According to ACT Research, U.S. and Canadian natural gas Class 8 truck retail sales rose 13% in 2017 but have declined 23% year-to-date through February 2018.

“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,” said Ken Vieth, senior partner and GM 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, 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 EV 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 said.