Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has started a new program to help reduce pollution in the trucking industry. The program allows companies to test drive a truck powered by renewable natural gas (RNG). The first company to take part in this trial is J.B. Hunt Transport Inc., a major player in the trucking business.
New Clean Energy Engine Brings Big Changes
The demo truck is a 2025 Peterbilt 579, equipped with the Cummins X15N engine. This engine is special because it runs on RNG, a cleaner fuel option. It’s as strong and powerful as a regular diesel engine, but it can cut carbon emissions by up to 300%. That makes it a big deal for companies aiming to reduce their environmental impact.
Andrew Littlefair, the president and CEO of Clean Energy, said, “J.B. Hunt is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, and trialing our new renewable natural gas truck will allow them to experience the engine’s impressive capabilities which can meet any demand and has the potential to decarbonize part of its operations.”
J.B. Hunt’s Focus on the Environment
J.B. Hunt has been working to lower its emissions for years. They currently use over 180 trucks that run on renewable natural gas. The company wants to cut its carbon emissions by 32% by the year 2034. This new demo program is just one more step in that direction.
Greer Woodruff, the executive vice president of J.B. Hunt, added, “We are excited to be the first carrier in Clean Energy’s pilot program and to get hands-on experience with the Cummins X15N tractor. Vehicles powered by renewable natural gas produce significantly less carbon emissions throughout their lifecycle and are more compatible with today’s available infrastructure than most competing emissions reduction technologies.”
Besides using cleaner fuel, J.B. Hunt has also improved their intermodal services. By moving shipments from trucks to rail, they reduce carbon emissions by about 65%.
The Clean Energy Network of Fueling Stations
One key feature of this program is Clean Energy’s fueling network. They have more than 600 stations across North America, and 200 of those are set up for large trucks. This makes it easy for fleets to test the new demo truck on their regular routes without worrying about finding a place to refuel.
The demo truck will be available for fleets to try for up to two weeks. After J.B. Hunt, other trucking companies will also get the chance to test the truck. These tests will take place across many states, including California, Texas, Florida, and Michigan.
How RNG Can Help Cut Emissions
Renewable natural gas is made from organic waste, like what you find on dairy farms. It’s a clean fuel that can lower emissions better than diesel. Plus, RNG has been given a “negative carbon intensity” score by the California Air Resources Board. This means that using RNG not only cuts emissions but can also help to reduce the overall amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The transportation industry is responsible for 28% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Using RNG to power trucks is a way to lower these emissions quickly and effectively.
The Future of Clean Energy’s Demo Program
This demo truck program will run through 2025. As interest grows, more companies will take part. The goal is to show that RNG-powered trucks are a practical, cost-effective way for fleets to lower their carbon footprint. So far, the Cummins X15N engine has been getting positive feedback from some of the biggest trucking companies in the country.
With the combination of performance and cleaner fuel, this engine could help change the future of the trucking industry.
For more details on Clean Energy’s demo truck program, visit www.cleanenergyfuels.com/x15n.
