Volvo & Mack trucks recently announced DME will be introduced in N America-I believe other manufacturers will follow-AFTC right place, right time. Ground floor opportunity, imo.
Senior executives from the Volvo Group shared information about their strategy for the production and commercialization of Volvo and Mack heavy-duty vehicles running on DME in 2015, and the group heard from experts on DME fuel combustion, feedstock, production, infrastructure, distribution, and economics as they relate to the introduction of DME in North America.
Mack Trucks will begin production of DME-powered Mack Pinnacle Axle Back models in 2015. The model powered by DME will be equipped with a Mack MP8 engine, offering a 13-liter engine to easily handle heavy workloads.
“The benefits of DME are numerous,” said Kevin Flaherty, president of Mack Trucks North American Sales & Marketing. “It’s better for the environment because it burns clean, and it can be made from sources that are domestically available. Mack trucks are built in the U.S.A., and with DME, we’ll be powering our vehicles with a fuel made in America as well.”
“DME is unique in that it is clean, easy to handle, safe to store and will be made domestically, benefitting everyone.” DME can be produced by small-scale production units that convert biogas and natural gas into the fuel. Oberon Fuels recently announced their first innovative production unit will go online this month in California’s Imperial Valley region.
Volvo to Begin Production of DME Heavy-Duty Trucks in North America
Following on the success of extensive DME fleet vehicle tests carried out in Europe, Volvo Trucks has become the first manufacturer to announce plans to commercialize DME-powered trucks in North America. The company's DME technology will be available on the D13 engine - the top-selling heavy-duty engine in the world. Oberon Fuels will supply DME produced by their small-scale modular units, offering an ultra-low emission alternative to diesel fuel for fleet operators.