Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc. has unveiled its FUSO FE compressed natural gas (CNG) concept truck, which was developed with alternative fuel systems provider Agility Fuel Solutions.
Ideal for urban operations, the vehicle is expected to have a driving range of 190 miles. Agility is providing an end-to-end CNG fuel system, including dual side-mounted CNG storage systems with 30 gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) capacity, an integrated regulator assembly and a fuel fill panel. The CARB- and EPA-certified low-NOx natural gas fuel system for the GM Powertrain V8 6.0L engine is standard on all FE GAS trucks.
According to the partners, the vehicle has been designed for easy integration into customers’ fleet operations. The CNG fuel system drives the OEM fuel gauge, providing the driver with a familiar fuel level between empty and full, rather than a pressure value. Because the CNG system does not significantly increase the weight of the truck, the overall payload capacity for the FE CNG is not greatly impacted, allowing operators to continue to deliver roughly the same amount of goods compared to other powertrain models, the partners add.
“Using Agility’s experience in CNG will benefit our customers by enabling a reliable, integrated CNG-powered solution for our existing FUSO FE GAS truck models,” says Jasmin Kluge, project manager for alternative fuels at Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America Inc.
Scheduled maintenance and service work will be conducted or coordinated at any independent FUSO dealership located across the U.S. and Canada.
”We are excited to work with FUSO to develop a CNG option for the FUSO’s FE GAS platform,” notes Brad Garner, Agility’s president for powertrain systems. “CNG is an excellent option for return-to-base and urban delivery fleets, with an attractive total cost of ownership.”
Further tests and market studies are under way to determine the next steps for the concept truck, with a potential CNG aftermarket solution from Agility by 2020.
