Over the next year, Pittsburgh-based carrier Pitt Ohio will test out two Mack Anthem trucks equipped with Cummins Westport ISX12N natural gas engines.
Mack Trucks says the initiative is part of Pitt Ohio’s ongoing commitment to reducing the environmental impact of its fleet through the use of alternative fuels.
“Pitt Ohio is an industry leader in sustainability and is very forward-thinking when it comes to alternative fuel vehicles for their fleet,” comments Jonathan Randall, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Mack Trucks North America. “Mack is proud to offer them these trucks to test. Their input will help us continue to improve and expand the alternative fuel options in Mack’s offering.”
The two near-zero-emissions trucks were the centerpiece at a recent announcement by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for its Driving PA Forward grant and rebate programs. The programs, launched May 10, are part of Pennsylvania’s efforts to reduce vehicle and equipment emissions and improve air quality by replacing older diesel engines with new technologies. The state aims to cut nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by up to 27,700 tons.
The Anthem test vehicles, provided by Mack to Pitt Ohio in cooperation with TransEdge Truck Centers in Pittsburgh, are day cabs with factory-installed fuel tanks. According to Cummins Westport, the spark-ignited ISX12N engine offers NOx exhaust emissions 90% lower than the current EPA NOx limit of 0.2 g/bhp-hr.
Pitt Ohio is a platinum member of the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities initiative and also a SmartWay Transport Partner, an EPA program that helps companies improve supply-chain sustainability through enhanced freight transportation efficiency.