Sales of Class 8 natural gas trucks in the U.S. and Canada rose 9 percent year-to-date through November following a mostly flat third quarter, according to ACT Research.
ACT Research Senior Partner and General Manager, Kenny Vieth says despite uncertainty spurred by the current climate of changing environmental winds and low oil prices, the reading indicates continued interest in natural gas as a transportation fuel in the US Class 8 market.
“Based on news released in the popular press, natural gas vehicle purchases continued to be dominated by refuse fleets through year-to-date November, as well as transit and school bus operators,” he adds.
Meanwhile, electric vehicle technology continues to make strides as it further penetrates the various commercial vehicle classifications, with Class 8 on the docket.
“All viable commercial vehicle power alternatives must now be considered to accurately measure potential cost savings for fleets and overall emissions as we look to the future,” says Vieth.