Mack Trucks used the occasion of this week's Mid-American Trucking Show (MATS) to unveil its natural-gas-powered MACK Pinnacle axle-back model, which was initially developed for UPS' fleet.
UPS is using liquefied natural gas (LNG) with the new truck, but the Pinnacle can also be configured to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). In either case, the power plant is Cummins Westport's new ISX12 G purpose-built natural gas engine. The engine requires only a three-way catalyst to meet EPA 2010 and CARB emissions standards.
‘By expanding the UPS natural gas fleet, we have an opportunity to take advantage of a domestic resource, a domestic product and continue our sustainability efforts,’ says Mike Britt, director of alternative fuel vehicle engineering at UPS. ‘Supporting the overall growth of LNG infrastructure ultimately benefits our customers and community by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.’
Mack also offers natural gas platforms for its TerraPro low-entry and cab-over refuse trucks, and Granite models will be offered with natural gas later this year.