LNG For Capacity Terminal Tractors

Milwaukee, Wis.-based REV Group, a manufacturer of specialty vehicle brands, has announced the introduction of liquid natural gas (LNG) fueled engines in its Capacity TJ9000 L9N terminal tractors.

Capacity’s Cummins L9N LNG engine, which powers the TJ terminal tractor, features a near-zero emissions certification. Further, REV said LNG is more competitive in matching the duty cycles of a diesel-powered tractor compared to other alternative fuel solutions. This is important, as the time required for refueling equals lost time, and therefore lost profitability, for the customer, REV said.

The stainless-steel tank used by Capacity Trucks was designed by Chart Industries Inc. and provides an expected service life of 25 years—a match to the durability of the TJ9000 platform. With a tank volume of 127 gallons, the LNG tractor is set to exceed the total energy of Capacity’s standard 50-gallon Diesel tank.

The TJ9000 terminal tractor, powered by the Cummins L9N LNG engine, is set to take part in a case study performed by the California Energy Commission (CEC). Currently, an order of 20 units will operate for one year at the Port of Los Angles (POLA) in competition against fully-electric units manufactured. REV advantages for its LNG vehicle in the run-off are increased energy density, as electrical units will require refueling (charging) more frequently. In addition, more time is required to perform a charge than to fill an LNG tank (~1 hour vs. ~10 minutes).

“Capacity Trucks is excited to be partnering with the California Energy Commission on this progressive project. Sustainability is a key initiative for REV Group and this LNG case study will pave the way for further use of alternative fuels in terminal trucks and other specialty vehicles,” said Ray Quatrochi, REV Group’s vice president of Product Innovation.

REV Group and the Capacity Trucks team look forward to the continuation of this case study and the soon-to-be-released Cummins B6.7N engine integration within the LNG platform.