Starship truck receives a CNG heart

Shell’s Starship truck demonstrated just how economical a truck powered by current diesel technology can be in the real world. But it gets even better: the ground-breaking transporter of the future now features a CNG engine. The latest 3.0 version of Shell’s Starship with its bright orange-yellow, fully aerodynamic bodywork caused quite a stir at the ACT Expo in California.

Even the Shell Starship 2.0 with its 400 hp 2020 X15 Efficiency Series Cummins diesel engine delivered impressive fuel economy. Source: Shell

Oil and energy company Shell wants to stand out when it comes to technological innovation, energy efficiency and, above all, sustainability, which is why it developed the Shell Starship 2.0 five years ago. With the futuristic truck trimmed for efficiency, Shell spent 2018 to 2022 demonstrating just how economical a truck equipped with the latest diesel technology can be. At the time, it was an important step in terms of demonstrating how CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption could be reduced in the global freight industry.

With a carbon-fibre cabin designed for the lowest possible drag and an automatic gap sealer providing seamless continuity between the tractor and the trailer, the aerodynamic design of the truck immediately caught the eye. A 5000-watt solar system on the roof of the trailer helped to charge the main battery and thus reduce the alternator’s load on the engine.

As a result, powered by 400 HP Cummins X15 Efficiency Series engine, the Shell Starship 2.0 achieved impressive fuel savings: with a payload of around 21.5 tonnes, it achieved fuel consumption of around 23.5 l/100 km on cross-country journeys, and a record 19.6 l/100 km on a test trip from San Diego CA on the west coast of America to Jacksonville FL on the east coast.

But now further progress is being made: for the Starship Truck 3.0, the diesel engine is making way for a gas engine. At the ACT Expo California in early May, the energy company demonstrated, for the first time, how transporting goods can be made even more economical and efficient. The bright orange-yellow fully aerodynamic truck of the future caused quite a stir.

At the ACT Expo in California, engine specialist Cummins is showing how the path to zero emissions also works via CNG powertrains. Source: Cummins/Puneet Jhawar

“Optimising operational efficiency is key as the freight industry drives the transition to a low-carbon future,” said Selda Gunsel, President of Shell Global Solutions, at the premiere of the Shell Starship 3.0. The heavy goods vehicle is now powered by Cummins’ new X15N gas engine and runs almost CO₂ neutrally on Shell’s Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). “Shell RNG is already available today and has a low carbon intensity,” explains Gunsel. The Starship 3.0’s engine is lubricated by Rotella’s low viscosity oils, developed by Shell specifically for CNG technology.

Selda Gunsel, President of Shell Global Solutions, at the trade fair premiere of the Shell Starship 3.0. Source: Shell/Selda Gunsel

The truck of the future also combines the most aerodynamic cab in its class with a state-of-the-art trailer, Bridgestone low rolling resistance tyres and an efficient drive train. Engine specialist Cummins provided the new X15N large-piston CNG engine for the ground-breaking vehicle. Puneet Jhawar, General Manager Global Spark Ignited Business at Cummins, adds: “The improved supply of renewable CNG and the increased availability of public CNG filling stations will help long-haul fleets recognise the environmental, economic and operational benefits of this technology.”

Great interest at the premiere of the new Shell Starship 3.0, which will soon be on the hunt for efficiency with a CNG drive. Source: Shell/Selda Gunsel

Starship 3.0 will soon make its first demonstration trip on the US West Coast. This will also serve as preparation for another cross-country demonstration trip from San Diego CA to Jacksonville FL in the summer. “I am very proud of the Starship 3.0 team and look forward to the results of the demonstration trip,” says Shell expert Gunsel. “We are all working to push the boundaries of today’s technologies even further. And this truck is an impressive example of how different innovations from all of our businesses can work together to accelerate the decarbonisation journey.” (jas, 9 May 2023)

With the X15N large-piston CNG engine from Cummins, the promising truck will soon be even more climate-friendly on the road. Source: Shell