Peterbilt Motors Company announces receiving accreditation for developing the industry’s first SmartWay designated alternative fuel vehicle. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Program has recognized Peterbilt’s Model 386 liquefied natural gas (LNG) truck as meeting the established fuel-saving, low-emission equipment requirements set for Class 8 trucks. The Model 386 LNG will join Peterbilt’s family of SmartWay designated vehicles which includes the Model 587, Model 386 and Model 384.

“Peterbilt is proud that the Model 386 LNG has been recognized as the industry’s first alternative fueled vehicle to obtain SmartWay designation,” said Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “The Model 386 LNG SmartWay designated vehicle offers optimal fuel and emissions efficiency with horsepower and torque equal to a diesel-fueled engine, making it the ultimate environmentally sound performance solution for customers, and further demonstrates Peterbilt as an industry leader in developing innovative quality products.”

Equipped with a fuel efficient, aerodynamic package, the Model 386 LNG SmartWay designated vehicle is ideally suited for a variety of applications, including line, bulk and tanker hauling.

The contoured aerodynamic package features roof fairings with trim tabs that help propel air up and over the cab and trailer, re-contoured chassis fairings with a “flair” design pushing airflow around the tires and wheels, and an exclusive Peterbilt transition fairing positioned between the cab and detachable sleeper directing airflow over and around the sleeper. In addition, a composite molded sunvisor featuring a Gurney strip design transitions air more efficiently over the cab while providing glare protection for drivers, and three inch rubber mounts are fastened to the end of the sleeper driving airflow out and around the trailers.

“Peterbilt is always looking to achieve the next level of innovation and operating efficiency,” said Landon Sproull, Peterbilt chief engineer. “Through extensive aerodynamic analysis and testing, Peterbilt engineers combined the industry-leading Model 386 aerodynamic package with the Westport GX engine to provide the most fuel efficient, performance configuration.”

The alternative fueled vehicle is powered by the EPA-certified Westport GX engine, offering up to 475 horsepower and 1,750 ft./lbs. of torque. The 15L engine uses high pressure direct injection technology (HPDI), specialized cryogenic fuel tanks, and associated electronic components to facilitate robust performance and reliable operation. This technology uses a low cost, cleaner-burning fuel than diesel without compromising engine torque, power, fuel economy, or drivability, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent.

Peterbilt offers a full range of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) power platforms. Also powered by Westport GX engine, the high-performance Peterbilt Model 367 is the ideal vocational truck for a variety of dump, mixer and construction applications. The Model 367 features a 123” BBC, and is available in two axle configurations, as a day cab or with a Unibilt sleeper. It’s also available with REPTO and in a heavy haul configuration with a large, 1,669 square-inch cooling system for tractor, oilfield and stationary applications. In addition, Models 384, 365 and 320, equipped with the Cummins Westport ISL-G engine, can be spec’d with CNG or LNG offering 320 horsepower and 1,000 ft./lbs. of torque, making it an excellent choice for short-haul, regional, refuse and dump trucks with GCW/GVW ratings up to 66,000 lbs.