DTNA Showcases Alternative-Fuel Cascadia Models
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Daimler Trucks North America presented two new Freightliner Cascadia trucks fueled on compressed natural gas as examples of its further expansion into alternative-fuel options.
One of the new Cascadia CNG vehicles shown here at the ACT Expo during April 30-May 3 was developed in collaboration with UPS Inc.
MORE FROM ACT EXPO: Kenworth displays its T680 hybrid-electric tractor
The new Cascadia day cab is equipped with a Cummins Westport ISX12N Near-Zero NOx natural gas engine and Eaton Fuller Advantage Series automated manual transmission, which, when combined with the model’s aerodynamic design, can result in fuel-efficiency gains of up to 3% compared with similarly spec’d original Cascadia CNG truck models, according to the Portland, Ore.-based truck maker.
The ISX12N engine meets the California Air Resources Board Low NOx standard of 0.02 gram per brake horsepower-hour — a 90% reduction from engines operating at current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency NOx limit of 0.2 gram standard.
“By partnering with companies like UPS to pilot innovations such as the new Cascadia CNG truck, we can continuously evaluate and enhance our products,” Kelly Gedert, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks and Detroit Components, said in a statement.
“Our proven experience in developing alternative-fuel technologies for applications ranging from longhauls to vocational jobs demonstrates our commitment to environmentally sustainable solutions that increase productivity and efficiency for our customers,” Gedert said.
The DTNA booth also featured the medium-duty Freightliner M2 112 equipped with a Cummins Westport L9N Near-Zero NOx natural gas engine, the propane-autogas S2G chassis from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. and the Thomas Saf-T-Liner C2 all-electric school bus.
