Shell's Starship Semi-Truck Shifts to Natural Gas Fuel
Shell's Starship big rig is a concept truck that was developed as a collaboration between Shell Lubricants and the AirFlow Truck Company. It is a highly fuel-efficient and technologically advanced tractor-trailer designed to push the boundaries of fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation industry.
One of the key features of the Starship big rig is its advanced powertrain system, which includes a highly efficient 12.5-liter natural gas engine, an electric motor-generator, and a custom-designed waste heat recovery system. The waste heat recovery system captures and repurposes waste heat generated by the engine to generate electricity, which is then used to power the truck's electrical systems and assist in propulsion, further improving its fuel efficiency. The goal of the Shell Starship project is to push the boundaries of fuel economy in the trucking industry and promote the adoption of more sustainable transportation solutions. The truck serves as a showcase for the latest advancements in aerodynamics, powertrain efficiency, and other technologies that can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of long-haul trucking. The big rig has achieved over 3 times the average amount of freight ton efficiency for trucks, with 251 ton-miles per gallon.
The Biden administration has hit the pause button on a critical decision regarding the approval of the largest natural gas export terminal in the United States.