Image: Shell
As of 2018, Shell has worked to demonstrate its commitment to decarbonisation through the Shell Starship initiative. With its new Starship 3.0, the company will benefit from some of the latest vehicle technologies available, as well as fueling the truck with renewable natural gas (RNG).
“Shell Starship 3.0 will feature some of the best-in-class technologies that are leading the way to help decarbonize the heavy transport sector,” said Dr. Selda Gunsel, president of Shell Global Solutions and vice president of technology for Shell fuels and lubricants.
The truck features a Cummins X15N natural gas engine that will run on Shell RNG, which is commercially available and has low carbon intensity.
“The combination of Shell RNG fleet fuels and low-friction, high-quality 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 lightness 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 demo on the West Coast in preparation for a cross-country demo from San Diego, California to Jacksonville, Florida this August. The previous two cross-country races have also followed this route. The results will be re-monitored and verified by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE).
