NGVAmerica says communities should continue to invest in new near-zero natural gas technologies.
Using New Jersey as a case study, NGVAmerica analyzed the costs and impact of transitioning the state’s entire 10,000 refuse truck fleet from diesel to both natural gas and battery-electric vehicles. Not only do natural gas vehicle (NGV) refuse trucks – fueled by renewable natural gas (RNG), or biomethane, derived from above-ground sources – outperform their electric counterparts when it comes to total NOx emission reductions well-to-wheel, but they also reduce more harmful CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions in total than the battery-electric alternative.
Furthermore, the cost difference to upgrade New Jersey’s 10,000 truck fleet from diesel to cleaner technologies is substantial – only an estimated $350 million in incremental costs for NGVs while a complete battery-electric fleet conversion could cost between $3.5 and $4.2 billion.
It’s also important to note that while RNG-fueled refuse trucks are slightly more costly than their diesel counterparts, electrification options could be up to 2-3 times more expensive, and electric versions offer less payload capacity than diesel and natural gas alternatives due to their heavy, bulky and expansive battery storage needs. The result is that electric refuse trucks are expected to collect less waste per load requiring either more trucks in deployment, more route miles driven or reduced services to communities. Their inability to be charged and put into service in times of weather emergency or post-storm when the electric grid is down further complicates their practical long-term deployment.
“New Jersey leaders and policy makers should take note: not only do natural gas vehicles fueled by RNG outperform battery-electric alternatives in terms of impactful NOx and GHG reductions, but they also are more cost-effective and make far better investments of public tax dollars,” says Dan Gage, president of NGVAmerica. “Furthermore, this transition in New Jersey to cleaner natural gas refuse fleets is underway, with three-quarters of all New Jersey counties deploying natural gas refuse trucks already.”
Over 550 natural gas trucks are deployed in New Jersey today, serving 16 of the 21 counties in the state. To date, communities and businesses in New Jersey have invested more than $200 million in natural gas trucks and fueling infrastructure.
NGVA’s analysis, entitled Cleaning the Air and Decarbonizing New Jersey with CNG Refuse Trucks, details just why that investment should continue and be expanded. The report presents critical information on the benefits of natural gas in transportation and highlights the reasons why natural gas is the best solution for communities that want to immediately address urban pollution and reduce harmful emissions that contribute to climate change.
Full access to the study document is available in NGVAmerica’s online Resource Center, here.