Amazon Adding More Than 700 CNG Trucks
Amazon Inc. is adding more than 700 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks to its fleet as it looks for ways to reduce emissions in its operations, according to industry reports.
Due to various degrees of economic and social lock-downs – and restrictions implemented in the wake of COVID-19 – the country’s delivery sector has experienced a major spike in activity. Last year’s truck volumes exceeded 2019 levels. As the trucking sector increasingly looks to lower emissions, more and more companies are turning to clean fuels to meet their climate goals, according to industry analysts.
A majority of America’s freight is delivered with medium and heavy-duty trucks, which account for 20 percent of the industry’s greenhouse gas emissions, industry records show.
“Amazon is excited about introducing new sustainable solutions for freight transportation and is working on testing a number of new vehicle types including electric, CNG and others,” a company spokesman said.
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Engines Supplied by Cummins Wesport
The engines, which will be supplied by Cummins Westport, will be utilized in Amazon’s heavy duty trucks, according to the company. Amazon has placed orders for more than 700 CNG Class 6 and Class 8 trucks to date.
Cummins Westport was formed in 2001 as a joint venture between Cummins Inc. And Westport Innovations. Cummins Westport has about 80 employees. Engineering and customer support staff are located in Columbus, Ind., with sales and management staff spread throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Cummins Inc. designs, manufactures, distributes and services engines and related technologies, including fuel systems, controls, air handling, filtration, emission solutions and electrical power generation systems.
Westport Innovations Inc. develops technologies that allow engines to operate on clean-burning natural gas.
Cummins Inc. produced its first natural gas heavy-duty engine in 1991. The company has continued to develop clean, leading-edge natural gas engine technology. Cummins engines met enhanced emissions standards in advance of regulated deadlines.
