Natural gas goes head-to-head with diesel in the heavy-duty arena

Jul 22, 2024 - Article

The new Cummins X15N coupled with Hexagon Agility’s market-leading and proven fuel system serves as a powerful equalizer. This synergy unleashes the power of natural gas for long-haul transport, enabling natural gas to compete head-to-head with diesel in the heavy-duty sector on both range and power.

Fleet owners find themselves in a sea of technology choices. From battery-electric to fuel-cell to compressed (renewable) natural gas (CNG / RNG).

Which is the right choice? The reality is that one size does not fit all. The optimal solution depends on factors such as range, payload, and infrastructure.

The rule of thumb for optimal and cost-effective alternative fuel solutions:

Best performing energy choice for long-haul transport
For long-haul fleets, the arrival of the new Cummins X15N* in the market makes the choice of RNG/CNG clearer today than ever before! Compared to ISX12N, the X15N is 500 lbs. lighter, 10% more efficient, and has proven diesel matching ratings up to 500hp and 1850ln-ft of torque, and much more.

“While the sweet spot for BEV is likely in class 4-6, the sweet spot for CNG/RNG is truly long-haul trucking that requires a specific payload and range to meet long-haul’s day-to-day operation,” says Eric Bippus, Hexagon Agility’s EVP sales & systems.

Driven by volatile diesel fuel costs, fleets are turning to natural gas as a reliable and cost-effective alternative. While the upfront expense for natural gas trucks may be
higher, fleets experience a reduced total cost of ownership due to significant savings in fuel expenditure. Historically, CNG offers savings of up to $2.00/gallon over diesel.

Available CNG/RNG filling stations
With a network of over 1,600 fueling stations, public and private, strategically located along major transport routes, the 24/7/365 public stations presently accommodate thousands of long-haul trucks. Additionally nearly 100 stations are slated to open in 2024.

Mature technology with OEM support
“We are excited to continue our leadership by offering the latest natural gas solutions for our customers,” stated Kyle Kimball, Kenworth director of marketing, “A Cummins X15N-powered Kenworth allows us to assist customers in a variety of applications to achieve their emissions goals, from unparalleled NOx reduction to lowering total cost of ownership.”

“The Cummins X15N coupled with our natural gas fuel system solutions means that long-haul fleets now have access to an engine that supports high payload, long range, and access to a mature fueling infrastructure. In partnership with OEMs, dealers and fleets, Hexagon Agility is supporting multiple X15N pilots on the road today and in the coming months,” says Bippus.

Long-haul fleets have made the switch
With thousands of natural gas trucks already in service, 70,000 supplied by Hexagon Agility alone – major fleets like UPS and Food Express have begun operating trucks with X15N engine.

“For UPS, natural gas is a no brainer,” said Mike Casteel, former director of fleet procurement for UPS. “With the access to natural gas infrastructure, anyone can do this. Further investment in natural gas fleet is a key element to help UPS achieve long-term goals for reducing CO2 emissions.”

“The addition of the new truck with Cummins’ latest X15N technology into our fleet falls nicely with our decarbonization plans,” said Kevin Keeney, president of Food Express. “Having the power and torque of a larger engine makes it ideal for many of our routes and has the added benefit of operating with an ultra-low carbon fuel (RNG).”

How can fuel reach below zero?
RNG results in significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions compared to other clean energy solutions available today. It mitigates climate change by capturing methane otherwise released into the atmosphere, reducing both CO2 emissions and neutralizing waste. RNG and CNG can be used interchangeably in natural gas vehicles.

In 2022, 69% of all on-road fuel used in natural gas vehicles in the US was RNG.

Dynamic duo, Cummins X15N engine + Hexagon Agility fuel system ticks all the boxes for long-haul.

  • Positive TCO for today’s HD fleet
  • Mature technology with OEM support
  • Available CNG/RNG fueling stations
  • Highest carbon abatement potential