NW Natural Expands Truck Loan Program by Adding High-power, High-mileage Hybrid Truck.
Media contact: media@nwnatural.com; 503-818-9845 (pager)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2020
PORTLAND, Ore. — NW Natural is expanding its free truck loan program by adding a powerful, high-mileage and low-emission Class 8 truck for long and heavy hauls. The company is adding this new generation of compressed natural gas (CNG) and hybrid electric technology so fleet operators can experience the vehicle during a short-term, no-cost demo period.
Last fall, NW Natural offered its first Class 8 400 horsepower 12-liter natural gas truck available for loan. Now, the company is offering a natural gas new hybrid electric vehicle that adds up to an additional 120 horsepower. NW Natural will cover both leasing and fuel costs.
The hybrid system on this truck is provided by Hyllion Inc., a company dedicated to electrification solutions for heavy-duty vehicles. According to Hyllion, the system bolsters the already-existing advantages of natural gas by:
- Adding power to manage steep grades and heavy loads. The E-axle intelligently boosts power by up to 120 horsepower, improving the performance of a 400 horsepower CNG truck to maintain speed on hills and pull loads of 100,000 pounds or more.
- Improving fuel economy while benefitting from the low price of natural gas. The E-axle captures unneeded energy when the vehicle travels downhill or brakes, charging the Hyliion low-weight battery. The system requires no plug-in charging and adds only 800 pounds to the gross weight of the vehicle.
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero with Renewable Natural Gas. By using RNG, net greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced below zero. And RNG is eligible for clean and renewable fuel incentive programs, meaning even lower fuel costs.
“By combining electric technology with RNG, companies are saving money while meeting sustainability goals, even for the heavy loads we have in the Pacific Northwest,” said Chris Kroeker, NW Natural product manager of natural gas vehicles. “This truck really combines the best of both worlds and is a unique solution for long-haul fleets.”
Kroeker added that increasingly, RNG is being used in heavy duty vehicle fleets. RNG – methane captured from sources like dairy farms and waste treatment facilities – is an important way to reduce greenhouse gases, so many states and the federal government encourage its production. ”
Fleet owners in Oregon and Washington can email Kroeker at chris.kroeker@nwnatural.com to check on the availability of a three-week trial of the hybrid truck and to learn more about CNG vehicles and RNG programs.
About NW Natural
NW Natural provides natural gas service to approximately 2.5 million people in more than 140 communities through 760,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. It consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. NW Natural is part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), which is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and owns NW Natural, NW Natural Water Company, and other business interests and activities.
NW Natural provides natural gas service to approximately 2.5 million people in more than 140 communities through 760,000 meters in Oregon and Southwest Washington with one of the most modern pipeline systems in the nation. It consistently leads the industry with high J.D. Power & Associates customer satisfaction scores. NW Natural is part of Northwest Natural Holding Company, (NYSE: NWN) (NW Natural Holdings), which is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and owns NW Natural, NW Natural Water Company, and other business interests and activities.
About Hyliion Inc.
Hyliion offers fleets an easy, efficient way to decrease fuel expenses and lower emissions by turning semi-tractors into intelligent electric hybrid vehicles. Hyliion's patented technology can be used on new or existing vehicles. Requiring no driver training, Hyliion provides a positive return to fleets and the environment immediately. Hyliion was among the Top 20 Product Award winners from Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine for its 6X4HE Intelligent Hybrid Electric Truck Solution and RED Herrings's Prestigious Top 100 List. For more information, visit www.hyliion.com.