Starting in 2018, Shell has worked to demonstrate its commitment to decarbonization through the Shell Starship initiative. With its new Starship 3.0, the company will benefit from some of the latest vehicle available technology, as well as being powering the truck with renewable natural gas (RNG).
“Shell Starship 3.0 will feature some of the best-in-class technologies which are leading the way forward in helping decarbonize the heavy transport sector,” said Dr. Selda Gunsel, president of Shell Global Solutions and VP Fuels and Lubricants Technology, Shell.
The truck includes a Cummins X15N natural gas engine that will run on Shell RNG, which is commercially available and has a low carbon intensity rating.
“The combination of Shell RNG fuels for fleets and quality, low-friction Shell Rotella lubricants made a natural gas engine a great choice for the next evolution of Starship,” added Dr. Gunsel.
Shell Starship 3.0 will also include components and features that promote lightweighting and low aerodynamic drag, along with low rolling resistance tires from Bridgestone. The interior of the truck has been updated to make it more comfortable for the driver.
Shell Starship 3.0 will make a demonstration run on the West Coast in preparation for a cross-country demonstration run from San Diego, California, to Jacksonville, Florida this August. The two previous cross-country runs have also followed this route. The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) will again monitor and verify the results.
