Trucking fleets operating RNG-fueled trucks save money, slash emissions, and benefit from proven, affordable, clean technology without delay and without compromising existing business operations. RNG is a solution that allows fleets to achieve better than zero results immediately. It is not just carbon reductions that are in play, however. More demanding federal limits on nitrogen oxide emissions and increased durability requirements for new engines make RNG a smart choice for truck operators looking for an alternative to diesel trucks and their increasingly complex emission control systems.
2024 saw the launch of Cummins’ highly anticipated 15L X15N engine, leading a suite of Cummins natural gas engines serving commercial operators. Available now in Peterbilt, Kenworth, and Freightliner chassis, the X15N delivers up to 500 horsepower and torque of up to 1,850 lb-ft, providing a viable workhorse alternative to traditional diesel engines.
Additionally, the Volvo Group’s and Westport Fuel System’s Cespira joint venture is continuing efforts to accelerate the growth of High-Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) technology into North America. Volvo already uses this technology in Europe for its natural gas internal combustion engine offerings. HPDI technology can run on zero- or carbon-neutral fuels (i.e. hydrogen and biomethane) with diesel-like fuel efficiency, power, and torque.
There are approximately 1,200 heavy-duty natural gas fueling stations in the U.S. While nearly all natural gas motor fuel dispensed in California is RNG, it’s not just California fleets that have access to it. In 2024, 63 percent of RNG motor fuel use occurred outside of California, up from 57 percent in 2023.
The carbon intensity (CI) of renewable natural gas motor fuel continues to drop. Derived from landfills, wastewater, forest waste, food waste, and agricultural waste, RNG continues to make up more and more of the natural gas motor fuel market. In 2023, 79 percent of natural gas used in on-road transportation was RNG, up from 69 percent in 2022. Since RNG is interchangeable with any natural gas vehicle (NGV), RNG is one ultra-low-carbon/carbon-negative fuel that does not require the build-out of new specific infrastructure since it is dispensed from existing stations.
Data from the California Air Resources Board shows the average carbon intensity of the bio-CNG mix sold in California in 2024 dropped to -194 gCO2e/MJ, the lowest CI of any transportation fuel or technology in the state, including electric. That means that fleets operating natural gas vehicles in California are achieving a carbon-negative transportation outcome today.
Sourced domestically, natural gas motor fuel is less volatile to global market swings, providing price stability and savings to fleets of all sizes compared to traditional fuels. Toward the end of 2024 the price for natural gas was $0.70 to $0.83 less than diesel in some regions of the country. For fleets with trucks that drive tens of thousands of miles and consume significant gallons of fuel, the price differential results in real savings and helps to offset the higher price of natural gas trucks.
It is also important to highlight that fleets contracting for RNG often see even more savings as they can benefit from economic value associated with renewable identification numbers and in some cases low-carbon fuel credits or clean fuel credits. Under the U.S. EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard Program, RNG sales generate RINs that can be sold to obligated parties (e.g. fuel marketers and fleet users), sometimes for several dollars per gallon equivalent. For fleets moving to natural gas trucks, ensuring that they are negotiating with fuel suppliers for a portion of the value of RNG credits can be critical to achieving a lower overall total operation of cost and accelerating payback.
Another important financial incentive for NGV fleets has been the $0.50/gallon Alternative Fuel Tax Credit (AFTC). Fleets interested in building their own fueling facilities also benefit from the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit that is now worth $100,000 per qualifying piece of alternative fuel refueling equipment. Of course, changes in Washington are spurring change in energy and tax policy. The outlook for extending incentives that favor natural gas and domestic renewable fuels like RNG is bullish. The Transport Project’s top priority this year is securing passage of the Renewable Natural Gas Incentive Act, which would provide a $1.00/gallon tax credit to end users of natural gas motor fuel derived from renewable sources.
Perhaps more so than any time in the recent past, the regulatory outlook for truck emission requirements is extremely volatile. California’s regulatory future is uncertain. To make increasing emission reduction gains quickly in the commercial space, California regulators should reembrace ultra-low-carbon, near-zero technologies like RNG-fueled trucks. At the federal level, U.S. EPA’s reopening of its Phase 3 HD GHG regulations likely will also support the growth of technologies like RNG.
NGVs fueled by RNG offer a more cost-effective, less disruptive yet still progressive compliance schedule for commercial fleets of all shapes and sizes. RNG-fueled trucks allow fleets the ability to affordably comply today on their road to achieving full carbon neutrality.
Daniel J. Gage is President of The Transport Project, a national coalition dedicated to the decarbonization of North America’s transportation sector through the increased use of gaseous motor fuels including renewable natural gas and hydrogen.
There was a time when environmental leadership in the auto industry was a scarce commodity. Seventeen years ago, when Green Car Journal announced its first Green Car of the Year® in Los Angeles, it was difficult to identify more than a few dozen truly worthy vehicles to be considered for the honor. Today it is a formidable challenge in a different way. Now, analyzing the expansive field of green cars that champion greater environmental performance can be downright mind numbing, along with the process of honing the list down to a manageable number of candidates for each of our Green Car Awards™.
Still, this is a great problem to have and we’re up to the challenge. In fact, we celebrate the difficult and time-consuming process. This sheer number of greener models means that all of us benefit from the ability to buy and drive an increasing number of vehicles that champion a lighter impact on the environment.
As finalists are evaluated during the judging process, Green Car Journal weighs an array of important criteria such as environmental achievement, cost, value, safety, performance, functionality, and availability. These may vary from one award category to another. For instance, cost is less of a factor in Luxury Green Car of the Year™; greater driving range may not be as critical in Urban Green Car of the Year™; and immediate availability is less of an issue for Commercial Green Car of the Year™, since commercial fleets tend to plan well ahead and are used to scheduled batch builds of specialized vehicles. Some criteria take on more importance, such as electric driving range in most categories where EVs are considered; family friendliness in awards where passenger needs or capacity are important; and tow ratings and realistic long-distance towing and hauling capabilities in the case of Green Truck of the Year™.
There are more complex issues at play today. We’ve seen order banks for some new or popular pickups like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Ford Maverick suddenly close for the model year, which means consumers are no longer able to order one, at least at this time. Since price is an important consideration for most award categories, when we see sudden price hikes in the thousands of dollars, we also take notice. Then there’s the issue of supply chain disruptions and materials shortages that can delay a model’s expected availability. We take all of this into account and dive deep to ensure we’re as up to speed as possible to avoid potential surprises.
Green Car Journal’s Green Car Awards™ program has evolved over the years, most notably with the addition of more award categories to reflect the ever changing and expanding world of environmentally positive vehicles. Plus, along with the ‘greenest’ vehicles honored by the 2023 Green Car Awards™ program, Green Car Journal now recognizes the crucial roles that infrastructure and technology play in enabling a more sustainable driving future.
Let's get to it. Here are the winners of Green Car Journal’s prestigious 2023 Green Car Awards™:
TOYOTA CROWN – The Crown is Toyota's sophisticated new flagship that champions high fuel economy, lower carbon emissions, and appealing style. The five-passenger sedan features a stylish and high tech cabin designed to offer a premium feel. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter THS hybrid estimated to deliver 38 combined mpg, or a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged HYBRID MAX powerplant with 340 horsepower. On-demand all-wheel drive is standard.
Finalists for Green Car Journal’s legacy award included the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Nissan Ariya, Toyota bZ4X, Toyota Crown, and Volkswagen ID.4.
CADILLAC LYRIQ – Featuring upscale styling and a premium theme, the Lyriq is Cadillac’s first all-electric vehicle that’s offered in single or dual motor versions with rear- or all-wheel drive. At a base price of $62,990, the Lyriq features an impressive 312 mile driving range. Satisfying performance is delivered by 340 horsepower in the single motor variant and 500 horsepower in the dual motor version.
Among this award’s finalists were the Cadillac Lyriq, Genesis GV60, Lexus RX, Mercedes-Benz EQB, and Polestar 2.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV – Last year’s introduction of the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander made waves with its more dynamic styling and upscale features. Now the next-generation Outlander PHEV has joined the lineup. Featuring standard all-wheel drive, the twin motor plug-in hybrid SUV now features significantly greater battery electric range of 38 miles and 420 miles overall, plus the addition of three-row seating that was unavailable in the previous generation Outlander PHEV.
Finalists included the Kia Sportage, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, Toyota Sienna, and Volvo XC40.
RAM 1500 –The RAM 1500 is a model of versatility and functionality that provides pickup buyers loads of choices. It’s available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab configurations, offers two pickup box lengths, two- or four-wheel drive, and diverse power options. These include two hybrids – a 3.6-liter eTorque V-6 and 5.7-liter eTorque HEMI V-8 – plus a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel and 6.2-liter supercharged V-8. RAM can carry payloads up to 2300 pounds tow trailers up to 12,750 pounds.
Finalists considered for this award were the Ford F-150 Lightning, Ford Maverick, Hyundai Santa Cruz, RAM 1500, and Toyota Tundra.
FISKER OCEAN – The all-electric Fisker Ocean SUV features an appealing and sporty design enhanced by an attractive and uncluttered high-tech interior. It’s available in three versions with a driving range of 250 to 350 miles. Beyond its zero-emission electric drive, Fisker is committed to making the Ocean a model of sustainability with over 110 pounds of recycled materials used in its construction, including crushed carbon fiber and plastics from bottles and fishing nets.
Finalists for this award were the Audi Q4 e-tron, Fisker Ocean, Honda CR-V, Kia EV6, and Subaru Solterra.
FORD F-150 LIGHTNING PRO – The F-150 Lightning PRO available to fleets offers 240 to 320 miles of all electric range, depending on battery pack, with a payload capacity up to 2235 pounds. Towing capability up to 10,000 pounds is ideal for urban and regional applications where long-distance towing is not required, since towing can significantly reduce electric range. It’s available with Pro Power Onboard outlets for power at job sites. A Special Services Vehicle variant is made for non-pursuit police department applications.
Finalists for the award were the Brightdrop EV600, Ford E-Transit, Ford F-150 Lightning PRO, Rivian Delivery Van, and Via Motors Chassis Cab.
MINI COOPER SE ELECTRIC – The fully electric MINI Cooper SE carries on the tradition of the MINI as a diminutive two-door hardtop with a fun-to-drive nature and go-kart handling, adding the important distinction of zero-emission operation. The Cooper SE Electric is an ideal vehicle for urban environments, offering a small physical footprint, easy maneuverability, and an electric driving range of 114 miles between charges.
Finalists included the BMW X1, Chevrolet Bolt, Kia Niro, MINI Cooper SE Electric, and Nissan Versa.
JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 4XE – The Grand Cherokee 4xe offers all the outstanding features of Jeep’s conventional SUV with the addition of plug-in hybrid capability. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder engine and two electric motors delivering a total of 375 horsepower. This Trail Rated Jeep features 25 miles of zero-emission on- and off-road driving and a combined 470 miles of range, can tow up to 6,000 pounds, and ford up to 24 inches of water since all high-volt electronics are sealed and waterproof.
Vying for this award were the RAM 1500 eTorque, Ford F-150 Lightning, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Jeep Wrangler 4xe, and Rivian R1T.
FREEWIRE TECHNOLOGIES BOOST CHARGER – Freewire Technologies’ Boost Charger integrates lithium-ion battery storage to eliminate the need for expensive electrical service upgrades at gas stations adding EV fast charging. Phillips 66 has installed a Boost Charger at a station near its Houston headquarters and plans to leverage its network of 7,000 Phillips 66, Conoco, and 76 branded sites with additional Boost Chargers.
Finalists included Clean Energy Fuels RNG Stations, EVgo Autocharge+, Electrify America Megawatt Energy Storage, Freewire Boost Charger, and SparkCharge Roadie.
LI-CYCLE SPOKE & HUB TECHNOLOGIES – Li-Cycle’s Spoke & Hub system recycles end-of-life lithium-ion battery packs without requiring dismantling. Batteries undergo a submerged shredding process at regional Spoke facilities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe that produces no wastewater, with the output a black mass consisting of critical metals including lithium, cobalt, and nickel. A centralized Hub facility then processes the black mass and creates battery grade materials for reuse.
Finalists considered for this award were BMW eDrive Zones, ConnectDER, Ford Home Integration System, GM Hydrotec Fuel Cell Power Cubes, and Li-Cycle Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling.
Rising above a substantial field of ‘green’ competitors to become a Green Car Awards™ candidate is a noteworthy achievement in itself. To honor these vehicles, all finalists considered in a Green Car Awards™ category are recognized for their commendable environmental achievement with Green Car Journal’s 2023 Green Car Product of Excellence™.