The successful certification follows the 2012 announcement by 3M and Chesapeake Energy Corporation that the two would collaborate in designing, manufacturing and marketing a broad portfolio of CNG tanks for use in all sectors of the United States transportation market. 3M expects to announce certification of other geometries in the coming months. Chesapeake is slated to become one of the first end users of the new tank, which it will incorporate in its fleet vehicles.
In line with a broader commitment to CNG, 3M has also begun working with its transportation providers to utilize natural gas on trucks carrying 3M products. In turn, the company has already implemented a pilot program with DART on dedicated routes, and anticipates others will follow.
The new tank, which will be showcased at the NTEA Work Truck Show’s “Green Pavilion,” will be initially available through five approved upfitters including OEM Systems, Venchurs Vehicle Systems, Alternative Fuel Solutions, AVS, and World CNG.
Source: 3M