Top Work Truck News in 2009
Original Post: May 1, 2009

KIRKLAND, WA – Kenworth T800 liquefied natural gas (LNG) trucks are now available for factory order and production.

The Kenworth T800 LNG truck offers outstanding performance and efficiency for heavy-duty port, freight, and vocational applications. The vehicle is equipped with the Westport Innovations LNG fuel system and Westport GX 15-liter engine, which provides up to 450 hp and 1,650 lb-ft of torque and meets U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emissions certification standards. The Westport GX engine is based on the industry-leading Cummins ISX 15-liter engine.

A typical Class 8 truck using the cleaner burning LNG fuel may reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) and greenhouse gas emissions by up to an estimated 33 percent and 20 percent, respectively, compared to a diesel-fueled truck.  LNG fuel also may cost from 50 cents to $1 per gallon less than the equivalent diesel fuel.

The T800 LNG truck, which offers an operating range of at least 300 to 500 miles, has a large dash-mounted display to monitor the LNG fuel level. LNG fuel tanks can be configured to suit a range of customer requirements. The vehicle is available with a day cab, Kenworth Extended Day Cab or 38-inch Kenworth AeroCab sleeper.

Kenworth T800 LNG trucks may qualify for up to $28,800 in IRS tax credits. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, these trucks also may qualify for Diesel Emissions Reduction Act grant money for those truck operators who purchase new T800 LNG vehicles, then permanently remove an equal number of aged existing diesel-fueled trucks from the marketplace in exchange. The trucks also may be eligible for state or provincial emissions credits.