In 2014, perspective Volvo owners will have the option to purchase a 13-liter heavy-duty natural gas powered engine. The engine will feature a Westport high pressure direct injection (HPDI) technology and will be marketed under the name “Blue Power.”
According to HybridCars.com, “The engine’s advanced high pressure diesel ignition technology will provide significant fuel efficiency gains compared with current natural gas products. Combined with the company’s previously announced offering of compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered Volvo VNM and VNL model daycabs, the new engine will provide customers with a complete range of natural gas-powered transportation solutions. Volvo is also testing another fuel that can be produced from natural gas, DME (dimethyl ether), which has the potential to become an attractive alternative for the North American market.”
Volvo claims that the new engines will not lack power, torque or fuel efficiency and meet all current EPA standards.
The rising cost of diesel fuel, have many trucking companies looking for fuel alternatives. Recently, UPS and Frito Lay have committed to adding natural gas trucks to their fleet.