REV Announces LNG-Fueled Capacity Tractors

REV Group, a manufacturer of specialty vehicle brands and a provider of parts and services, has announced the introduction of liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled engines in its Capacity TJ9000 L9N terminal tractors, which will be used for California Energy Commission (CEC) research.

The Cummins L9N LNG engine, which powers the TJ terminal tractor, features a near-zero-emissions certification. Further, according to REV, LNG is competitive in matching the duty cycles of a diesel-powered tractor.

The stainless-steel tank used by Capacity Trucks (which is part of the REV Group) was designed by Chart Industries Inc. and provides an expected service life of 25 years. 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 L9N LNG engine is set to take part in a case study performed by the CEC. An order of 20 units will operate for one year at the Port of Los Angeles in competition against fully electric units manufactured by an industry competitor. REV anticipates that the LNG units will fare well in competition due to the 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 – approximately 1 hour vs. 10 minutes, according to REV.

“Capacity Trucks is excited to be partnering with the California Energy Commission on this progressive project,” comments Ray Quatrochi, REV Group’s vice president of product innovation. “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.”

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.