Truck OEMs strut clean technology trucks for policymakers

WASHINGTON — The Diesel Technology Forum held its clean diesel power showcase this week Washington, D.C., drawing industry leaders, senior government officials, members of the media and user group representatives.

The purpose of the event was to not only showcase clean diesel technology, but to discuss the issues surrounding diesel power technology.

The event featured displays of diesel-powered vehicles, including Mack Trucks’ Pinnacle tractor and Volvo’s EPA’10-compliant Volvo VN.

Mack’s Pinnacle model is outfitted with selective catalytic reduction emissions control system to comply with the EPA’s 2010 standards. The trucks is equipped with a 60-inch midrise sleeper and a 13-liter Mack MP8 engine.

Representatives from Volvo Trucks North America were also on hand to discuss its Volvo VN, with ‘0-10 ready, SCR technology.

"A new generation of clean diesel technology is already in place that uses a combination of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel; advanced, fuel-efficient diesel engines; and highly effective emissions control devices," the Diesel Technology Forum said. "Diesel’s unsurpassed energy efficiency enhances America’s energy security by reducing our reliance on oil imports as more clean diesel vehicles are added to the fleet."

Meanwhile, Navistar was also at the U.S. capitol displaying the early result of federal stimulus investments paying dividends – an all-electric commercial truck. 

Navistar will build about 400 of the high technology trucks, designed for maximum efficiency in urban environments.

The company expects within a few years to be producing several thousand vehicles annually as the market grows.

“At a time when the economy is struggling, supporting breakthrough technologies like Navistar’s all-electric truck will create jobs for our state and help free us from our dependency on energy imports,” said Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana, which is where the trucks will be built.

The all-electric vehicle would primarily be used by fleets in congested, urban, light duty applications where stop-and-go driving would otherwise consume a large amount of fuel.