National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Fleet Test & Evaluation

Compressed Natural Gas

From 1997 to 2000, the Fleet Test and Evaluation team worked with the United Parcel Service (UPS) to study three diesel and more than 10 compressed natural gas (CNG) package delivery vehicles manufactured by Freightliner Custom Chassis and equipped with Cummins engines. The vehicles were built in 1996 and operated from several facilities around Hartford, Connecticut.

CNG is a clear, odorless, and non-corrosive fuel that's stored at a high pressure (up to 3,600 lb per square inch) in natural gas vehicles. Compatible with light- and heavy-duty vehicles, CNG offers reduced emissions and similar fuel economy compared to conventional fuel.

The results of this study are featured in United Parcel Service (UPS) CNG Truck Fleet: Final Results (PDF 1.6 MB). Download Adobe Reader.

Additional information on UPS is available on the Fuels Publications page.