NGVAmerica released a study at its Annual Industry Summit presenting a compelling case for why communities should continue to invest in new near-zero natural gas technology. Using New Jersey as a case study, NGVAmerica analyzed the costs and impact of transitioning that state’s entire 10,000 refuse truck fleet from diesel to both natural gas and battery electric.

Not only do natural gas vehicle (NGV) refuse trucks – fueled by renewable natural gas (RNG), or biomethane, derived from above ground sources – outperform their electric counterparts when it comes to total NOx emission reductions well-to-wheel, they reduce more harmful CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in total than the battery electric alternative. 

In terms of criteria pollutants, the NGV fleet reduce 14,000 tons of NOx compared to only 9,700 tons for the battery fleet. In terms of GHGs, NGVs reduce 10.6 million tons of CO2. The all-electric fleet only achieves a 9.2 million-ton GHG reduction.

Furthermore, the cost difference to upgrade New Jersey’s 10,000 truck fleet from diesel to cleaner technologies is substantial – only an estimated $350 million in incremental costs for NGVs while a complete battery electric fleet conversion could cost between $3.5 and $4.2 billion.

It’s also important to note while RNG-fueled refuse trucks are slightly more costly than their diesel counterparts, electrification options could be up to two to three times more expensive, and electric versions offer less payload capacity than diesel and natural gas alternatives due to their heavy, bulky, and expansive battery storage needs. 

The result is that electric refuse trucks are expected to collect less waste per load requiring either more trucks in deployment, more route miles driven, or reduced services to communities. Their inability to be charged and put into service in times of weather emergency or post-storm when the electric grid is down further complicates their practical long-term deployment.

“New Jersey leaders and policymakers should take note: not only do natural gas vehicles fueled by RNG outperform battery electric alternatives in terms of impactful NOx and GHG reductions, they are more cost effective and make far better investments of public tax dollars,” said NGVAmerica President Dan Gage. “Furthermore, this transition in New Jersey to cleaner natural gas refuse fleets is underway, with three-quarters of all New Jersey counties deploying natural gas refuse trucks already.”

Over 550 natural gas trucks are deployed in New Jersey today, serving 16 of the 21 counties in the state. To date, communities and businesses in New Jersey have invested more than $200 million in natural gas trucks and fueling infrastructure.

NGVA’s analysis, entitled “Cleaning the Air and Decarbonizing New Jersey with CNG Refuse Trucks,” details just why that investment should continue and be expanded. The report presents critical information on the benefits of natural gas in transportation and highlights the reasons why natural gas is the best solution for communities that want to immediately address urban pollution and reduce harmful emissions that contribute to climate change. 

“A complete RNG-fueled refuse fleet in New Jersey would clearly outperform a complete battery electric fleet in terms of both reducing harmful NOx emissions and greenhouse gas emissions,” added Gage. “And New Jersey communities would achieve more clean air and better reduce their GHG footprint at a fraction of the cost by deploying NGVs versus unproven and cost-prohibitive infant battery electric technology.”