Slow Going for Natural-Gas Powered Trucks

Wall Street Journal ^ | Aug. 25, 2014 | BOB TITA

[thackney]

Link to full article:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQqQIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticles%2Fnatural-gas-trucks-struggle-to-gain-traction-1408995745&ei=fIn8U52TPJH2yQTi9YLgBw&usg=AFQjCNFvv5DtTeseIk9wCIP1tOJRkinUrg&sig2=yZcwoNgCKWmhMFQSvwYSZA&bvm=bv.73612305,d.aWw

[chrisser]

I imagine it’s not wildly different, but I wonder just how many diesel engine techs know enough about natural gas powered engines to service them correctly. Retraining could be another cost of bringing NG vehicles into a fleet, along with stocking any parts that are different from the diesel rigs.

[Sherman Logan]

The economics work only if trucking customers are willing to pay a premium to have their stuff transported in a less-polutting vehicle. Which they aren’t.

Or if the government provides a subsidy for purchase.

Or if the government imposes a higher tax on diesel to make up the difference.

Or the government mandates natural gas trucks.

[GT Vander]

In my area of NE Texas we have two of these CNG filling stations. The current price is $2.04 a gal, there are at least two companies in the area who’s entire fleets run on CNG. Since I work in Propane they are in direct competition with my industry but right now its just a distraction.

They have a long way to go before it’s a viable alternative for OTR trucking companies.

[Army Air Corps]

Ping.

[thackney]

A big roadblock remains the premium for a heavy-duty gas truck—$50,000 more

I would expect with more growth in this market, that premium will come down with proven designs and some competition.

[Red Badger]

Higher purchase prices compared with diesel trucks, improved diesel fuel economy and continued scarcity of fueling stations

WHAT'S NOT TO LIKE?..........

[mountainlion]

I suppose there are many fewer natural gas filling stations. I suppose you have to fuel up twice and it might be hazardous to have Diesel and natural gas fueling in the same place. I suppose that most are not interested in the extra hassle and extra costs.

[thackney]

Some are claiming it works for Long Haul Trucking already.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/23/business/energy-environment/natural-gas-use-in-long-haul-trucks-expected-to-rise.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

UPS Sees 40% Savings by Switching Long-Haul Fleet to Natural Gas
http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-07-25/ups-sees-40-percent-savings-by-switching-long-haul-fleet-to-natural-gas

[thackney]

it might be hazardous to have Diesel and natural gas fueling in the same place

I don't understand that. Why would a common facility increase hazards that would exist at two separate facilities?

[thackney]

I suppose that most are not interested in the extra hassle and extra costs.

Fuel Cost Savings is the driving factor.

[SoothingDave]

Or if the government imposes a higher tax on diesel to make up the difference.

The diesel fuel is already more expensive than natural gas.

[mountainlion]

At first I thought this was about adding natural gas system to a diesel engine. Natural gas technology for stationary engines is developed. You do not need a fuel tank if you have a gas pipeline to the facility. I wonder if there is computer controlled injection system for big trucks on natural gas. The envirowackos would probably demand it. Natural gas trucks could be a way around California's strict pollution rules. I would not expect that the political atmosphere would guarantee low natural prices and that would be a great concern to truckers. A cold winter could make fuel shortages and high fuel prices.

[DJ MacWoW]

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[Sherman Logan]

Yes. I meant an additional tax on diesel sufficient to make it cost-effective to buy a natural gas truck.

[thackney]

I wonder if there is computer controlled injection system for big trucks on natural gas.

Yes. Getting the most efficiency from the engine will require this.

http://www.cumminswestport.com/natural-gas-academy-videos/engines

http://www.westport.com/is/core-technologies/fuel-injectors

[Dr. Sivana]

The economics work only if trucking customers are willing to pay a premium to have their stuff transported in a less-polutting vehicle. Which they aren’t.

Twenty-percent growth is still significant. 50% savings off of diesel fuel is a BIG deal. When the large trucking firm sell off there rigs in 3-4 years, they'll get some of their initial investment back, as the buyers of the trucks will pay more for a natural gas truck. Natural gs will also be resistant to the regular spot oil price spikes, shortages, and reformulation fees.

The problem remains filling stations. Pilot truck stops is planning a major roll out, but the trucks won't be bought for long hauls until they are built and operational.

[Dr. Sivana]

I suppose you have to fuel up twice and it might be hazardous to have Diesel and natural gas fueling in the same place.

Why would a natural gas vehicle have to fill up twice?

[mountainlion]

As soon as truckers convert the government will get greedy and raise natural gas taxes to “fix the highways for the kids.”