New report predicts major growth in NGV fuel use for commercial trucking

“Future fuel demand in NGVs has enormous upside potential, led by private sector initiatives,” says the report, which adds that the move toward more natural gas in truck engines has already begun. LNG consumed in Class 8 trucks would be responsible for approximately 70% of that total, 10 BCF/D (1,700 MB/D diesel equivalent [MBe/D]). Vehicles typically consuming CNG would account for the additional 4 BCF/D (700 MBe/D).

For fleets where the principal alternative to diesel is CNG, the past year has witnessed a striking advance of private initiatives across the stakeholder spectrum, from major vehicle producers, to fueling infrastructure firms, to fleet operators. A high degree of NGV visibility and share of new orders in the public transit and refuse market are standout examples of CNG vehicle growth taking root.

Regarding LNG adoption for Class 8 trucking, the market needs to build a consumer base for trucks that are not yet built, and that also lack a viable fueling infrastructure. However, the private sector appears to be responding to this challenge without help from the federal government, which previously looked essential, and its investments will be pivotal for this market growth.

Source: PIRA Energy Group