Sterling Truck Corp. has launched its first natural gas-powered vehicle — a Sterling Set-Back 113 tractor equipped with a Cummins Westport ISL G powerplant.
According to the OEM, the factory-built truck is ideal for port operations, as well as natural gas utilities and municipalities, and can save up to $6,000 in fuel and operating costs a year per truck. Sterling noted that customers in states such as California will also benefit from tax incentives for alternative fuel vehicles. In addition, the OEM said fuel providers can also take advantage of these incentives, which means that accessibility to natural gas fuel is on the rise.
“Due to deterioration in air quality, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have embraced the use of alternative fuels in commercial vehicles,” said Richard Shearing, manager of product strategy for Sterling. “At the same time, utility companies and municipalities throughout North America have shown increased interest in green transportation technology. By introducing the Set-Back 113 with natural gas, we're giving our customers a hard-working truck that reduces both costs and environmental emissions.”
According to Sterling, the Cummins Westport ISL G, an 8.9-liter stoichiometric cooled-exhaust gas recirculation engine, offers the lowest emissions available in the industry without sacrificing top-level performance and efficiency.
Available in ratings up to 320 hp., the ISL G already meets EPA '10 standards with 85% lower NOx emissions than the C Gas Plus engine, and it features the highest power-to-weight ratio in class with an optimized turbocharger, said Sterling. The ISL G also features a maintenance-free exhaust system with a three-way catalyst, and no further technology or aftertreatment will be required to meet the 2010 emissions standards.
For more information, go to www.sterlingtrucks.com or call 800-STL-HELP (800-785-4357).
