Nortrans Launches One of Canada’s First Heavy-duty Natural Gas Trucks with the Cummins X15N
Kelowna, BC, September 24, 2025 – Nortrans, a recognized leader in sustainable freight solutions, has launched one of Canada’s first commercially deployed Kenworth T880 natural gas trucks powered by the Cummins X15N engine. Unlike pilot projects that remain limited to testing, this vehicle is already hauling full-weight loads from Revelstoke, B.C. to Oroville, WA for long-time partner Gorman Bros. Lumber Ltd.
Unlike test-only pilots, the Nortrans truck operates daily in real-world conditions across mountainous terrain. It carries the same heavy payloads as diesel-powered units while producing far fewer emissions. Compared with conventional diesel trucks, this natural gas-powered unit offers a practical solution for industries such as forestry, building materials, and steel and aluminum.
Driving Sustainability Without Compromise
What sets this initiative apart is the ability to match diesel-class torque and reliability while emitting significantly fewer pollutants. Equipped with the Cummins X15N natural gas engine and an Eaton 18-speed Endurant transmission, the truck delivers commercial-grade performance with lower environmental impact.
According to FortisBC, natural gas vehicles compared to diesel produce:
This natural gas truck proves that lower carbon heavy-duty transport is not only possible but also more sustainable than traditional alternatives.
Collaboration Across Industries
The project came to life through the contribution of multiple partners:
- Natural Resources Canada: funding through the Green Freight Program
- Kenworth and Inland Kenworth: manufacturing and supply
- Cummins: natural gas engine innovation
- Eaton Transmissions: drivetrain technology
- Gorman Bros. Lumber Ltd.: freight and route planning
- FortisBC: fueling infrastructure in Kelowna
- Clean Energy.: fueling network development
Compared to other initiatives, this collaboration is one of the few in Canada delivering natural gas freight solutions at scale.
Fueling Infrastructure Expanding Faster
The success of natural gas trucks depends on reliable fueling. Compared to only a few years ago, infrastructure is expanding quickly. FortisBC and Clean Energy B.C. are adding more public stations along key corridors including Abbotsford, Kamloops, Kelowna, Calgary, and Edmonton.
“At FortisBC, we have been working with fleet operators for more than 15 years to move away from diesel and toward lower carbon fuels such as compressed natural gas,” said Della Bond, account manager, low carbon transportation at FortisBC. “This new CNG truck represents another step forward, helping operators lower emissions and reduce fuel costs while maintaining the reliability they require.”
“We are taking bold steps to make Canada an energy superpower. Through this project, we are delivering practical on-the-ground solutions for Canadian industry to drive the decarbonization of the transportation sector while strengthening our supply chains and energy independence. Investments like this are how we build a cleaner, more secure, and more competitive economy,” said the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.
“Nortrans is proving that cleaner, heavy-duty freight is possible today. With support from Natural Resources Canada’s Green Freight Program, this initiative shows how federal investment helps local businesses drive innovation, cut emissions, and create good jobs,” said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Member of Parliament for Kelowna, British Columbia.
A Turning Point for Clean Freight
Nortrans is proving that natural gas trucking is a present reality rather than a future possibility. The Cummins X15N natural gas engine delivers scalability, practicality, and environmental responsibility in one solution.
As one of the first projects of its kind in Canada, this truck represents a turning point in the journey toward lower emission freight. Nortrans is proud to lead the transition one kilometer at a time.
