City of Corpus Christi Likes its NGV Options

For Corpus Christi’s fleet manager, Jim Davis, the city’s decision to equip its fleet with natural gas vehicles was a “common sense thing to do.” 

“We’ve had [an NGV fleet] for several years -- probably eight years,” Jim says. “In the last two or three years the market’s really opened up as far as vehicle options and we’ve had the opportunity to get more into compressed natural gas (CNG) heavily.”

Jim says city council has been the main driver behind the city’s fleet of just over 80 NGVs; half of which are powered by either the Westport WiNG™ Power System or by Cummins Westport engines.

This Ford F-250 is powered by the Westport WiNG Power System, and is a part of Corpus Christi's fleet of over 80 NGVs. 

The alternative fuel fleet is deployed in several city departments including solid waste, parks and recreation and the city-owned natural gas utility. The vehicles, which range from bi-fuel Ford F-150s and 250s, to refuse and waste trucks, fill up at one of three city-owned, public fuel stations. Jim notes that other fleets in the city also use the stations.

He says the fleet has been well-received by city staff and drivers, with good acceptance of the change in fuel and vehicle type.

“We’re a heavily involved Westport fleet,” Jim says. “[The vehicles] are very good and they work extremely well. It’s a common sense thing – it’s good for the environment, and it’s good for fuel savings.”