USA: Freightliner Cascadia Trucks to Be Available with CNG, LNG Technology

Freightliner Trucks announced that its Freightliner Cascadia® natural gas-powered tractors will be available with a 48-inch sleeper cab. The natural gas-powered Cascadia will also be available with factory-installed compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanks.

Equipped with the new Cummins Westport ISX12 G heavy-duty natural gas engine (with ratings up to 400hp and 1,450 lb-ft torque), the Cascadia natural gas tractor will feature a variety of fuel tank configurations, up to 190 diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) capacity for CNG, and up to 300 gallon (140 DGE) capacity LNG, with an anticipated fill-range of more than 800 miles. Having factory-installed fuel tanks gives customers the advantage of having a fully turn-key factory-built natural gas truck solution, with the Freightliner Trucks factory warranty.

With expanded natural gas fuel tank capacities, and the availability of a 48-inch sleeper cab, Freightliner Trucks now offers a solution for fleet customers to haul freight greater distances than ever before and gives drivers a comfortable sleeper to rest in when driving those extended distances and longer hours.

In 2012, Freightliner Trucks embarked on a heavy-duty CNG cross country tour, taking a Cascadia day cab from Long Beach, Calif., to Washington, DC. The tour demonstrated the ability to drive significant distances in a heavy-duty, CNG-powered truck.

“We have proven that natural gas can be a smart alternative to diesel for over-the-road applications, and our new Cascadia sleeper natural gas offering will give our customers a new opportunity to experience the savings and sustainability provided by alternative fuel solutions,” said Robert Carrick, sales manager – natural gas for Freightliner Trucks. “The addition of the sleeper further solidifies our place as the leader in providing the industry’s most comprehensive range of factory-built natural gas-powered vehicles.”

The sleek and stylish Cascadia natural gas tractor has a spacious and comfortable cab with ergonomic features that accommodate drivers of every size. And, starting spring 2013, the Cascadia CNG day cab offers the latest aerodynamic features – designed to enhance the overall efficiency – similar to those found on the revolutionary Cascadia Evolution.

Pre-series production on the Cascadia CNG sleeper will start Q4 2013, with full production launching in Q1 2014. Factory-installed tanks will be available on the Cascadia 113-inch BBC CNG tractor in Q1 2014.