Navistar has already tested a CNG medium-duty vehicle featuring a MaxxForce DT-466 conversion kit developed by Emissions Solutions Inc. (ESI). The engine technology includes the ESI Phoenix NG 7.6L dedicated natural gas engine that utilizes a diesel engine as its base platform. It can use CNG or LNG as its fuel source and operates as a Stoichiometric Spark-Ignited internal combustion engine with an Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
Jim Hebe, senior vice president for Navistar North American sales operations, stated that his company wants to anticipate and meet changing industry demands by offering a clean-burning natural gas engine with the power and torque required by a wide range of medium-duty truck operations.
“There are a growing number of customers interested in natural gas vehicles. Municipalities, as well as any businesses with vehicles that go back to a home-base every night, are ideal candidates,” he added.
