After a flat quarter in Q3/17, U.S. and Canadian natural gas Class 8 truck retail sales rose 9% year-to-date through November.

“Despite the uncertainty spurred by the current climate of changing environmental winds and low oil prices, the reading indicates continued interest in natural gas as a transportation fuel in the U.S. Class 8 market,” said Ken 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 through year-to-date November, as well as transit and school bus operators.”

On the other side of the alternative fuel fence, electric vehicle technology continues to make strides as it further penetrates the various commercial vehicle classifications, with Class 8 on the docket.

“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 said.

In mid-August, ACT Research announced a new alternative fuels calculator, now giving users the opportunity to compare cost per mile for diesel, electric, hydrogen fuel cell, gasoline, propane and natural gas-powered vehicles.