After rising 13 percent throughout 2017, Class 8 natural gas retail sales in the United States and Canada have dropped by 23 percent to date in 2018, ACT Research reported Thursday.
“After a relatively strong Q4, it isn’t surprising that Q1 might be a bit soft. On a nominal basis, natural gas retail sales are down a modest 120 units for the first two months of 2018 on a year-over-year basis,” says Kenny Vieth, senior partner and general manager at ACT Research. “Based on news released in the popular press, natural gas vehicle purchases continued to be dominated by refuse fleets, as well as transit and school bus operators.”
On the other side of the alternative fuels fence, ACT Research says electric vehicle technology continues to make strides as it further penetrates the various commercial vehicle applications, with selected Class 8 vehicles on the docket. Initial electric vehicle orders are coming from delivery, transit and some school bus applications.
“All viable commercial vehicle power alternatives must now be considered to accurately measure potential cost savings for fleets and overall emissions, as we look to the future,” Vieth says.
