to 7% highway grades. Alliance members can point to a variety of real-world fleets currently "running heavy" and succeeding with this technology every day.
Furthermore, these vehicles are built to go the distance. Equipped with a 175 DGE fuel tank, a natural gas truck boasts a driving range that closely rivals its diesel counterparts. While a standard diesel tractor might max out at 1,200 miles on a full tank, a matching natural gas unit will comfortably cover roughly 800 miles. Best of all, pull into a fast-fill natural gas station, and refueling takes no longer than a standard stop at a diesel pump.
The realistic path to decarbonization
When it comes to heavy-duty, long-haul transportation, CNG and RNG represent the only technologically viable pathway to true decarbonization.
To be perfectly clear, there is a time and place for Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) alternatives. Transitioning to battery-electric or hydrogen fuel cell setups makes complete sense for lighter-duty vehicles running predictable, low-demand routes. However, when an operation demands moving heavy payloads over extensive distances—such as hauling timber, agricultural goods, concrete, or heavy construction materials—natural gas engine technology stands alone as the only solution that is both operationally practical and financially sound.
