Due to the recent increases in the cost of diesel, truck
drivers and trucking companies are searching for new ways to cut fuel costs. One
of the most promising of these alternatives is natural gas. However, unlike advanced
aerodynamic truck designs, trailer skirts, and trailer tails, natural gas poses
a problem to all who choose it as an alternative fuel source. This problem is
none other than fuel availability.
America has thousands of gas stations and truck stops that
offer diesel fuel. On the other hand, only a handful of stations offer natural
gas. Although Travel Centers of America plans to open about 100 natural gas
fueling stations at its truck stops, even these measures are not sufficient to
fuel a nationwide fleet of natural gas semis.
With current production of natural gas vehicles by Freightliner,
Mack, Kenworth, Peterbilt, Volvo, and International, the equipment is already in existence. The
fueling system must follow. To combat this availability problem, Volvo Trucks has introduced a natural
gas-diesel hybrid. When the natural gas runs low, the system automatically
switches over to diesel.
With the added convenience of a diesel backup, natural
gas-diesel hybrids are a more viable choice than standalone natural gas
trucks. With that being said, truck drivers have to accept the switch from
diesel to natural gas and the dangers, safety precautions, and fueling methodology
associated with that change. So the question for you the professional drivers is:
would you drive a hybrid natural gas-diesel truck? Your decision may determine
the future of fuel efficiency in trucking.
Some natural gas truck pictures from
You're welcome. And I like your trailers.
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