C.A.T. receives Hyliion boost

Canada-based C.A.T. Transport recently equipped its fleet with five CNG hybrid systems from Hyliion, which specializes in electrified powertrain solutions for Class 8 commercial vehicles. 

Hyliion’s CNG solution is easily installed on most heavy Class 8 natural gas vehicles, enabling a more seamless transition for existing fleets to electrified solutions, the company said.

C.A.T., or Canadian American Transport, is a for-hire carrier headquartered in Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, whose services include temperature-controlled truckload and less-than-truckload options.

“Our hybrid CNG system leverages advanced software algorithms to help tackle difficult climbs, improve the experience for drivers on the road and ultimately help fleets get the most out of their CNG vehicles,” said Thomas Healy, CEO and founder of Hyliion. “Conventional CNG trucks are a cleaner alternative to diesel, but lack some of the performance advantages of diesel that today’s fleets are used to for long haul.

“Our hybrid system helps bridge that gap, giving fleets a more powerful driving experience with CNG while maintaining the emissions benefits.”

Hyliion’s hybrid system adds up to 120 horsepower through an electric axle, increasing the available horsepower of a conventional CNG truck by 30%, the company maintained. The electric axle provides additional power to achieve diesel-like performance, while still benefiting from a cleaner and cheaper fuel.

“If things are going well, the goal would be to equip the 100 or so trucks in the fleet. It all depends on the results that the product will give,” says Daniel Goyette, president of C.A.T.

According to Hyliion, C.A.T. also expressed interest in its Hypertruck ERX solution—a fully electric powertrain for Class 8 trucks—for future implementation.