Mack Trucks on Monday, June 11, announced it’s expanding its natural gas-powered offerings and that it has taken what the company describes as “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 utilize the Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine. 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 Cabover refuse models.
The Mack natural gas-powered Pinnacle and Granite models will feature maintenance-free aftertreatment and require a three-way catalyst to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 2010 and California Air Resources Board emissions standards. 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,” said Kevin Flaherty, president of Mack Trucks North American sales and 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.”
The Greensboro, N.C.-based truck maker 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. Mack says its diesel-electric hybrid technology provides up to a 30 percent 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 said. “Mack’s alternative driveline technologies represent an ongoing evolution built upon our proven experience.”
