Freightliner Corp. Rolls Out Engine That Uses Diesel-LNG Fuel Mix

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Freightliner Corp. rolled out a new “dual-fuel” engine that combines the clean operation of liquefied natural gas with the longer range of diesel at the truck show.

The Caterpillar-built engine would power Freightliner’s Century Class trucks and would feature two fuel tanks — a 60-gallon diesel tank on the left side and 119-gallon natural gas tank outside the frame rails on the right.

James Hebe, chief executive officer of Freightliner, said diesel would be “used as the igniter source in this compression ignition engine. After the engine warms up, it operates on a ratio of 85% LNG to 15% diesel.”

He said the engine, designated Cat C-12, was developed for the increasing number of fleets that must use alternative fuel vehicles under federal or state laws.

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