Omnitek Engineering Corp. says it has named Hiller Truck Tech Inc., an Ontario-based full-service truck facility, an authorized diesel-to-natural gas engine conversion center to address Canada’s increasing demand for natural gas-powered heavy-duty engines.
According to Werner Funk, president and CEO of Omnitek Engineering Corp., Hiller will offer fleet operators a choice of either a diesel-to-natural gas engine conversion of a customer’s heavy-duty truck or the option of purchasing a new Hiller-built Glider with an overhauled and converted “drop-in” ready natural gas engine.
Funk adds that Ontario recently announced multi-year greenhouse-gas emissions reduction goals, including 15% from 1990 levels by 2020, 37% in 2030 and 80% in 2050.
“Natural gas-powered heavy-duty trucks will help in achieving these goals, and utilizing diesel-to-natural gas engine conversions rather than purchasing new more expensive trucks will substantially increase the percentage of natural gas vehicles in the truck population,” says Funk. “Furthermore, converting a diesel engine to natural gas during the normal engine overhaul cycle of an engine with a 20-year service life is a compelling economic proposition.”
Recent industry reports indicate the Canadian government is expected to allocate up to $8.3 billion on climate change initiatives over the next five years, with Ontario expected to spend up to $100 million to help natural gas suppliers create more fueling stations and encourage the switch from diesel or gasoline.
