Quantum Reports Substantial Growth For Natural Gas Vehicle Fuel Systems
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide, Inc., an alternative fuel systems manufacturer (natural gas, hybrid/electric, and hydrogen systems) announced on August 7 that during the year-to-date period ending July 31, orders for its CNG fuel systems increased nearly four-fold compared to orders received during the same period in 2011. The company received orders from natural gas vehicle system integrators and system developers for supplying its carbon composite compressed natural gas (CNG) storage tanks for a variety of transportation applications ranging from Class 1 to Class 8 natural gas trucks.
Natural gas vehicles equipped with the company's light-weight storage systems promise to help to lower ownership and operational costs, while benefiting from the historically low prices of domestically produced CNG. Natural gas-powered vehicles can be fueled for a third less cost than other vehicles, and emit less smog-forming nitrogen oxide and particulates. Quantum claims their composite tanks are the lightest in the industry, requiring less structure for mounting support, thereby increasing payload and passenger capacity. In addition, the company's tanks maximize on-board storage capacity resulting in possible greater driving range. These advantages, in addition to ease of installation and service, differentiate carbon composite tanks from other metallic tanks.