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Hexagon Agility Celebrates New Orders for Natural Gas Fuel Systems

Hexagon Agility, a subsidiary of Hexagon Composites ASA, has recently reached an impressive milestone by securing additional orders for its natural gas fuel systems. The focus is on installations for trucks powered by the Cummins X15N natural gas engine. This engine is specifically developed for the North American heavy-duty commercial truck market, which has witnessed an upturn in demand for cleaner fuel alternatives.

The latest orders are valued at approximately USD 4.3 million (around NOK 45 million) and involve over 20 prominent Class 8 fleets, bringing the total order value for Hexagon Agility’s fuel systems for X15N-powered trucks to an impressive USD 20 million. This includes orders previously reported for companies like UPS, showcasing the growing acceptance of natural gas solutions in the transportation sector.

In a significant industry announcement, Daimler Truck North America recently opened orders for its Freightliner Cascadia trucks, equipped with the Cummins X15N. Alongside Daimler, other leading Class 8 truck OEMs such as Kenworth and Peterbilt are also now offering natural gas truck options powered by this innovative engine. This shift indicates a broader embrace of natural gas as a viable alternative to traditional diesel fuel.

"Despite the existing fluctuations in the freight market and wider economic uncertainties, we are witnessing a remarkable increase in interest for natural gas solutions," said Eric Bippus, Chief Commercial Officer at Hexagon Composites. He highlighted how the latest 15-liter engine (X15N) presents fleets with both cost savings on fuel and a reduction in emissions while maintaining performance levels comparable to diesel engines. Hexagon Agility's fuel systems enable Class 8 trucks powered by the X15N to achieve an impressive range of up to 1,200 miles. This advancement has unlocked a previously constrained segment of the truck market that was typically limited to diesel fuel.

The Expanding North American Truck Market

In the North American market, the annual sale of heavy-duty trucks is around 300,000 units. Traditionally, about 100,000 of these trucks formed the addressable market for natural gas solutions. However, with the introduction of the X15N, the landscape is changing. The availability of natural gas engines that match the diverse operational, haul, and load requirements of fleets has effectively increased the addressable market for CNG/RNG by an additional 200,000 heavy-duty trucks per year.

The Cummins X15N engine is equipped with power ratings reaching up to 500 hp (approximately 370 kW) and torque capabilities of up to 1850 lb.-ft (about 2500 Nm). These specifications ensure that it meets the demanding requirements of long-haul and heavy-load operations, providing performance that aligns with the expectations of fleet managers.

Furthermore, the expanding network of over 1,600 public and private CNG/RNG fueling stations across key transport corridors in North America supports the shift towards natural gas trucking. As more fleets consider converting to natural gas, the infrastructure is being built to accommodate this transition, enhancing access to cleaner fuel options.

In conclusion, Hexagon Agility's recent orders underscore a pivotal moment in the trucking industry, where sustainability and operational efficiency are becoming increasingly critical. With strong market validation and substantial investment in natural gas technology, this trend indicates a promising future for cleaner transport solutions in North America.

For more information, visit Hexagon Agility.