Hybrid Vehicles – Utility Fleet Professional

The State of Electrified Pickup Trucks in the North American Market

Written by Sean M. Lyden on February 20, 2017. Posted in Smart Fleets.

While a growing number of utility fleets are purchasing electrified passenger cars – like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf – and bucket trucks with plug-in electric power takeoff capabilities, one vehicle segment still seems out of reach for electrification for most fleets: light-duty pickup trucks.

But there have been some new developments in this space that could have important implications for utility fleets. Workhorse Group says that it will unveil a concept electric truck this May at the ACT Expo in Long Beach, Calif. Earlier this year, Ford announced that it would offer a plug-in hybrid-electric version of the F-150 pickup. And XL Hybrids recently introduced a plug-in hybrid system designed for half-ton pickups.

So, what exactly are the prospects for electrified pickup trucks in North America? What are some of the key challenges to widespread fleet adoption? And when can we expect electrified pickups to become more cost-competitive with conventional-fueled trucks?

UFP recently spoke with Scott Shepard, senior research analyst with global market research and consulting firm Navigant Research (www.navigantresearch.com), to get his outlook.

UFP: Usually when fuel prices are low, there’s less interest in alternative-fuel vehicles. But we’re seeing a different trend with EVs, when you consider that about 400,000 people have paid deposits for the upcoming Tesla Model 3 and there’s a lot of buzz around the new Chevrolet Bolt and other electric passenger vehicles. On a macro level, what do you think is driving this interest in EVs despite current fuel prices?

Scott Shepard: With plug-in vehicles, the plug allows some conveniences that the conventional vehicle cannot allow – meaning that, with plug-in hybrids, you don’t have to go to the gas station that much anymore. Whether it saves you money or not, you can do most of your refueling at home. Therefore, electric vehicles are able to sidestep that whole refueling aspect.

Also, you can get some cheap electricity rates, depending on what utility service territory you’re in and how your vehicle is aggregated in the demand response program. That’s not for a majority of the market, but there is the potential there to make your energy costs so low that lower gas prices don’t register for you.

UFP: Yet in the pickup truck segment, electrification seems to be hitting a wall. Why is that?

SS: When you do the math on pickup trucks, the battery price point that would make the plug-in hybrid or the battery-electric-powered truck competitive against a conventional competitor is still below where battery prices are today.

The price points we look at suggest that you’re really not going to be within a competitive range within a few more years. When we plot out where the current technologies stand against each other, the plug-in hybrid truck and the battery-electric-powered truck have certain capability requirements that require stronger or more energy-dense batteries or larger batteries. They not only need to get you the range that you would expect from an electric passenger car, but you need to have that range competitive with your standard truck – to get to 200 to 300 miles. It’s a big cost, and it’s not easily overcome yet.

UFP: When do you see the price point of plug-in electric pickups becoming more acceptable for wider-spread adoption in utility fleets?

SS: I don’t see anything coming to the market really in the next two to three years, and even that is maybe a little bit aggressive to say three years. The reason is that whenever anyone comes to the market with an idea or a prototype that is a digital rendering, I add about three years to that expected deployment date. It takes a long time for these ideas to actually find good footing.

For these trucks to become more mainstream, it’s not going to start for a while. The rationale behind that is largely the added-on power and range requirements that these vehicles have to meet to even come to market. That doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen. I think you’re looking out to 2025 or even 2030 before you get to the point where batteries are providing the same number of miles as an internal combustion engine. Then you’ve hit the point where this option is actually viable.

At Navigant, we estimate 2016 light truck/SUV-class PHEV sales in North America were 11,500, with sales looking to double in 2017, 2018 and 2019. And our baseline projection places this class/technology sales figure at just under 300,000 by 2025.

UFP: In his “Master Plan, Part Deux,” Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote that Tesla was going to include an electric pickup in their product mix. What are your thoughts on that?

SS: Given their timeline for new vehicle development, I would estimate that product would be about six to seven years out. [The pickup truck segment] is definitely a market that needs a vehicle – it represents nearly 30 percent of the U.S. market. So even if you’re just scratching the surface of this market, that’s huge. And nobody’s really figured out the right way to do it yet.

I think the right way to do it is probably to do it through some plug-in hybrid arrangement. And I think that’s going to come eventually from one of the established OEMs, like GM or Ford, maybe even Chrysler. Yes, if Tesla does it, that’s great. But I don’t think they’ll see near the amount of success that they’ve seen with their other vehicles.

Could Cutting the Cord Accelerate Electric Vehicle Growth?

Written by Sean M. Lyden on November 29, 2016. Posted in Smart Fleets.

If your fleet operates plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) – or is planning to do so – there’s an emerging technology you’ll want to put on your radar that could impact your vehicle selection and charging infrastructure decisions within the next year or two.

It’s wireless EV charging, which proponents believe holds the key to widespread transportation electrification.

That’s because one of the friction points of operating EVs is the inconvenience of charging with a conventional cord and plug-in system, said David Schatz, vice president of business development and sales for WiTricity (http://witricity.com), a firm that develops wireless charging systems for EVs, headquartered in Watertown, Mass.

Schatz cites a major automaker’s internal study that found that 70 percent of all plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) owners never plug in and opt for fueling only with gas because of the “inconvenience” of plugging in their vehicle.

The idea here is that if you cut the cord, you make EV charging more acceptable to a larger market because you’re not forcing users to change their behavior. “PHEV and EV drivers simply park over a charging pad in their garage, or at work, or at a shopping center and charge up with no hands, no effort,” Schatz said.

Wireless charging uses electromagnetic induction to transfer energy from the primary coil – that’s encased in a pad on the garage floor or ground surface of a parking area – to a secondary coil that’s installed on the vehicle’s undercarriage. When the vehicle is parked in the proper position – with the secondary coil directly over the primary coil – an indicator light goes on and charging begins.

Most major automakers are developing wireless EV charging systems, with a few of the OEMs introducing wireless capabilities in the next year or so, including Mercedes with the S550e plug-in hybrid and BMW with the i3 electric vehicle and i8 plug-in hybrid. Evatran LLC (www.pluglesspower.com) has been selling its Plugless Level 2, a retrofit wireless charging system available for Tesla Model S, Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt and Cadillac ELR.

Experts Peer Into Their Crystal Ball
So, what developments can we expect in wireless EV charging in the next five years? How will it impact growth in the EV market? UFP reached out to industry experts to get their outlook.

“In the next few years, we should see the rollout of wireless charging as an option for plug-in vehicles,” said Lisa Jerram, principal research analyst for Navigant Research (www.navigant.com). “I think it’ll be more widespread among the premium [plug-in electric vehicles], but it will be available from other OEMs as well. We’ll also see it being tested in controlled fleet applications. In five years, that could grow to fleet operation in city centers, perhaps electric taxi or rideshare programs. I don’t anticipate it becoming a huge part of the market within five years, but we should see a growing push to use it in electrified urban fleets.”

Andrew Daga is president and chief executive officer at Momentum Dynamics Corp. (www.momentumdynamics.com), based in Malvern, Pa. The company has developed a technology that provides “dynamic charging,” which is currently being tested on a couple municipal electric bus fleets, where vehicles can be recharged wirelessly while they’re in motion or stopped briefly at each stop on the route.

Daga’s outlook: “Every EV produced in the passenger vehicle space will have inductive [wireless] charging technology built in at the production line [in the next five years]. This is not a crystal ball view, it is what we see clearly. We envision that wireless charging is the key to enabling technology that will allow all types of vehicles to become electric, and that it will cause an S-curve adoption acceleration of EVs when fueling becomes an automated background operation. Drivers and fleet operators will not need to think about fueling; it will simply happen. Wireless does for charging what E-ZPass electronic toll collection has done for collecting tolls.”

John Boodhansingh is senior director of product management for Qualcomm (www.qualcomm.com/products/halo), which has developed the Halo Wireless EV Charging (WEVC) system for a number of automakers, including Daimler AG with its upcoming 2018 Mercedes S550e.

“The future of wireless EV charging is bright in the next five years,” Boodhansingh said. “Many automakers have committed to include WEVC, and the number of models that will have WEVC is increasing. And as that increases, that will, in turn, drive the installation of more charging infrastructure for WEVC. At Qualcomm, we view wireless charging as an enabler for the growth of the EV market because it allows drivers to easily and effortlessly charge at home, at work and when visiting retailers. The availability of effortless charging can also help reduce range anxiety because drivers can top off frequently and don’t have to worry about making it to their destination.”

Schatz with WiTricity predicted: “Over the next three years we will first see wireless charging introduced for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, charging at the 3.6-kilowatt level, so the PHEV can be fully charged in just two to four hours. Then we will see electric vehicles in 2018 and 2019 charging at 7.7-kilowatt and 11-kilowatt charge rates, and by 2020 we expect nearly every global carmaker to have introduced or announced vehicles equipped with wireless charging. Wireless charging will mainly be installed in private garages and at fleet depots. But once standardization is achieved [where chargers are compatible across any make and model vehicle], we will see wireless charging parking spots at company parking lots, retail parking lots and other public parking locations.”

The Bottom Line
A lot is expected to happen in wireless EV charging over the next few years that could impact your purchase decisions with electric vehicles and your investments in on-site charging infrastructure. So, stay tuned.

How Plug-In Hybrids Impact Vehicle Maintenance

Written by Grace Suizo on February 25, 2016. Posted in Smart Fleets.

Utility fleets are leading the way when it comes to the use of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles – a growing solution for operations that must work around the clock to provide vital services to the general public.

While going green and convenience are definite pluses, plug-ins also enable significant operational savings over conventional vehicles and typically have longer useful lives, according to the Edison Electric Institute. Extending vehicle life also means lengthening purchase cycles and really getting the most value out of these units.

Fewer Parts Provide More Savings
Part of the value of owning and operating plug-ins is reduced maintenance expenses. Manufacturers and fleets agree that electric-based vehicles have lower maintenance costs due to fewer parts and less engine use. Some manufacturers even purposely design their trucks with that in mind.

VIA Motors (www.viamotors.com), for instance, did away with the transmission, starter motor and alternator in designing its “virtually maintenance-free” single-speed, extended-range electric pickup, according to Jeff Esfeld, VIA’s director of national fleet sales and business development. The company currently installs its technology on GM platforms, specifically the Silverado truck and Express van. Installed components are maintenance-free except for coolant. Any component failure is a plug-and-play replacement.

“Maintenance is a function of components,” Esfeld said. “When items are not there, obviously you’re talking of a lower maintenance cost situation.”

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E), which operates 1,500 electric-based vehicles and has even made the plug-in its standard company car, can attest to the maintenance reductions from these models. Dave Meisel, senior director of transportation and aviation services, said the utility hardly uses the internal combustion engine, which has stretched time between oil changes from quarterly to yearly.

On top of fewer moving parts in the electric drive tank, he also noted extended brake life as a result of regenerative braking.

“On an internal combustion, we take our foot off the gas and put our foot on the brake. Now, in many cases, we’re just taking our foot off the gas,” Meisel explained.

Keeping Vehicles in Top Shape
Manufacturers typically service vehicles, but they also provide training to larger fleets with in-house mechanics.

Maintenance for VIA Motors vehicles is done by its dedicated team of master technicians or through specific GM-authorized service centers. The company also trains GM technicians to get them up to speed and to the level of its master technicians, some of whom have come off the production side and moved into service and maintenance because they know the VIA pickup so well, Esfeld said.

Odyne Systems (www.odyne.com), a manufacturer of hybrid systems for medium- and heavy-duty work trucks that is partially owned by Allison Transmission (www.allisontransmission.com), uses Allison’s service and warranty network throughout North America.

The company also offers a two-day course for larger fleets with in-house mechanics.

“It gives them a good base for common repair work,” said Matt Jarmuz, director of sales for Odyne. “If it’s a major issue, we’ll take that to the Allison dealer for repair.”

Using the train-the-trainer model, PG&E spent about three days training its in-house technicians to work on the utility’s electric vehicles. With 63 garages in its service territory and about 380 shop-based and mobile mechanics, PG&E had the vehicles’ manufacturers train some of its best technicians and then let those technicians train their peers on how to work the high-voltage systems.

Jarmuz described the training process as more electrical than mechanical. “It’s a different skill set – troubleshooting wire harnesses and trying to solve issues on a hybrid vehicle versus a mechanical failure where a part’s broken and you have to replace it,” he said.

Preparing Your Fleet for Plug-Ins
Luckily, fleets don’t have to change much to outfit their shops for plug-in vehicle maintenance. For example, PG&E had to purchase specific plug-in tools, but its shops stayed the same.

“The manufacturers were really clear on what we were supposed to have, so we created a high-voltage kit for every garage when they work on a high-voltage unit,” Meisel said.

VIA customers need two specialized pieces of equipment: a custom transmission lift that drops the battery pack and the H bracket, and a special hand-held diagnostic tool. The tool recognizes every GM and VIA part and also codes all their parts and labor jobs. In addition, it has a video camera and light that connect to the company’s technical assistance line. “A technician can actually call and speak to the engineer and tell them what issue they’re having and our guy can see it,” Esfeld said.

Overall, preparing for plug-in vehicles is not a highly complicated process, Meisel said.

“Train your people how to use them, teach your technicians how to work on them, have your hardware in place and have charging infrastructure in place,” Meisel said. “Buying them and fixing them is the easy part.”

About the Author: Grace Suizo has been covering the automotive fleet industry since 2007. She spent six years as an editor for five fleet publications and has written more than 100 articles geared toward both commercial and public sector fleets.

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The Payback for Plug-Ins
Are plug-in hybrid vehicles the right fit for your fleet?

A plug-in hybrid system will cost more upfront versus a conventional model, but the initial investment will pay back over the years through reductions in fuel and maintenance.

Payback depends on the application, according to Odyne’s Jarmuz.

“The big thing about plug-ins is the more miles you run or the more hours the vehicle engine operates, the more that you save,” he said. “Primarily, you’re exchanging diesel/gasoline for electricity and you’re extending the mileage intervals – the oil changes and those scheduled maintenance items. So the higher the miles or engine hours, the better the return.”

Jarmuz recommends calculating your direct costs, such as fuel and maintenance, but also factoring in soft costs, which are more difficult to assign a dollar figure and include items such as refueling time and the time a vehicle is out of service while in the shop.

“We see payback anywhere from five to 10 years depending on how often [utility fleets] use the vehicle and number of miles or engine hours per year,” he said.

Electric Vehicle News

Written by Seth Skydel on October 6, 2014. Posted in Smart Fleets.

Support Grows for EEI White Paper on Utility Fleets and Electrification
As part of an effort to advance sustainability through fleet adoption of electric vehicles, the Edison Electric Institute has released a white paper, “Transportation Electrification: Utility Fleets Leading the Charge,” that focuses on the electric power industry’s effort to accelerate the expansion of electric transportation in commercial and retail markets, beginning with electric utility fleets.

Written by EEI’s Fleet Electrification Steering Committee comprised of utility fleet directors from across the country, the paper encourages investor-owned electric utilities to meet an industry-wide goal to spend at least 5 percent of annual fleet acquisition budgets on plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) and technologies. According to the paper, electrification of the transportation sector is a potential quadruple win for electric utilities and society, potentially enabling electric utilities to support environmental goals, build customer satisfaction, reduce operating costs and assure the future value of existing assets.

The EEI white paper elaborates on the business case for utility fleet electrification as well as the full range of PEVs available for adoption in fleets. It shows that electrification of large utility fleets offers benefits that range from lower operating costs from fuel and maintenance, to extended vehicle life based on their mechanical simplicity, as well as reduced carbon footprint and toxic emissions.

“The electric power industry is a tremendous leader in supporting electric transportation, but we must continue to strengthen our efforts and lead by example,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn. “One way we can do that is by leveraging our industry’s buying power to purchase more PEVs for our fleets. The white paper is a road map for a long-term, coordinated effort to further spur the development of electric vehicle technologies in the transportation market.”

The NAFA Fleet Management Association extended its support to EEI. “This year, NAFA introduced the Sustainable Fleet Standard Program to our membership, and we are in the final stages of its beta phase,” said NAFA President Claude A. Masters, manager, acquisition and fuel at Florida Power & Light. “While NAFA has a fuel-neutral philosophy, the association recognizes that electric vehicles will be a major player in how fleets will reach carbon footprint goals.”

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. also joined with EEI to urge utilities to more than double their current investment in electric utility fleet vehicles. Over the past five years, PG&E noted, the industry has invested approximately $85 million incorporating PEV technologies into utility fleets, or about 1.7 percent of overall utility fleet spending. PG&E and EEI are calling on companies to raise that investment to 5 percent of their total fleet investment, or approximately $1 billion, starting next year.

“Expanding the use of plug-in technologies is one of the most important opportunities we have as a country to continue diversifying our energy usage and achieve our clean energy goals,” said PG&E Chairman and CEO Tony Earley. “Electrifying our fleets is about showing consumers that plug-in technology is thriving and delivers real benefits that make sense for us and our customers.”

PG&E operates the nation’s largest fleet of alternative fuel vehicles and tops the industry with 14 percent of its fleet investment dedicated to plug-in technologies. PG&E’s PEV technology includes electric power-takeoff systems on the utility’s bucket trucks. This technology allows crews to operate all onboard equipment, including the aerial device and auxiliary systems, via a series of batteries, eliminating the need to idle the trucks at work sites. In addition, last year PG&E acquired the utility industry’s first plug-in electric Class 5 utility work trucks from Electric Vehicles International.

“Our experience has confirmed that the business case for fleet electrification is solid,” said Dave Meisel, senior director of transportation services for PG&E. “We are seeing full payback on the increased initial investment in less than five years in most cases. In addition to the fuel savings, we’re seeing dramatically lower vehicle emissions and a better on-the-job experience for our crews.”

EEI has also formed an Electrification Task Force designed to provide technical expertise and share industry best practices and case studies from utilities that have emerged as leaders in fleet electrification. Visit www.eei.org.

Volt Surpasses Half a Billion Electric Miles
Since its launch in late 2010, Chevrolet Volts have traveled more than half a billion all-electric miles. Additionally, based on a General Motors study of more than 300 Volts in service in California for more than 30 months, many users are exceeding the EPA rating of 35 miles of electric vehicle range per full charge, with about 15 percent surpassing 40 miles of range.

Volts that are charged regularly, according to GM, typically drive more than 970 miles between gasoline fill-ups. The 2014 Volt model provides fuel economy of EPA-estimated 98 MPGe (electric) and 35 city/40 highway on gasoline power. In an independent study conducted between July and December 2013, Volt drivers who participated in the Department of Energy’s EV Project managed by Idaho National Labs totaled 1,198,114 vehicle trips, of which 974,692 – or 81.4 percent – were completed without the gasoline-powered generator being used. Visit www.chevrolet.com.

HYBRID NEWS

Understanding PHEV Options
Joe Dalum, president and CEO of Odyne Systems, a manufacturer of hybrid systems for medium- and heavy-duty work trucks, delivered a presentation explaining plug-in electric vehicle technology options for truck fleets at Plug-In 2014 in San Jose, Calif. Dalum’s presentation discussed the medium- and heavy-duty truck market, fleet strategy, vehicle duty cycles and how to select the best plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) solution.

During his presentation, Dalum stressed the importance of duty cycle data acquisition and analysis for determining if a PHEV system is a good fit for a fleet’s vehicle use strategy. He discussed the Green Truck Association’s Hybrid Work Truck Payback Worksheet and other considerations such as EPAct credits, work site safety and ROI, along with factors for comparing hybrid, electric power-takeoff or PHEV solutions, including warranty, safety, performance and applications. Visit www.odyne.com.

DUECO Delivers to PECO
Philadelphia-based PECO, an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corp. that serves 1.6 million electric and more than 500,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania, has taken delivery of the first of 22 new Terex XT55 bucket trucks with Odyne hybrid power systems supplied by DUECO Inc., a provider of Terex Utilities and Terex Hi-Ranger products.

The 22 trucks are part of a 300-vehicle, $45.4-million U.S. Department of Energy, Electric Power Research Institute and South Coast Air Quality Management District of California award. Odyne is developing and deploying more than 120 plug-in hybrid systems for companies and governmental entities throughout North America as part of the program. The trucks delivered to PECO feature the capability to charge the hybrid batteries at the most opportune time, reducing charging costs and excess demand on the utility grid.

“We are proud to be the first utility in the United States to deploy this type of vehicle through the combined Department of Energy and Electric Power Research Institute initiative,” said PECO President and CEO Craig Adams. “In addition to our core mission of providing safe and reliable service to our customers, PECO and all of Exelon share a strong commitment to protecting and preserving the environment, and operating a sustainable fleet is a key component of our efforts.” Visit www.dueco.com.

Freightliner Hybrid-Electric Trucks Approved for Incentive Program
The Freightliner M2 106 diesel-electric hybrid truck has been approved for the New York Truck-Voucher Incentive Program (NYT-VIP). In partnership with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, New York State Department of Transportation, New York City Department of Transportation and CALSTART, NYT-VIP provides $19 million in incentives for clean vehicle technologies. The goal of the program is to promote clean air and a sustainable future for New York’s transportation system by accelerating the integration of advanced vehicle technologies in the commercial truck and bus sectors.

“Freightliner M2 106 hybrid trucks are a smart solution featuring innovative technologies that maximize productivity while also benefiting the environment,” said Mary Aufdemberg, director of product marketing for Freightliner Trucks. “Customers who take advantage of the New York Truck-Voucher Incentive Program will realize even more efficiencies that will help lower their overall cost of ownership.”

The Freightliner M2 106 diesel-electric hybrid truck can be configured for a wide variety of bodies for different applications, including utility vehicles. Visit www.freightlinertrucks.com.

NATURAL GAS NEWS

PERC Creates One-Stop Source for Propane Technology News
The Propane Education & Research Council has launched a new website, propane.com, as a source for information about propane safety and newly developed propane-powered technology.

“Propane.com gives our industry a chance to showcase the versatility of propane, and the economic and environmental benefits of using this American-made fuel across top-performing markets,” said Roy Willis, president and CEO of PERC. “The consolidation also gives propane customers the opportunity to realize all the technologies available for businesses.”

Propane.com consolidates information from PERC’s previous sites, including autogasusa.org, agpropane.com, poweredbypropane.com and usepropane.com. Fleets can also use the site’s Find a Propane Retailer application to locate fuel providers by zip code and services provided. Visit www.propane.com.

Quantum Announces New CNG Storage System Orders
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide has received approximately $600,000 in purchase orders from the WheelTime network for its lightweight natural gas storage systems. Quantum has been the exclusive supplier of compressed natural gas storage systems for aftermarket system conversions to the WheelTime Network, comprised of 18 member companies with more than 180 installation and service locations nationwide. The latest orders expand the relationship to include system installs on new trucks at WheelTime locations. Under an arrangement that began more than two years ago, Quantum and WheelTime have been training and educating the network locations on installs, maintenance and service.

“We are excited to be expanding this relationship with additional orders and especially to include additional WheelTime members and locations,” said Brian Olson, president and CEO of Quantum. “We are working closely with WheelTime on setting up new locations with installation and service training and to provide turnkey system solutions. Our goal is to have this relationship reach all 50 states.”

Quantum also announced it has received its first CNG storage system order from a large Kenworth dealership network with offices in the U.S. and Canada. The purchase order is for Quantum’s frame-rail mounted Q-RailLITE CNG storage vessels. Quantum will train dealerships to install and service the CNG modules.

A newly expanded purchase order from Westport for CNG tanks has also been received by Quantum. “We are expanding our relationship with Westport after being identified as a key fuel storage supplier for their natural gas vehicle programs,” Olson said. Visit www.qtww.com.

Fueling Park Operations with Propane
Mammoth Cave National Park has received a donation of propane-powered off-road and stationary equipment from the Propane Education & Research Council. The donation totals more than $62,000 and includes three John Deere zero-turn mowers, two Generac portable generators and a CleanFUEL USA propane dispenser featuring eConnect, a fuel network management system for electronic dispensers. MCNP also operates eight propane autogas Bluebird school buses and two propane autogas ROUSH CleanTech Ford F-250 pickup trucks.

“We’ve been dedicated to integrating sustainable practices into park operations for many years,” said Russell Runge, MCNP acting superintendent. “PERC’s donation of propane equipment will continue to help us reach our sustainability goals. Not only do the donations help MCNP become more environmentally friendly and better monitor fuel usage, but they also advance the National Park Service’s Green Parks Plan aimed at reducing dependence on foreign oil, mitigating effects of climate change and conserving energy.”

MCNP’s efforts in sustainability began in the late 1990s when it partnered with the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition, a Clean Cities Coalition partner. KCFC was instrumental in securing the donation of propane autogas buses. KCFC has been advocating for alternative fuel usage and supporting the National Park Service since the coalition was established in 1993. Visit www.propane.com.

CleanFUEL USA Liquid Propane Injection System Powers Freightliner Products
Full production has begun of two CleanFUEL USA liquid propane injection systems for Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. S2G medium-duty trucks and Thomas Built C2 school buses. The factory-installed propane autogas systems require no aftermarket modifications.

The FCCC S2G truck and the Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus with the propane systems are powered by an 8-liter engine from Powertrain Integration and are equipped with an Allison 2300 automatic transmission. The engine is rated at 495 pound-feet of torque at 3,100 rpm and 339 horsepower at 4,100 rpm. Visit www.cleanfuelusa.com.

PERC Promotes Clean Propane on Campus
The Propane Education & Research Council has joined the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education to encourage low-emissions propane equipment use in higher education. Through the association of colleges and universities, PERC will inform higher education institutions about the benefits of using clean, low-emissions propane equipment as part of their sustainability initiatives.

“Propane is the leading alternative fuel in the U.S. and helps thousands of businesses, fleets, contractors, and consumers meet their economic and environmental goals,” said Roy Willis, PERC CEO and president. “We want to help bring the same fuel-efficient technologies to campuses through equipment demonstrations, incentives, and educational programs that will help AASHE members significantly reduce their carbon footprint and save money.”

AASHE enables colleges and universities to meet their sustainability goals by providing specialized resources, professional development and a network for sharing information. Many AASHE resources are free to the public, and its programs help support the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. ACUPCC institutions sign a commitment promising to lead their institutions toward climate neutrality. There are more than 650 ACUPCC signatories and 800-plus AASHE members to date.

“AASHE counts on the support of many innovative organizations, such as PERC, to fulfill our mission of creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable planet, starting with college campuses,” said Stephanie A. Herrera, AASHE executive director. “AASHE business members support the sustainability movement by providing valuable products, services and resources to help move this vital community toward a better future.” Visit www.aashe.org.

Freightliner Trucks Adds to Natural Gas Options
The Cummins Westport ISX12 G heavy-duty natural gas engine will be available as a factory-installed option for the Freightliner 114SD severe-duty truck model in 2015. The 12-liter ISX12 G engine features ratings up to 400 horsepower and 1,450 pound-feet of torque, and operates on CNG or LNG. Factory-installed back-of-cab mounted CNG tanks are available in 60 and 75 diesel gallon equivalent configurations. The 114SD has been available with natural gas with the 9-liter Cummins Westport ISL G engine since 2011.

Freightliner’s commitment to green technologies is part of parent company Daimler AG’s global “Shaping Future Transportation” initiative. Launched in 2007, the initiative is focused on reducing criteria pollutants, carbon dioxide and fuel consumption through the utilization of clean, efficient drive systems including clean diesel and alternative fuels. Since 2008, Freightliner Trucks has sold more 3,500 natural gas-powered trucks and tractors. Visit www.freightlinertrucks.com.

Omnitek Receives EPA Approval for Mack Engine Conversions
Omnitek Engineering Corp. has received a Certificate of Conformity from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for diesel-to-natural-gas engine conversions of all Mack E7 electronic engines up to model year 2006. The approval allows engine conversions to proceed in 49 states and covers 166 Mack E7 engine/model/power variations.

Omnitek will offer 100 percent dyno-tested “drop-in” ready converted engines, configured for quick installation. An assembly line engine remanufacturing/conversion process performed by the company’s strategic partner Reviva will assure that engines are in as-new condition. The Omnitek diesel-to-natural-gas converted Mack E7 engine produces 400 horsepower with low nitrogen oxide emissions of 0.14 gr/bhp-hr, per the EPA SET emissions test protocol, without the use of EGR.

“There is significant pent-up demand for converting Mack E7 diesel engines to natural gas,” said Werner Funk, president and CEO of Omnitek. “Diesel-to-natural-gas engine conversions are a viable and cost-effective option for fleets to transition to natural gas within a practical time frame.

“As engines are converted to use 100 percent natural gas, the payback on a diesel-to-natural-gas truck conversion can be as short as 16 months, including the cost for the engine, fuel storage system and installation labor,” Funk added. “This is a significant improvement compared to diesel dual fuel technology.” Visit www.omnitekcorp.com.

Peterbilt Offers New Natural Gas Powertrain Option
For several of its natural gas vehicles, Peterbilt Motors Co. is now offering an automated transmission and a natural gas engine that can be powered by CNG or LNG. The Eaton UltraShift PLUS and Cummins Westport ISX12 G are available for Peterbilt Models 579, 567, 384 and 365.

The Eaton UltraShift PLUS is available in the 13-speed MHP and 10-speed LAS series, and the 11.9-liter Cummins Westport ISX12 G is available up to 400 horsepower and 1,450 pound-feet of torque. Visit www.peterbilt.com.

Mack Trucks Offers Grant Application Assistance
To help customers maximize their return on investment, Mack Trucks announced it is now working with the Sustainability Initiatives Group to help dealers and customers navigate the grant process and obtain public funding for alternative fuel- and clean diesel-powered vehicles. SIG will maintain an up-to-date inventory of federal and state grant information, offer summaries on relevant grant opportunities, and assist in the grant application and writing process. Visit www.macktrucks.com.

CLEAN DIESEL NEWS

Clean Diesel Trucks Make Up 33 Percent of All Trucks on U.S. Highways
More than one-third of all medium- and heavy-duty commercial trucks registered in the U.S.– 2.9 million of 8.8 million trucks – are now equipped with newer technology clean diesel engines, according to new data compiled by HIS Automotive for the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF). The new data includes registration information on Class 3-8 trucks from 2007 through 2013 in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Beginning in 2007, all heavy-duty diesel trucks sold had to meet particulate emissions levels of no more than 0.01 grams per brake horsepower hour. Emissions from today’s diesel trucks and buses are near zero thanks to more efficient engines, more effective emissions control technology and the nationwide availability of ultralow sulfur diesel fuel, DTF noted. The new clean diesel technology has reduced emissions from heavy-duty diesel trucks and buses by 99 percent for nitrogen oxides and 98 percent for particulate emissions. Visit www.dieselforum.org.

NAFA Requests Extension of Diesel Emissions Reduction Act
The Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA), administered through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, provides up to $100 million each year through 2016 for reducing emissions from existing diesel engines. The EPA announced that roughly $9 million is still available for agencies seeking to undergo clean diesel projects, including replacement, repower and retrofit initiatives.

Recently, NAFA Fleet Management Association CEO Phillip Russo reached out to leaders in Washington urging continued funding for the DERA. “Millions of older diesel engines are still in use by fleets,” Russo said. “Thankfully, emissions from these older engines may be controlled with the use of modern control technologies that reduce emissions. If funds are not allowed to be appropriated for DERA, the administration’s 2015 budget proposal will reduce DERA funding from the $20 million contained in the continuing resolution in fiscal year 2014 to zero in 2015. We believe that modest increases in funding for DERA can and must be achieved within the framework of the overall budget agreement approved by Congress late last year, and encourage you to support $30 million in funding for fiscal year 2015.” Visit www.nafa.org.

GREEN EVENTS

Green Truck Summit & The Work Truck Show 2015
March 3-6
Indiana Convention Center
Indianapolis
www.ntea.com/worktruckshow

Green News

Written by Seth Skydel on August 7, 2014. Posted in Smart Fleets.

ACT Expo Highlights
Nearly 200 alternative fuel and clean transportation industry leaders were on hand at the Alternative Clean Transportation Expo in May to present information on key advancements in alternative fuels and clean vehicles, including electric, hybrid, hydrogen, natural gas, propane autogas, clean diesel and renewable fuels technologies.

The 2014 ACT Expo, co-located with the NGV Global conference, also provided off-site technical tours of local alternative fuel vehicle and infrastructure projects; fueling, equipment, technology and vehicle displays; and a ride-and-drive with the latest light-, medium-, and heavy-duty alternative fuel and clean technology vehicles. More than 175 suppliers of alternative fuels and clean vehicle technologies sponsored the joint conferences.

A record number of propane autogas exhibitors, including propane autogas retailers and original equipment manufacturers, presented their latest solutions at ACT Expo. Included were Alliance AutoGas, CleanFUEL USA, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp., Icom, Isuzu, New Eagle, Power Solutions International, Powertrain Integration and ROUSH CleanTech.

At the Propane Education & Research Council display, a ROUSH CleanTech E-450 transit shuttle bus and the newly released MT45 strip chassis from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. were on display. PERC also showcased new flat-tank fuel storage technology from Propane Performance Industries, an Exmark Lazer Z S-Series propane-powered lawn mower with a Kohler EFI power-plant engine, and a Superior Energy Systems autogas dispenser.

The newest additions to Peterbilt’s lineup of natural gas-powered commercial vehicles, including the vocational Model 567, were on display during the ACT Expo. The 567 is equipped with a Cummins Westport ISX12 G CNG engine and Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide’s back-of-cab CNG fuel storage solution that uses the company’s Q-Lite tank technology and can store 123 diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) of fuel.

Mack’s natural gas-powered Pinnacle models at ACT Expo included axle-back models with both LNG and CNG power supplied by a Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine. Mack Trucks, which also offers natural gas-powered TerraPro models, recently introduced an LR series refuse vehicle and plans to announce a natural gas-powered version of the Mack Granite.

Volvo Trucks showcased a CNG-powered VNL day cab and a prototype dimethyl ether-powered VNL day cab at ACT Expo. Both vehicles are part of Volvo Trucks’ “Blue Power” natural gas strategy for North America. Volvo currently offers CNG- and LNG-powered versions of its VNM day cab and VNL sleeper and day cab models powered by spark-ignited gas engines. The OEM also continues to work toward commercialization of dimethyl ether-powered trucks for the North American market, and is developing a fully integrated natural gas solution, a compression ignition engine that utilizes LNG.

Freightliner Trucks now offers factory-installed LNG fuel tanks for the Cascadia 113 day cab with a Cummins Westport ISX12 G engine and a 155 DGE CNG tank. The company also showcased a Freightliner 114SD CNG roll-off concept truck equipped with the Cummins Westport ISX12 G, and a Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. S2G liquid propane-fueled chassis with a stake body and crane. Visit www.actexpo.com.

NAFA Pioneers Fleet Sustainability Program
The NAFA Sustainable Fleet Standard Program, developed in conjunction with CALSTART, will allow member organizations to assess how to enhance practices to decrease fuel dependence and emissions while increasing the efficiency of vehicles and reducing costs.

With the new program, notes NAFA President Claude T. Masters, CAFM, fleet services manager at Florida Power & Light Co., NAFA intends to pioneer a movement in the fleet community that emphasizes the economic and environmental benefits of sustainability. “The importance of sustainable practices becomes more evident each day,” he said. “By becoming more energy independent and efficient, our members will extend benefits to their bottom line and their customer base.” Visit www.nafa.org.

Florida Power & Light Wins EPA Award
Florida Power & Light Co. has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Excellence Award for 2014, which honors innovative programs that benefit communities, the environment and the economy. In particular, the EPA recognized FPL’s deployment of fuel-efficient vehicle technology, an important part of the utility’s overall efforts to provide electric service to its 4.7 million customers throughout Florida.

FPL operates one of the largest sustainably responsible fleets in the nation with approximately 1,750 biodiesel-powered vehicles and 550 electric and hybrid electric vehicles. In 2013, FPL’s clean-vehicle fleet saved 682,000 gallons of petroleum fuel and prevented more than 6,800 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Visit www.fpl.com.

HYBRIDS

Odyne Endorsed by Allison, Taps John Deere, Introduces Export Power System
Allison Transmission has endorsed the use of its 3000 and 4000 Series transmissions with the Odyne plug-in hybrid PTO-based system. The Odyne hybrid power system interfaces with Allison Transmission’s fully automatic transmissions.

Hybrid energy is captured in the Odyne system using Remy electric propulsion motors and Johnson Controls’ lithium-ion battery technology and components. The system’s PTO interface provides a direct connection between the hybrid system and the transmission. Odyne’s hybrid system and ePTO can power most equipment for an entire day with the engine off.

Odyne Systems is also working with John Deere Electronic Solutions, previously known as Phoenix International, as a supplier of its JDES PD300 power inverter. The inverter drives the Remy electric motor in the Odyne hybrid system.

Additionally, Odyne is now incorporating export power system technology in its hybrid solution capable of providing up to 6 kilowatts or greater from the hybrid battery system to power large electrical loads, equipment and tools. The system has been tested to 18 kilowatts and is designed for applications up to 36 kilowatts.

The export power capability of the Odyne system potentially eliminates the need for vehicle-mounted or towed generators, or to continually idle the truck to operate engine-driven generators. The system provides consistent power conversion throughout the entire range of the battery charge and will operate without interruption at a work site, even if battery capacity drops, since the hybrid system has the ability to recharge the battery using the chassis engine. Visit www.odyne.com.

Kinetics Hybrid Approved for NYSERDA Voucher Program
The New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) has announced that the Crosspoint Kinetics hybrid electric system qualifies for voucher funding. Fleets operating Class 3-8 vehicles in the New York City area can now get up to 80 percent of the system’s cost reimbursed as part of an ongoing initiative to reduce emissions in the region. To qualify for up to $40,000 per truck, the vehicles must be converted to electric, hybrid electric or CNG, and must spend at least 70 percent of their time operating in the five boroughs of New York City.

The Kinetics hybrid system is a bolt-on solution that has undergone testing at FTA/Altoona, CALSTART and Cummins, and in more than 6 million miles of field driving with customers.

The New York City Alternative Fuel Vehicle – Voucher Incentive Fund has earmarked $6 million for the program with NYSERDA, in partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation, the New York State Department of Transportation and CALSTART. Visit www.crosspointkinetics.com.

GREEN VEHICLES

AT&T Deploys 8,000th CNG Vehicle
AT&T recently fielded its 8,000th CNG vehicle, achieving a milestone in the company’s 10-year, $565-million commitment to add approximately 15,000 alternative fuel vehicles to its fleet by end of 2018. The 8,000th CNG vehicle, a 2014 Chevy Express van, will be used in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

In addition to CNG, AT&T has deployed hybrid electric, all electric and extended-range electric vehicles, for a total AFV fleet of more than 10,000 vehicles in 43 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. The company plans to continue to deploy a mix of technologies. Visit www.att.com.

Westport WiNG Receives CARB and EPA Certifications
Westport has received certification from the California Air Resources Board for its 2014 model year Westport WiNG Ford F-150 3.7-liter pickup truck with a dedicated CNG system. The F-150 pickup, which is also certified by the EPA, runs on CNG and is available with 17-gasoline gallon equivalent (GGE) or 23-GGE tanks.

Westport has also received certification from the EPA for its 2015 model year Ford F-250 and F-350, 6.2-liter Super Duty trucks with the Westport WiNG bi-fuel CNG system. The F-250 and F-350 trucks run on both gasoline and CNG and are available with 17-GGE or 23-GGE tanks, or a variety of combinations using the underbody tanks. Visit www.westport.com/products/automotive.

Bi-Fuel Options Set for 2015 GMC and Chevrolet Models
A bi-fuel CNG option is available on all 2015 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD single-rear-wheel pickup truck models. Express and Savana vans are also available with fully dedicated CNG fuel systems, including three- or four-tank models on the cargo vans.

“Based on current average fuel prices, CNG is more than a dollar cheaper than an equivalent gallon of gasoline, giving fleets an incentive to use CNG to power their vehicles,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, General Motors Fleet and Commercial. “Given the consistent cost savings and expanding infrastructure, commercial interest in CNG vehicles continues to grow.” Visit
www.gmfleet.com.

Omnitek Selected for City of Little Rock Pilot Program
Omnitek Engineering Corp. has been selected for a city of Little Rock, Ark., pilot program intended to demonstrate the economic benefits and environmental effectiveness of the company’s diesel-to-natural-gas engine conversion technology. The converted Navistar DT466E heavy-duty truck engines in the city’s municipal fleet will utilize Little Rock’s new CNG fueling station.
Visit www.omnitekcorp.com.

Quantum to Supply Heavy-Duty OEMs
Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide has announced it will offer natural gas storage systems to the heavy-duty OEM market. In 2013, the company introduced rail-mounted storage systems for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and in March 2014 it introduced a lightweight back-of-cab storage system. Visit www.qtww.com.

Video Series Features Clean Diesel Technology for Off-Road Engines
The Diesel Technology Forum is launching a 10-part video series highlighting the research, development, and strategies used by leaders in clean diesel technology to produce near-zero emissions in new off-road engines and equipment. The series includes interviews with technology and business executives.

“This year marks a new era for construction and other off-road diesel engines and equipment,” said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. “Manufacturers have met the challenge from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to virtually eliminate emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides in the fourth-generation Tier 4 Final emissions standards. There is no better example of innovation and achievement in clean, fuel-efficient technology than what is now available from diesel engine and equipment makers.”

Upcoming videos will feature strategies in achieving the Tier 4 standards from Cummins, Bosch, CASE Construction Equipment, Caterpillar, Deere and Co., FPT Industrial, Isuzu, Johnson Matthey, MTU America, Volvo Powertrain and Yanmar. Visit www.dieselforum.org.

EPA Announces Funding to Clean Up Diesel Engines
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is making available $9 million in grant funding for clean diesel projects. The funding comes from the EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Program. Projects may include school and transit buses, heavy-duty trucks and other diesel engines. Visit www.epa.gov.

Worcester RTA Fields Proterra EV Buses
The Worcester Regional Transit Authority, using approximately $7 million of federal and matching state funds from MassDOT, has purchased six Proterra plug-in, all-electric buses. The new buses are expected to emit 130 fewer tons of carbon dioxide annually than models running on diesel, and the RTA estimates a decrease in operating costs of $3 million over 12 years.

The only EV bus manufacturer to have buses in revenue service anywhere in the U.S., Proterra has units running in San Antonio, Tallahassee, Fla., and Pomona, Calif., among other cities, and has announced contracts with Reno, Nev., Nashville, Tenn., and Louisville, Ky. Visit www.proterra.com.

School Districts Replacing Buses with Propane Autogas Models
Broward County Public Schools, the nation’s sixth-largest school district, has purchased 98 propane autogas-fueled buses for high-mileage routes. The county expects a six-month return on investment for the additional cost of the alternative fuel models. Each bus will displace about 40,000 gallons of diesel and emit 150,000 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. The school district purchased the buses from Florida Transportation Systems, the authorized Blue Bird dealer in Florida. The Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision models, each equipped with a ROUSH CleanTech fuel system, include a 100-gallon extended-range tank that provides a 93-usable-gallon capacity.

Almost 50 buses fueled by propane autogas will begin operation for the 2014-2015 school year in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Cleveland Schools, Ohio’s second-largest school district, will replace 12- to 13-year-old diesel buses with Blue Bird’s Propane-Powered Vision buses from Cardinal Bus Sales, Ohio’s Blue Bird dealer. Each bus is equipped with a ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system, including 20 outfitted with wheelchair lifts. Visit www.roushcleantech.com.

CleanFUEL USA Unveils Fully Integrated Fuel Management System
A complete fuel network management system for electronic dispensers – CleanFUEL eCONNECT – has been introduced by CleanFUEL USA. CleanFUEL eCONNECT features remote access and control capabilities from a computer, tablet or mobile device. The software has dispenser diagnostics and real-time reports. Fleet managers can also customize CleanFUEL eCONNECT to meet specific data collection needs, such as vehicle mileage, fuel consumption and driver controls. Additional CleanFUEL eCONNECT options include keypad entry, card reader, RFID and key fob, as well as integrated printing. Visit www.cleanfuelusa.com.

GREEN EVENTS

AltCar Expo
September 19-20, 2014
Santa Monica, Calif. 
AltCar Expo, a free event now in its 9th year, will demonstrate the latest green technology vehicles, including electric, plug-in hybrid, hybrid electric, natural gas, propane, biodiesel, ethanol and hydrogen models.
www.altcarexpo.com

Green Truck Summit

Written by Seth Skydel on May 30, 2014. Posted in Smart Fleets.

The Green Truck Summit, held in conjunction with The Work Truck Show 2014, provided an opportunity for more than 550 attendees to gather information about innovative clean vehicle technologies, alternative fuel trends and upcoming products. Produced by the NTEA and presented by International Truck, the 2014 Green Truck Summit was opened with a keynote address by Patrick Davis, director, Office of Vehicle Technologies, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, U.S. Department of Energy.

“The choices in fuel-efficient technologies continue to expand,” Davis stated. “As of August 2013 there were 25 tractor, 13 refuse truck, 8 van, 17 transit bus and 18 vocational truck models powered by alternative fuel sources on the market. Fleets are putting more AFVs on the road than ever before and helping displace the use of petroleum. Clean Cities participants, in fact, have surpassed 5.4 billion gallons of fuel savings.”

Broken down by fuel type, Davis reported that the largest percentage, at 60.9 percent of that fuel reduction, was for natural gas engines, followed by biodiesel, ethanol, propane and electric vehicles. The high number for natural gas also reflects an expanding fueling infrastructure, which now includes 1,334 CNG, 90 LNG and 2,978 LPG stations.

“As many as 23 major fleets are now part of the National Clean Fleets Partnership,” Davis related, “and as alternative fuel engine and battery system development continues, the costs for fleets will continue to be reduced while energy density, which has doubled in five years, will continue to grow.”

DOE provides a variety of tools and assistance for fleets at www.afdc.energy.gov, including online calculators for petroleum reduction planning, evaluating return on investment for alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure, and the AFLEET Tool for calculating petroleum use, cost of ownership, and pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Also available are interactive maps of alternative fueling stations and truck stop electrification sites, as well as data search capabilities for researching vehicles, engines, laws and incentives.

Green Truck Leadership Award
Another highlight of the Green Truck Summit was the presentation of the Green Truck Leadership Award to U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan for her contributions to promoting advanced alternative fuels and technologies for work trucks. Senator Stabenow is the sponsor of the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2013, which directs the Secretary of Energy to work toward substantially reducing or eliminating petroleum use by and emissions from passenger and commercial vehicles.

The Work Truck Show 2014 Green Award
The EchoDrive bolt-on hybrid electric kit from Echo Automotive was awarded The Work Truck Show 2014 Green Award, given annually to the product at The Work Truck Show that a panel of trade media and fleet manager judges determines best enhances vocational truck fuel utilization.

EchoDrive is a plug-in system that bolts directly to the vehicle and includes an advanced battery, electric motor, inverter and charger. The components work together to provide torque assistance and recover braking energy. Green Award judges cited EchoDrive for offering a complete fuel-saving package that can easily be added to or removed from existing vehicles. Echo-certified technicians can install EchoDrive in four to six hours using existing mounts.

Attendees were able to test drive a Ford E-250 cargo van equipped with EchoDrive during the Green Truck Ride-and-Drive held as part of The Work Truck Show. Echo Automotive also announced that production is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2015 on EchoDrive systems for 2010-2014 GM 2500 and 3500 vans, including Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana models. Visit www.echoautomotive.com.

2014 Green Truck Ride-and-Drive
Fleet managers at The Work Truck Show and the Green Truck Summit were able to test drive more than 20 sustainable technology vehicles during the event’s Green Truck Ride-and-Drive. The vehicles, available for test drives on city streets and on a closed-access course, included trucks, shuttle buses and vans powered by bi-fuel, CNG, electric hybrid, high-efficiency diesel, hydraulic hybrid, plug-in electric and propane autogas systems.

Suppliers and vehicles participating in the 2014 Green Truck Ride-and-Drive included:
• Allison Transmission – shuttle bus with parallel electric hybrid transmission system
• Altec Industries – aerial device with plug-in hybrid energy management system
• AMP Trucks/Workhorse – electric walk-in van
• Boulder Electric Vehicle – plug-in electric van
• Crosspoint Kinetics – parallel electric hybrid shuttle bus
• Echo Automotive Inc. – plug-in electric hybrid van
• Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. – ultraclean high-efficiency diesel walk-in van
• Freightliner Trucks – natural gas dump truck
• Hino Trucks – electric hybrid cabover trucks
• IMPCO Automotive – bi-fuel CNG sedan
• International Truck – plug-in electric tractor
• Isuzu Commercial Truck of America Inc. – CNG N-Series truck
• Kenworth Truck Co. – CNG roll-off straight truck
• Lightning Hybrids – hydraulic hybrid shuttle bus
• Odyne Systems LLC – plug-in parallel electric hybrid truck
• Peterbilt Motors Co. – CNG day cab tractor
• Ram Commercial – CNG pickup
• ROUSH CleanTech – liquid propane autogas pickup
• Vanair Manufacturing Inc. – diesel idle management system
• VIA Motors Inc. – electric pickup
• XL Hybrids – hybrid electric cargo van
• Zenith Motors – electric cargo van

Green Truck Summit Sessions
Technical experts, government officials, business leaders and fleet managers presented a variety of technical sessions at the Green Truck Summit. Among them was “Successfully Selecting and Deploying Green Technologies – A Fleet Perspective,” during which fleet managers shared how and why they successfully chose and deployed the right sustainable technologies for their operations. In a panel presentation on “The Future of Sustainability for Work Trucks,” nine OEMs presented strategies and solutions for incorporating alternative fuels and advanced technologies into their future product offerings.

Other Green Truck Summit sessions covered:
• Work Truck Fuel and Advanced Technology Deployment and Trends
• The Vision and Reality of Natural Gas, a 100-Year Transportation Fuel
• The Successful Application of Low-Cost Strategies for Reducing Fleet Fuel Consumption
• Finishing Maintenance Training Before Your Alternative Fuel Truck Arrives
• Deploying Vehicles with Electric Drive Technology
• Choosing the Right Sustainability Technology for Your Truck’s Drive and Duty Cycles
• Idle Management Technology and Implementation Strategies for Work Trucks
• Electrification of Accessory Loads
• Financial Incentives for Alternative Fuel and Green Technology on Trucks
• Fueling a Competitive Edge: How Top Fleets are Succeeding with Propane Autogas
• Analysis of Alternative Fuels and Green Technology from a Return on Investment Perspective

Editor’s Note: Look for reports on Green Truck Summit sessions in future issues of Utility Fleet Professional. The 2015 Work Truck Show and Green Truck Summit will be held March 4-6 in Indianapolis. Visit www.ntea.com.

GREEN TECHNOLOGIES

Odyne Systems Delivers First DOE Award Truck
Odyne Systems has rolled out one of the first units deployed under a $45.4 million U.S. Department of Energy award. The money is being used to develop and deploy plug-in hybrid systems on more than 120 trucks for investor-owned utilities and municipal electric companies throughout North America.

The Odyne plug-in hybrid system interfaces with Allison Transmission’s fully automatic gearboxes and uses a Remy electric motor in parallel with the existing drivetrain to provide launch assist and regenerative braking. At the work site, the system, featuring Johnson Controls lithium-ion battery packs, powers applications with the engine off.

Odyne systems are modular and can be applied and retrofitted to a wide range of work truck chassis in various types of operations. The systems are sold through Altec, DUECO and Terex Utilities and serviced by those organizations as well as by Allison Transmission distributors. Visit www.odyne.com.

XL Hybrids Expands Powertrain Technology to Ford
The new XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System from XL Hybrids is now available for Ford cutaway and strip chassis vehicles. The application of the hybrid electric powertrain technology to a new vehicle platform extends the company’s reach from Class 1 and 2 vans to Class 3 and 4 truck and shuttle bus configurations up to 14,500 pounds GVW.

The XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System is a charge-sustaining powertrain that installs in five hours and does not necessitate special plugs, charging or fueling, driver training or maintenance requirements. XL Hybrids is making the technology available for Ford E-350 and E-450 cutaway models immediately, and soon will offer the system for E-350 and E-450 stripped chassis and for GMC 3500/4500 cutaway chassis. Visit www.xlhybrids.com.

eNow Announces Partnerships
A developer of solar-based auxiliary power systems for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses, eNow has formed a new business alliance with Velociti, a provider of technology deployment services. As a result, Velociti will be capable of installing any of eNow’s solar-powered eCharge energy systems either at a customer’s facility or at a Velociti facility.

eNow offers several solar auxiliary power systems. Its eCharge Solar Battery Charger is designed for vehicles that lose battery charge when powered off for extended periods, and for vehicles with emergency/safety lighting, liftgates or other battery-powered auxiliary systems. Recently, Palfinger added eNow’s 100-Watt eCharge Solar Battery Charger as an optional feature on all of its liftgate systems. Previously announced eNow partners include Bergstrom, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck of America, Hercules Mfg. Co. and Anthony Liftgates, and the California Air Resources Board has approved the use of eNow’s solar-powered auxiliary power system on heavy-duty diesel-fueled vehicles.

“We’re always on the lookout for technologies that our customers can leverage to maximize efficiency and value in their fleet,” said Velociti President Deryk Powell. “eNow’s solar technology is that type of value-added product. Additionally, fleets know that effective maintenance of their assets can improve productivity, efficiency and lower costs, and many fleets today are facing technician shortages. Using an expert to deploy and support transportation technologies in fleet operations means company technicians can focus on keeping today’s complex equipment operating properly.” Visit www.enowenergy.com and www.velociti.com.

Allison Launches FuelSense
Freightliner will be the first OEM in North America to release FuelSense in medium-duty trucks. The new fuel-efficiency package from Allison Transmission, the manufacturer said, has cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent during both testing and simulations. The new features will be available in late 2014 in Freightliner M2 chassis equipped with Allison 2000 and 3000 series transmissions.

According to Lou Gilbert, Allison Transmission’s director of North American marketing and global brand development, FuelSense adapts to driving conditions using features that have a proven impact on fuel economy. In particular, FuelSense features automatically adapt shift schedules and torque based on load, grade and duty cycle.

Included in FuelSense are 5th Generation smart controls, acceleration management, an inclinometer, EcoCal shift technology designed to keep engine speed at an efficient level, Dynamic Shift Sensing to automatically sense when low-engine speed shifts can be made, and Neutral at Stop to save fuel and reduce emissions when the vehicle is stationary. Visit www.allisontransmission.com.

Video Series Documents Fleet Success with Propane Autogas
Straight Talk, a new video series from the Propane Education & Research Council, features interviews with fleet managers about their experiences using propane autogas. The goal of the series is to document topics PERC identifies as important to fleets considering a switch to alternative fuels, including return on initial investment, ease of installation and access to affordable refueling infrastructure. The series is available at www.propanestraighttalk.com.

According to PERC, propane autogas sales reached record numbers in 2013 as OEMs introduced new light- and medium-duty vehicles and added more EPA- and CARB-certified conversions. The EPA-approved alternative fuel emits 12 percent less carbon dioxide, 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, 60 percent less carbon monoxide and costs 40 to 50 percent less than gasoline. Visit www.autogasusa.org.

Powertrain Integration Showcases Propane Autogas Solutions
As Powertrain Integration celebrates 10 years of providing GM with propane autogas engine solutions, the company is highlighting its offerings of LPG engine packages, including medium-duty vehicle applications in conjunction with Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. and CleanFUEL USA.

Displays from Powertrain Integration provide a view into its GM 6.0L LC8 propane autogas engine as well as the recently released PI-GM 8.0L LPG V8, including a cutaway of the 8.0L intake manifold that incorporates CleanFUEL USA’s latest Liquid Propane Injection system and a PI ECM with full SAE J1939 communications. The engine produces 339 horsepower at 4,100 rpm and 495 pound-feet of torque at 3,100 rpm, and is validated for up to 33,000 pounds GVWR in on-highway use. Visit www.powertrainintegration.com.

Blue Star Gas Installs Propane Fueling Sites in 10 Cities
Eleven 24-hour propane vehicle refueling stations in the Puget Sound region have been opened by Blue Star Gas, a propane fuel supplier and a member of the Alliance AutoGas clean vehicle conversion and refueling network. The refueling stations will serve more than 400 customer vehicles in the Pacific Northwest, providing customers with 24/7 access to pumps via a card-reading system, which also enables users to track fuel savings and miles-per-gallon usage.

The propane autogas refueling sites will service the Pacific Northwest’s growing population of alternative fuel vehicles, according to Darren Engle, Blue Star Gas director of government relations. “As more companies convert to alternative fuels, Blue Star Gas is providing the resources they need to make the transition easy and simple,” Engle said.

Fleets in the area can contact a local Blue Star Gas fleet specialist for access to the stations and training on safe refueling, and for more information about propane autogas and available equipment options. Visit www.bluestargas.com.

ACEEE Releases 2014 Environmental Scores
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy has released its 17th annual environmental ratings for vehicles. “We’ve had such an influx of hybrid and electric vehicles in recent years that the race to earn a spot on the Greenest list is more competitive than ever, particularly for conventional vehicles,” said Shruti Vaidyanathan, ACEEE lead vehicle analyst. “It’s encouraging to see automakers investing heavily in eco-savvy vehicles.”

For this year, the Smart ForTwo Electric Drive topped the ACEEE Greenest list, followed closely by the Toyota Prius C and the Nissan Leaf. Toyota’s entire line of Priuses performed well in 2014 with the regular Prius and the Prius plug-in hybrid rated in spots four and seven on the list. Other top scorers included the Honda Civic Hybrid (five), Lexus CT 200h (six), Honda Insight (10) and the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid (12), as well as the Honda Civic Natural Gas vehicle (nine). New this year is the Mitsubishi Mirage, a subcompact that took eighth place. Rounding out the top 12 spots at number 11 was the nonhybrid gasoline model Smart ForTwo.

ACEEE also identified a Greener Choices list of models, including trucks and SUVs such as the Buick Encore, Nissan Rogue and Ram 1500 HFE. On the Greenercars.org website, each vehicle is assigned a Green Score that incorporates life-cycle greenhouse gas and criteria pollutant emissions. This year, updates to the methodology to more accurately estimate environmental impact include in-use emissions of methane and nitrous oxides, evaporative emissions estimates, and gasoline, diesel and natural gas upstream emissions.

Summary Green Scores of the more than 1,000 configurations of all model year 2014 vehicles are available to subscribers of the interactive database along with each configuration’s fuel economy, health-related pollution impacts and greenhouse gas emissions. Subscribers can also build custom lists for comparing vehicles. Visit www.aceee.org.

GREEN SHOPS

Green Fleet Issues are Driving Software Adoption
Environmental issues are becoming an ever more important motivator for adopting fleet management software, said Ron Katz, senior vice president of North American sales at Chevin Fleet Solutions. “The use of environmental reporting tools available in fleet management software is growing, especially among federal, municipal and large corporate fleets,” he added. “More and more organizations are adopting alternative fuel targets and innovative transportation initiatives as part of wider environmental policies and vehicle operations strategies in an effort to meet sustainability goals.

“We are seeing increasing numbers of clients making moves to switch from six- to four-cylinder selectors, or taking steps to ensure that bi-fuel vehicles are burning the correct fuel for the lowest possible emissions output,” Katz continued. “Some early-adopter fleets are even starting to operate electric vehicles in an effort to make their environmental impact as low as possible.”

Katz went on to explain that one of the difficulties for fleets with sustainability goals is tracking actual fuel usage in a credible way and producing compliance metrics that stand up to environmental auditing. “Producing figures that validate a fleet’s environmental performance is a complex task,” he noted. “That’s one reason why we’re seeing more interest in the alternative fuel management capabilities and environmental reporting analytics available using software that makes detailed, accurate and timely fuel usage information readily available.” Visit www.chevinfleet.com.

Demand to Soar for Eco-Friendly Vehicle Lifts
As fleet maintenance and service shops address new and more stringent environmental requirements, 2014 is shaping up to be the year of the green lift, according to Stertil-Koni USA Inc. President Dr. Jean DellAmore. “As fleets strive to contain costs, enhance efficiency and address environmental mandates, an increasing number are going green in an approach that can benefit both the environment and the bottom line,” he said. “What’s more, the opportunity to go green and reduce costs extends beyond the realm of vehicles to the equipment used to service them.”

Stertil-Koni’s market analysis shows that customers of all types and sizes will increasingly require eco-friendly vehicle lifts in 2014, including a broad array of lifting systems, DellAmore noted. In response, he added that Stertil-Koni has introduced DIAMOND LIFT, which has a total lifting capacity of up to 96,000 pounds and utilizes biodegradable oil and a design that prohibits hazardous shop fluids from entering the environment.

For in-ground lifts, Stertil-Koni has developed its ECOLIFT. With a lifting capacity of up to 90,000 pounds, the in-ground axle-engaging lift only requires 3.5 gallons of fluid per scissor, and, with nothing embedded below ground, can be used at locations with a high water table.

Additionally, Stertil-Koni recently introduced a new generation of its green hydraulic mobile column lift. EARTHLIFT, now with a lifting capacity of 18,500 pounds per column, features columns made of components that are 98 percent recyclable and the company’s Active Energy Retrieval System, which achieves 35 percent more lifting cycles at maximum lifting load.

“Our research clearly indicates that going green is the best way to serve our rapidly growing customer base and simultaneously provide sound environmental stewardship to meet the demands ahead,” DellAmore concluded. Visit www.stertil-koni.com.

Green News

Written by Seth Skydel on March 3, 2014. Posted in Smart Fleets.

EPA 2014 Renewable Fuel Standards Proposal Reaffirms Commitment to Biofuels
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed the levels of renewable fuels to be blended into gasoline and diesel. The proposal for annual volume requirements, developed with input from the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Agriculture, is required under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 for all motor vehicle gasoline and diesel produced or imported in 2014.

The EPA proposal seeks to put the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program on a path forward. The renewable fuels program was developed by Congress in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand the nation’s renewable fuels sector while reducing reliance on foreign oil. The standards determine how much renewable fuel a refiner or importer is responsible for, and are designed to achieve national volumes for each type of renewable fuel.

“Biofuels are a key part of the Obama administration’s ‘all of the above’ energy strategy, helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut carbon pollution and create jobs,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “We have made great progress in recent years, and EPA continues to support the RFS goal of increasing biofuel production and use. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop a final rule that maintains the strength and promise of the RFS program.”

The proposal discusses a variety of approaches for setting the 2014 standards, and includes a number of production and consumption ranges for key categories of biofuels covered by the RFS program. Specifically, EPA is proposing volumes for cellulosic biofuel, biomass-based diesel, advanced biofuel and renewable fuels.

EPA is also addressing the E10 blend wall issue. Nearly all gasoline sold in the U.S. is now E10, which is fuel with up to 10 percent ethanol. Production of renewable fuels has been growing rapidly in recent years. At the same time, advances in vehicle fuel economy and other economic factors have pushed gasoline consumption far lower than what was expected when Congress passed the RFS. As a result, the country is now at the E10 blend wall, the point at which the E10 fuel pool is saturated with ethanol. If gasoline demand continues to decline, as currently forecast, continuing growth in the use of ethanol will require greater use of higher ethanol blends such as E15 and E85.

The Obama administration has taken a number of steps to allow or encourage the use of these higher ethanol blends. In 2010, EPA approved E15 for use in vehicles newer than model year 2001, and developed labeling rules to enable retailers to market E15. In addition, since 2011, the USDA has made funding available through the Rural Energy for America Program to support deployment of flex-fuel pumps that can dispense a range of ethanol blends.

The new 2014 proposal seeks to address additional actions that could be taken by government and industry to help overcome current market challenges, and to minimize the need for adjustments in the statutory renewable fuel volume requirements in the future. Visit www.epa.gov/otaq/fuels/renewablefuels/regulations.htm.

HTUF Update
The 13th High-Efficiency Truck Users Forum (HTUF) National Meeting, held recently in Chicago, proved to be an important venue for bringing together stakeholders from all corners of the industry to advance the commercialization and adoption of high-efficiency truck and bus technologies. Billed as “The Forum for Action in High-Efficiency Commercial Vehicles,” HTUF focused on work across all high-efficiency technologies for commercial vehicles, and identified key actions required to move forward in the year ahead.

The HTUF Commercial Truck Action Group provided feedback on several working groups and initiatives, including strong support from across the industry for a nationwide voucher incentive expansion program. CALSTART is now in the process of developing a formal proposal for industry engagement and commitment to help implement these programs.

New companies and technologies continue to face significant structural obstacles related to emissions certification and onboard diagnostics compliance. As a result, CALSTART is continuing to explore opportunities for creating a certification process with more flexible policies that would allow new technologies to be deployed during the early (low-volume) stages of commercialization.

Sessions at HTUF focused on other issues as well. Included was a fleet deployment best practices working group session on helping fleets achieve economic and operational benefits as they deploy high-efficiency technologies. One question the session tried to help answer, for example, was, “How should our industry define, measure and prioritize high-efficiency technology deployment?”

Also at HTUF were the following sessions:
• Reduced Battery Life Cycle Costs Initiative
• Engineered Fuels – What are some of the more cost-effective improvements over traditional diesel and gasoline? When and where will they become more widely available to fleets?
• Advanced High Power Charging Systems for Your Electric Truck or Bus – New fast-charge systems are being readied for market that have potential to significantly expand the use of EV and PHEV technologies.
• Natural Gas as an Enabling Fuel for Near Zero Emissions – Several innovative applications for NG were highlighted as methods to extend the near-term range and performance capability of HD EVs.
• Zero Emission Truck and Bus Breakthrough – Several recent and important developments and programs were shared regarding ZE truck and bus development and deployment.

During the HTUF meeting, a Ride & Drive event included a technology parade. Featured were vehicles that focus on progress in refining overall driveability (noise vibration and harshness), continued innovation around regenerative braking (maximizing efficiency while also accommodating driver/fleet feedback) and increased utilization of real-time driver feedback displays.

HTUF also hosted the Hino/FleetCarma MPG Challenge, which demonstrated the significance of driver behavior on fuel economy on a fixed route of approximately 1.2 miles with eight to nine stops. The tests were conducted without exceeding locally posted speed limits or violating safe driving practices. The test vehicle for the challenge was a 2014 Hino 195h hybrid electric truck provided by Hino Trucks. Since a diesel-equivalent truck was not available, baseline fuel economy results were established by driving the Hino hybrid under aggressive driving conditions.

Results of the challenge included that out of 21 drivers, three drivers demonstrated a 45 percent improvement in fuel economy (mpg) compared to the aggressive driving baseline. Filtering the data to exclude the three most efficient drivers, the results indicated that typical drivers delivered from a 15 percent to 35 percent mpg improvement, depending on driving behavior.

The results, according to HTUF organizers, clearly demonstrate the importance of driver behavior on hybrid mpg results, and reinforce the importance of driver feedback displays and driver training, a fleet deployment best practice that is receiving increased attention industry-wide.

“The High-Efficiency Truck Users Forum is a process for driving and accelerating the commercialization of high-efficiency technologies into the commercial vehicle market,” said Kevin Beaty, vice president and HTUF director, CALSTART. “We do this by using a proven, ﬂeet-driven commercialization model and fostering a unique collaboration between OEMs, suppliers, fleets, policymakers and other stakeholders. We promote technology deployment and validation through action-oriented industry working groups aimed at achieving the goal of driving down the cost of developing new technologies.”

The 2014 HTUF Annual Meeting will be held September 22-23, 2014, at the Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Ill. Visit www.calstart.org.

GREEN VEHICLES

Club Car Launches New Line of Carryall Vehicles
To help commercial customers switch from pickup trucks to gas, diesel or zero-emissions electric utility vehicles, Club Car is launching a new line of Carryall utility and transport vehicles (UTVs). To bridge the gap between trucks and UTVs, the manufacturer partnered with Subaru to design a new 14-horsepower, 404-cc, single-cylinder overhead cam engine that features electronic fuel injection, capacitive discharge ignition, hemispherical heads and a case-hardened steel timing chain. A splash lubrication system, which eliminates the need for oil filters to simplify maintenance and reduce environmental waste, is included as well.

Most new electric Carryall utility vehicles will feature a combination of an onboard, high-frequency charger with an integrated cord retractor as standard equipment. The charger can be programmed for multiple algorithms, including lead acid or gel/AGM batteries, and can be plugged into any 110- or 240-volt outlet.

The new Carryall vehicles retain the rustproof aluminum frame, rack-and-pinion steering and independent front suspension system on previous models. An aluminum bed box accommodates a configurable and removable track-based attachment system for tools and other equipment. Movable bed dividers and cargo tie-downs to stabilize loads and prevent shifting are available, and the system accommodates optional ladder racks, bucket holders and other accessories. Visit www.clubcar.com.

Transforming Service Vans to Hybrid Vehicles
Newly purchased 2014 Chevrolet Express service vans in the Coca-Cola fleet are now fitted with hybrid electric powertrain technology from XL Hybrids. Coca-Cola, which currently operates the largest hybrid electric delivery fleet in North America, is adding 100 of the vans to its light-duty fleet.

The XL Hybrids patent-pending hybrid electric powertrain can be installed on existing or new vehicles. Early test results of the technology at Coca-Cola showed a 15 to 20 percent reduction in fuel use compared to conventional vans. The company estimates that as a result of fuel savings, the powertrain unit will pay for itself three times over its projected 10-year life span. Visit www.xlhybrids.com.

GM to Offer Full-Size Bi-Fuel Sedan
A Chevrolet Impala sedan that operates on either gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) will be available to fleet customers from General Motors. The GM-produced full-size bi-fuel sedan is expected to go on sale next summer as a 2015 model.

The Chevrolet Impala bi-fuel sedan, according to the manufacturer, is designed to address the range anxiety associated with vehicles that run only on natural gas. The model features a factory-engineered powertrain that switches seamlessly from CNG to gasoline. Total range is expected to be up to 500 miles.

Other GM green initiatives, in addition to the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Spark EV and the upcoming Cadillac ELR, include the introduction of start-stop technology as standard on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, helping the midsize sedan achieve a 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway rating. GM is also using electrification to boost fuel economy in the Buick Regal and LaCrosse sedans, which both get an EPA-estimated 36 mpg in highway use. Visit www.gmfleet.com.

First CNG-Capable 2014 Ford F-150 Rolls Off the Line
Ford has begun production of the 2014 F-150 half-ton pickup with the ability to run on natural gas. The vehicle, powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 engine, is available with a factory-installed, gaseous-fuel prep package that includes hardened valves, valve seats, and pistons and rings, so it can operate on either natural gas or gasoline through separate fuel systems. When equipped with a bi-fuel CNG/LPG engine package, the F-150 is capable of achieving more than 750 miles on combined tanks of gasoline and CNG, depending on tank sizes.

For the CNG/LPG models, fleets choose a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier to supply fuel tanks, fuel lines and unique fuel injectors. The OEM has established a rigorous qualification program for alternative-fuel vehicle modifiers.

By next summer, Ford will offer eight commercial vehicles with a gaseous-prep option, including:
• Transit Connect van and wagon
• Transit van, wagon, cutaway and chassis cab
• E-Series van, wagon, cutaway and stripped chassis
• F-Series Super Duty pickup and F-350 chassis cab
• F-Series Super Duty chassis cab (F-450, F-550)
• F-650 medium-duty truck
• F-53 and F-59 stripped chassis
• 2014 F-150 light-duty pickup

Ford notes that customers also can accelerate the payback period in a bi-fuel vehicle by taking advantage of a growing number of state incentives. Nearly 20 states offer or will soon provide tax incentives or rebates for CNG-converted vehicles. Visit www.fleet.ford.com.

UPCOMING GREEN EVENTS

The Green Truck Summit & The Work Truck Show 2014
March 4-7
Indianapolis
www.ntea.com

The Green Truck Summit, to be held March 4-5, 2014, in conjunction with The Work Truck Show 2014, offers an opportunity to gather information about innovative clean vehicle technologies, alternative fuel trends and upcoming products. Produced by the NTEA and presented by International Truck, the 2014 Green Truck Summit will focus on the rising use of natural gas to power vocational trucks.

Technical experts, government officials, business leaders, and early adopter fleet managers will present educational sessions at the Green Truck Summit, including five general and 24 breakout sessions on a variety of topics, including:
• Advanced technology trends
• Ways to reduce fuel consumption
• Technology selection and deployment strategies
• Funding opportunities and incentives
• Critical advances in engine and fuel technology
• Implementation challenges
• Determining return on investment
• OEM strategies for incorporating advanced technologies into future product offerings

AltCar Expo
March 14-15
Richmond, Calif.
www.altcarexponorcal.com

A forum for green vehicle ride and drive demonstrations of the latest advancements in alternative technology vehicles, urban planning, energy efficiency and climate education, the new Northern California AltCar Expo will include an Industry/Fleet Day. The expo will include electric, hybrid electric, natural gas and hydrogen vehicles, and feature a number of debuts.

The Northern California AltCar Expo event will also be the site of presentations by experts in clean driving technology, and will provide an opportunity to learn more about a newly announced plan backed by governors of eight states to put 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles on the road within a dozen years. The plan calls for the creation of financial incentive programs, development of a common standard for roadway signs and charging networks, and the possibility of establishing favorable electricity rates for home charging.

Northeast Regional HTUF Fleet Workshop and Ride and Drive
April 16
New York
www.calstart.org

In partnership with the City of New York, the Northeast Regional HTUF Fleet Workshop and Ride and Drive will provide a full day of activities focused on advancing alternative fuel vehicles in the Northeast through best business practices. Fleets throughout the region are invited to participate in an engaging discussion focused on region-specific business needs, appropriate technology solutions by fleet vocation and incentives available in New York to help drive the alternative fuel vehicle market. Following the morning panel discussions, fleets and regional stakeholders will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an alternative fuel vehicle and experience the efficiencies and benefits of cleaner, more sustainable vehicle solutions.

Alternative Clean Transportation Expo 2014
May 5-8
Long Beach, Calif.
www.actexpo.com

The ACT Expo brings together more than 3,000 fleet, technology company, OEM, fuel provider, infrastructure developer and policymaker attendees. All weight classes and alternative fuel types are represented at the event, including electric, hybrid, hydrogen, natural gas, propane autogas and renewable fuels. Participants can explore the event’s expo hall and test-drive dozens of advanced technology vehicles, see alternative fuel vehicle projects at off-site tours, attend fleet-focused educational sessions, and network with vehicle, fueling and technology suppliers.

Electric Drive Transportation Association Conference & Annual Meeting
May 19-21
Indianapolis
www.edta2014.com

The EDTA promotes battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fuel cell electric drive technologies and infrastructure. The EDTA also conducts public policy advocacy, education, industry networking and conferences. Its membership includes vehicle and equipment manufacturers, energy companies, technology developers, component suppliers, government agencies and others.

Green News

Written by Seth Skydel on December 3, 2013. Posted in Smart Fleets.

CALSTART and its industry partners have helped pass legislation in California aimed at enhancing short- and long-term funding for clean trucks, buses and cars. These measures that are expected to have a nationwide impact include:
• Assembly Bill (AB) 8 that will extend and expand funding for advanced vehicle and fuel demonstrations and deployments through 2023, for a total of more than $2 billion. The funds will continue and enhance funding of the current AB 118 program demonstration and incentive projects, including the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP).
• Senate bills 95 and 359, which fill a funding gap in the HVIP voucher program for hybrid and electric trucks and buses, and rebates for clean passenger cars for 2014.
Visit www.calstart.org.

Dalum Named to EDTA Board
Joe Dalum, president and CEO of Odyne Systems, a manufacturer of hybrid systems for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, has been appointed to the board of the Electric Drive Transportation Association. EDTA works with policymakers and the public to advance electric drive transportation.

“I look forward to serving on the board of directors of the Electric Drive Transportation Association during this time of accelerated industry growth and rapid advancements in technology,” Dalum said. “Greater electrification of vehicle systems can help the country meet energy security and environmental goals, while providing operational savings and benefits.”

Dalum also currently serves as president of the Green Truck Association, an affiliate of NTEA. Prior to founding Odyne Systems in 2009, he worked for DUECO, a final-stage manufacturer of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, as engineering manager, vice president and executive vice president. Visit www.electricdrive.org and www.odyne.com.

Electric PTO: The Technology and How It Performs
Presentations on electric PTO technologies from the 2013 Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference

Mark Greer, Green Fleet market manager at Altec Industries, said that development of the company’s Jobsite Energy Management System (JEMS) was based on looking at all the reasons why the truck engine runs at job sites, including the need to power the boom and provide power for tools, cab comfort and lighting. “The idea was to electrify these loads when at the job site with a system that is sized for the aerial device, accounts for work practices and considers payload requirements,” he related. Greer went on to list the benefits of ePTO technology like JEMS. Included were reduced fuel consumption, lower tailpipe emissions, less idle time at the job site, reduced operating noise, and crew safety and health.

Matt Jarmuz, director of sales at Odyne Systems, noted that trucks more than 14,000 pounds GVW can save 50 percent or more in fuel (more than 1,000 gallons annually), depending on the duty cycle, with a plug-in hybrid propulsion system. The technology, he reported, saves fuel during drive cycles and during stationary operations at work sites.

Odyne’s hybrid architecture, which incorporates Allison automatic transmissions, Johnson Controls lithium-ion batteries and Remy electric motors, is a parallel hybrid solution that can be retrofitted to existing vehicles and installed without the need to modify the OEM drivetrain.

Odyne systems are installed by the company and shipped to final stage manufacturers such as Altec, DUECO, Terex and Utilimaster. Initial market applications for the solution include aerial devices, cranes, digger derricks, and vehicles used for construction and maintenance of underground utilities.

It’s important to understand your application, Jarmuz related. Data acquisition systems can track miles driven per day, kinetic intensity of driving cycle, idle and PTO time, and available time to recharge. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory provided data for a Hybrid Truck Payback Calculator that took into account fuel use and power requirements. Findings included that on average, vehicles are spending more than 90 percent of their time at zero speed, five hours per day in PTO mode and over an average daily distance of 12 miles, a majority were at speeds between 25 and 35 mph.

Plug-in hybrids, Jarmuz concluded, can decrease fuel consumption during driving and at job sites, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. They also are quieter, produce engine maintenance cost savings, provide more power for acceleration and truck-mounted equipment, require a minimal change in operator behavior and their less intrusive design can preserve the OEM chassis warranty.

Nick Cammisa, sales manager, HyPower Products at Terex, provided an overview of the company’s HyPower plug-in hybrid system. Used for boom and tool functions, he noted, the vehicle will operate with the engine off most of the day and the truck will auto-restart if the batteries require a charge. HyPower, which can be retrofitted to existing vehicles depending on body layout, also can provide cabin comfort and exportable power.

Lessons learned for users of earlier-generation HyPower systems are being addressed, Cammisa added. Included are continued exploration of alternative battery technologies and software improvements.

Nina Kisch, manager of transportation services at Pacific Gas and Electric, offered a fleet’s perspective with a presentation titled “PG&E’s ePTO Experience: The Ups and Downs of Electric Worksite Idle Management Systems.” With more than 3,300 on-road alternative-fueled and high-efficiency vehicles, including 349 ePTO units, PG&E is ranked among the top utility fleet users of alternative fuel vehicles.

PG&E’s ePTO vehicle strategy includes trouble trucks with 35-foot aerials. These vehicles have standard specifications and are being ordered with ePTO technology. The fleet also has ordered 55 material handlers with 55-foot booms with ePTO systems that it is considering making a standard specification.

PG&E is measuring hard benefits of plug-in hybrids like fuel costs. Using idle time, fuel use, three-year average fuel price projections, workdays per year, idling fuel cost per year and the price of the system to determine a payback period from fuel savings, Kisch reported, based on the amount of idle time, the payback period can be as short as a little more than two years. Another hard benefit being measured is engine wear, with an estimated reduction in idle time of five hours per day equating to an annual drop in engine wear of 69 percent.

Kisch also outlined soft benefits that can be realized from ePTO use. Those include cleaner air at job sites from reduced emissions, quieter operation, which facilitates safety by improving crew communication and makes utility vehicles less intrusive in neighborhoods, and the ability to extend workdays in cities with noise ordinances.

Challenges are being addressed at PG&E as well, including fostering greater operator acceptance through communication and training, infrastructure needs for charging the battery when trouble trucks go home with employees – addressed by a union agreement to reimburse employees for charging costs – and engineering issues to provide more charge to the battery when driving.

PG&E’s next steps are to integrate its new material handlers into the fleet and obtain performance results, install additional charge points, test an under-hood generator to provide more charge to the batteries when trucks can’t be plugged in regularly, look at transitioning to lithium-ion chemistry and lighter-weight batteries, and continually evaluate next-generation improvements with suppliers. Visit www.eufmc.com.

HYBRIDS

Odyne Systems Showcases Hybrid Power Truck System
Selected for nationwide deployment by the U.S. Department of Energy is a hybrid propulsion system from Odyne Systems. The company was chosen to participate in a $45.4 million award to develop and deploy more than 120 plug-in hybrid systems for trucks throughout North America.

The Odyne plug-in hybrid system on display at ICUEE – held in October at Louisville’s Kentucky Exposition Center – on an International chassis is designed to interface with truck-mounted equipment. According to the company, the system reduces fuel consumption by up to 50 percent, depending on application, and increases power. The Odyne solution uses a Remy electric motor in parallel with the existing drivetrain, and Johnson Controls lithium-ion battery packs, to provide launch assist and regenerative braking and to provide power at the job site.

“We are excited to be introducing several recent developments that are continually advancing hybrid and truck electrification technology,” said Joe Dalum, president of Odyne Systems. “The market is embracing our ePTO functionality and enhanced transmission interface, developed in coordination with Allison Transmission, our investment partner. We look forward to further optimization of the hybrid drivetrain and continued gains in efficiency through additional engineering collaboration with Allison.” Visit www.odyne.com and www.allisontransmission.com.

PG&E Joins with EVI to Unveil Hybrid Electric Bucket Trucks
Class 5 extended-range hybrid electric trucks, capable of providing power to homes and businesses during outages, have been introduced by Electric Vehicles International and Pacific Gas and Electric. The Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) utility trucks, developed by EVI in partnership with PG&E and the California Energy Commission, were designed, built and tested at EVI’s manufacturing plant in Stockton, Calif.

REEV features an all-electric range of 45 miles and fuel savings of up to 30 percent when the units are operating in hybrid mode, the manufacturer noted. PG&E accepted delivery of the first two REEV units this summer, and purchased two additional units after a successful initial demonstration of the vehicles.

PG&E plans to eventually replace all 942 of its conventional fuel Class 5 vehicles, including bucket trucks, flatbeds and other service trucks, with plug-in electric hybrid models, which would save the utility nearly $3.5 million in fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 9,000 metric tons annually. In addition to the fuel savings and environmental benefits that PG&E anticipates as it deploys these trucks in increasing numbers, the trucks also offer up to 75 kW of exportable power that could be used to provide power to the grid during planned or unplanned outages.

“These trucks not only will help us reduce our fuel costs as well as our carbon footprint, but in the event of an outage, we would be able to use their exportable power capacity to supply electricity to homes and businesses,” said Dave Meisel, senior director of transportation and aviation services for PG&E. “For us, as a utility, that is a game changer for the future.” Visit www.evi-usa.com and www.pge.com.

NATURAL GAS

Chevrolet and GMC Expand Bi-Fuel Truck and Van Offerings
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD and GMC Sierra 2500HD bi-fuel pickup trucks are now available in a crew cab configuration. The bi-fuel pickups run on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG) and seamlessly switch between the two fuels for a combined range of 650 miles. They are available in standard and long-box and two- or four-wheel-drive models.

In 2015, model year 2014 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado trucks and Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size passenger vans will be available in dedicated CNG versions. The Express and Savana passenger vans join a dedicated CNG lineup that includes cargo versions of the vehicles.

“With these new vehicles, General Motors offers the most comprehensive lineup of manufacturer-engineered, validated and warranted CNG vehicles, helping fleet managers manage their budget and reduce their carbon footprint,” said Ed Peper, U.S. vice president, GM Fleet and Commercial Sales. “Natural gas is less costly at the pump and significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions compared to other liquid fuels.”

Using both fuels, the GM and Chevy trucks have an approximate total driving range of 650 miles. The vans are built with a gaseous fuel-ready 6.0-liter V-8 and equipped with dedicated CNG fuel systems, available in three- or four-tank models on cargo vans and exclusively with the three-tank design on the passenger van models. The new CNG passenger vans offer an approximately 200-mile driving range in three-tank versions. With the four-tank configuration, the range on the cargo vans extends to approximately 300 miles. Visit www.gmfleet.com.

American Trucking Associations Partners with NGVAmerica
The American Trucking Associations has become an event partner of NGVAmerica’s 2013 North American NGV Conference & Expo, which took place November 18-21 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Themed “Natural Gas: Transportation Fuel for a Better Bottom Line,” the event, which focused on the NGV market, included three days of sessions, a 75,000-square-foot exposition, a ride-and-drive event, preconference site tours, presentation of annual NGV Achievement Awards and related industry meetings.

As an event partner, ATA provided input to NGVAmerica concerning program content, promoting the event to its membership and participating in the program, including a keynote address by ATA president and CEO Bill Graves. “There has been a great deal of interest in how America’s trucking industry can best utilize natural gas,” Graves said. “By partnering with NGVAmerica, ATA hopes to foster continued dialogue on how this fuel can benefit fleets and the environment.” Visit www.ngvamerica.org.

Bus Fleets Get Propane Autogas Green Award
The Propane Education & Research Council has recognized five public transportation fleets for their use of domestic propane autogas. Fueling with propane autogas, according to PERC, results in an estimated 40 percent reduction in smog-producing hydrocarbon emissions in light-duty vehicles compared with gasoline, and an 80 percent reduction in heavy-duty vehicles compared with diesel.

The five fleets chosen to receive a Top User of Clean-Burning Propane Autogas award were:
• Flint MTA in Flint, Mich., which operates 72 Roush CleanTech propane autogas-fueled shuttle buses. Each bus displaces an estimated 200,000 pounds of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.
• Greater Cleveland RTA in Ohio operates 20 paratransit shuttle buses fueled by propane autogas and plans to add 40 more by 2015. The buses, which replace aging diesel vehicles, are reducing Cuyahoga County’s carbon footprint by 60 percent.
• Metro Cars in Detroit displaces more than 520,000 gallons of petroleum each year and operates more than 200 propane autogas-fueled vehicles, including 13 transit buses converted by ICOM.
• Port Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, displaces 2.5 tons of particulate matter, 11 tons of nitrogen oxide and almost 9 tons of carbon dioxide each year fueling with propane autogas. The airport operates 19 propane autogas shuttle buses with plans to convert its remaining six diesel buses.
• Unified Government of Wyandotte County near Kansas City, Kan., operates 15 propane autogas vehicles, including 13 transit buses. The county saves approximately $100,000 in annual fuel costs and displaces more than 50,000 gallons of gasoline annually.

“Propane autogas is a proven fuel that reduces emissions and delivers fuel savings,” said Tucker Perkins, PERC chief business development officer. “Our inaugural award winners are models in the public transportation sector of how propane autogas is improving the economic and environmental well-being of citizens and communities nationwide.” Visit www.autogasusa.org.

GE’s CNG In A Box Chosen for Canadian Natural Gas Fueling Stations
To help meet the needs of fleets, Chelsea Natural Gas Limited has purchased 20 GE Oil & Gas CNG In A Box fueling systems. As part of the Canadian energy company’s efforts to develop a natural gas fueling infrastructure, the company plans to use the CNG fueling stations in a semiprivate “card lock” format for shared fueling stations. The first fueling station is scheduled to open next spring.

“In Canada, where commercial fleets are smaller, it is hard for individual fleet operators to justify the expense of building their own natural gas refueling facilities,” said Steve Carmichael, CEO of Chelsea Natural Gas. “GE’s CNG In A Box solution allows us to offer a cost-effective way for fleets to take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits that come with using natural gas as a transportation fuel.”

GE’s CNG In A Box solution is a fully integrated, modular natural gas production system for fleet and retail fueling stations. For Chelsea Natural Gas, several of the CNG In A Box units will feature a cold-weather design. The solution also has payment-enabled fueling dispensers. Visit www.ge.com.

NGVi Launches Heavy-Duty and Light-Duty NGV Maintenance and Diagnostics Training Courses
The Natural Gas Vehicle Institute is offering NGV Maintenance and Diagnostics Training: Heavy-Duty Vehicles and NGV Maintenance and Diagnostics Training: Light-Duty Vehicles courses to help prepare technicians to perform maintenance, diagnostics and repair of natural gas vehicles (NGV). Both courses include operational theory with hands-on exercises and use of digital multimeters, scan tools and other diagnostic equipment, and prepare technicians for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) H1 and F1 exams.

NGV Maintenance and Diagnostics Training: Heavy-Duty Vehicles covers all natural gas heavy-duty manufacturers’ systems, including CNG and LNG, with major emphasis on Cummins ISL G-equipped vehicles. NGV Maintenance and Diagnostics Training: Light-Duty Vehicles covers multiple natural gas light- and medium-duty manufacturers’ systems, including Altech-Eco, BAF, Honda, IMPCO, Landi Renzo, Dodge Ram and Westport LD.

NGVi plans to offer at least 12 of these courses in 2014. In-house training is available for companies that need to train 15 or more technicians.

“Both courses were designed according to the stringent requirements for ASE Continuing Automotive Service Education accreditation,” noted Annalloyd Thomason, vice president and general manager at NGVi. “Each course went through a rigorous beta test with technicians representing companies the caliber of Agility Fuel Systems, Encana, FedEx Freight, Frito-Lay/PepsiCo, Landi Renzo and Waste Management.” Visit www.ngvi.com.

FUEL CELL

FTA Announces $7.7 Million Award to CALSTART to Improve Fuel Cell Bus Technologies
In early September, the Federal Transit Administration announced awards totaling nearly $8 million to CALSTART for four separate projects that are aimed at making zero-emission, low-carbon fuel cell buses more affordable and competitive with diesel buses.

CALSTART has partnered with the FTA since the formation of the National Fuel Cell Bus Program in 2006. Over the period of the program, fuel cell lifetimes in transit operations have more than doubled while costs have declined by 50 percent.

The FTA awards to CALSTART include:
• American Fuel Cell Bus: $2,732,147 to build a next-generation fuel cell bus with the latest fuel cell technology and demonstrate in transit service in the greater Cleveland area for two years. This project builds on the success of the American Fuel Cell Bus project, funded under the National Fuel Cell Bus Program. Project partners and suppliers are Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Cleveland; ElDorado National, Riverside, Calif.; BAE Systems, Endicott, N.Y.; and Ballard Power Systems, Lowell, Mass.
• Battery-Dominant Fuel Cell Hybrid Bus: $4,251,307 to develop and demonstrate a battery-dominant fuel cell bus based on a commercial hybrid platform, and smaller, less expensive fuel cells. The bus will operate in similar service to the American Fuel Cell Bus, allowing direct comparison. Project partners and suppliers are SunLine Transit Agency, Thousand Palms, Calif.; ElDorado National, Riverside, Calif.; and BAE Systems, Endicott, N.Y.
• Fuel Cell Bus Altoona Testing: $554,316 for testing of an existing fuel cell bus, essential for commercialization of fuel cell electric buses. This project will help develop consistent procedures and guidelines for testing all fuel cell buses. The project partner is National Bus Testing Facility, Altoona, Pa.
• Best Practices in Hydrogen Fueling and Maintenance Facilities: $189,999 to develop a best practices guide for transit agencies in hydrogen fueling and maintenance facilities.
Visit www.calstart.org.

US Hybrid to Build Next-Generation Fuel Cell for Transit Buses
US Hybrid has been awarded a contract to build the next generation of fuel cells for transit buses. The project administered by CALSTART will be funded by the Federal Transit Administration.

US Hybrid is taking over contracts that had been previously awarded to UTC Corp., which sold its fuel cell technology and business in late 2012. US Hybrid, with experience in system design, integration and operation of fuel cell shuttle buses, specialty vehicles, passenger cars and supporting fuel cells with component electronics, will complete the fuel cell power plant development, fabrication and validation at a South Windsor, Conn., facility. Visit www.ushybrid.com.

GREEN EVENTS

Green Truck Summit & The Work Truck Show 2014
March 4-7, 2014
Indianapolis
www.ntea.com

Green News

Written by Seth Skydel on September 23, 2013. Posted in Smart Fleets.

Bills Aim to Equalize LNG Fuel Tax
The LNG Excise Tax Equalization Act of 2013 introduced in the U.S. Senate seeks to equitably tax liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a transportation fuel. Similar legislation has also been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Both bills seek to modify the way LNG is taxed as a transportation fuel. Currently, the federal highway excise tax on both diesel and LNG is set at 24.3 cents per gallon. However, it takes about 1.7 gallons of LNG to equal the energy content of 1 gallon of diesel, resulting in a tax rate that is 70 percent higher than diesel on an energy equivalent basis.

The proposed legislation changes the way LNG is taxed from a volume (gallon) to an energy content (diesel gallon equivalent) basis. This effort by Congress mirrors bills in six states where legislatures have adjusted the state tax on LNG so it is based on an energy equivalent basis.

CALSTART to Test Advanced Battery Technology in Commercial Trucks
Tests to integrate military starter batteries in commercial trucks could yield more efficient, cost-effective power for both military and commercial applications. For that reason, the U.S. Army has awarded CALSTART a contract to test 12-volt lithium-ion batteries in commercial trucks. The evaluations of three different lithium-ion chemistries will assess if the batteries can deliver performance and reliability in commercial trucks.

“Lithium-ion battery technologies promise to hold out better in the field,” said CALSTART president and CEO John Boesel. “In its own testing, the military has found that lithium batteries last longer, resulting in fewer replacements and less need for inventory. If these field tests prove successful, the commercial trucking industry may make the switch to lithium starter batteries.”

The three battery companies participating in the test are Navitas Systems (www.navitassys.com), EaglePicher Technologies (www.eaglepicher.com) and Saft (www.saftbatteries.com). Visit www.calstart.org.

PG&E Displays Green Fleet
Pacific Gas and Electric Co., which operates more than 3,400 electric or alternative fuel vehicles, showcased its range of Green Fleet vehicles on San Francisco’s Justin Herman Plaza during the Plug-In Electric Vehicle Collaborative Conference. On display were:
• Altec bucket truck and material handler that utilizes a plug-in battery-powered system called the Electric Worksite Idle Management System to power auxiliary features at job sites, including lights, hydraulic lifts and tools.
• VIA Motors extended-range electric pickup truck developed in partnership with the manufacturer. The pickup features an electric-only range of 40 miles and exportable power, which can be used to provide power during outages or to power tools used by crews in the field.
• Smith all-electric service truck, an all-electric-powered medium-duty flatbed truck developed in partnership with the manufacturer and American Truck & Trailer Body Co.
• Chevrolet Volt, Ford C-MAX Energi and Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric cars.

Also on display was a mobile command vehicle designed to support up to 15 people for long-term deployments during emergency situations. The vehicle is outfitted with a generator, workstations, laptops, satellite phones, radios and a radio controller that permits integrated communication with other emergency agencies.

HYBRIDS

Odyne Systems Wins Contract for Deployment of Plug-In Hybrid Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks
A U.S. Department of Energy grant to develop and deploy plug-in hybrid systems for trucks has been awarded to Odyne Systems. The contract granted to Odyne by the Electric Power Research Institute directs funding from the Department of Energy’s Transportation Electrification Initiative, the South Coast Air Quality Management District of California, and other parties for the development and supply of advanced plug-in hybrid and smart grid/smart charging technology for trucks over 14,000 pounds GVW.

It is anticipated that more than 120 Odyne plug-in hybrid systems will be installed on vehicles for partners in the program, including investor-owned utilities and municipal electric companies. Odyne’s plug-in hybrid technology combines electric power conversion, power control and energy management systems with Allison Transmission commercial vehicle transmissions. The system features a Remy HVH250 series electric motor and Johnson Controls’ modular lithium-ion battery systems.

“This contract is very significant and will put the advantages of hybrid systems for large trucks to work in communities throughout the country,” said Joe Dalum, president of Odyne Systems.
Visit www.odyne.com, www.allisontransmission.com and www.epri.com.

PG&E, Allison Transmission and Peterbilt Motors Showcase Hybrid Material Handler
Pacific Gas and Electric Co., Allison Transmission and Peterbilt Motors premiered the first utility material-handler truck equipped with the new Allison hybrid H 3000 system for commercial trucks at the Electric Utility Fleet Managers Conference.

The H 3000 features parallel hybrid architecture that supplies blended power from a conventional diesel engine with an Allison automatic transmission, an electric motor with a regenerative braking kinetic energy recovery system and stored energy from batteries.

Fuel savings from the propulsion package are projected to be up to 25 percent depending on vocation and duty cycle. PG&E operates 412 material handlers, and with an anticipated fuel savings of 25 percent, the company would save 139,279 gallons per year with this technology. Visit www.allisontransmission.com and www.peterbilt.com.

Inventev Reaches National Cleantech Open Semifinals
Participating in the Cleantech Open national business competition, Inventev has been named a semifinalist from the Midwest region. The company is the developer of a plug-in hybrid electric truck propulsion system that provides power on job sites and for disaster response with mobile temporary power generation.

“We plan to integrate neighborhood generating capacity onto fleets of hybrid electric trucks, saving fuel while also having standby generating capability when needed,” said Inventev CEO Dave Stenson. “By using the same motor that will electrically drive the truck to generate utility-grade power when stationary, the Inventev system becomes very capital-efficient versus trailer-mounted generators.”

Inventev has been working with NextEnergy, a Detroit nonprofit with expertise in accelerating advanced energy-based technologies. The Cleantech Open competition will conclude regionally in October with finalists competing for national awards in November in San Jose, Calif. Visit www.inventev.com and www.cleantechopen.org.

Cowlitz PUD Gives High Marks to the Terex HyPower Hybrid System
Terex recently followed up with Cowlitz PUD to get feedback on the utility’s experience using its HyPower hybrid system, which was retrofitted onto one of the company’s existing work trucks.

“It’s quiet and we can talk to each other without yelling above the noise of the truck engine,” said Jim Cantrell, Cowlitz PUD substation wireman.

As long as the HyPower system’s rechargeable batteries are properly charged the night before, the crew can typically work a whole day on the job site without running the truck’s engine. “This is ideal for substation work where we are parked in one position all day,” Cantrell noted.

Cowlitz PUD substation wireman Todd Richardson said he’s impressed with the smooth operation of the bucket. According to Terex, the operation is not at all affected when choosing to run in regular or hybrid mode. The power is the same, the speed is the same, and when transitioning from engine on to hybrid mode while operating the boom, the transition is seamless.

“We chose the hybrid system HyPower retrofit because we had the standard manlift already, but wanted to take advantage of the benefits of a HyPower retrofit,” Cowlitz PUD said. “Benefits for us are a better work environment for employees, less need for managing the regenerative system on the truck and less carbon emissions into the atmosphere.” Visit www.terexhypower.com.

NATURAL GAS

Greenkraft Earns EPA-CARB Certification
A manufacturer and distributor of alternative fuel commercial vehicle products, Greenkraft has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certification for its Ford 6.8-liter V-10 three-valve engine. The completely tested CNG fuel delivery system, according to Frank Ziegler, director of sales at Greenkraft, adds the fewest number of components to the Ford 6.8-liter three-valve engine.

Greenkraft is also offering CNG Type 4, 32.5-GGE tanks or CNG Type 4, 65-GGE packages that can be side-frame or behind-the-cabin mounted. The company is also in the process of certifying several Ford engine families and offers CNG fuel delivery systems on GM 4.8-liter and 6-liter engines. Visit www.greenkraftinc.com.

DIRECTV to Increase Propane Autogas Fleet
Plans to expand its propane autogas-fueled fleet of 77 ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-250 vans over the next year have been announced by DIRECTV, a provider of digital television entertainment services. After comparing alternative fuel options, DIRECTV chose propane autogas due to its low cost and accessibility of fuel, return on investment and domestic fuel source.

“The addition of more propane autogas-fueled vehicles to the DIRECTV fleet strengthens our commitment to reducing the company’s overall gasoline usage,” said Brandon Morris, director of fleet services for DIRECTV. “We have learned a lot from analyzing our current propane fleet, and are seeing benefits from using propane as an alternative to gasoline. Since November 2011, we have reduced gasoline consumption by 75,000 gallons and saved nearly 50 percent on a cost-per-gallon basis compared to gasoline.”

ROUSH CleanTech designs, engineers, manufactures, and installs propane autogas fuel system technology for light- and medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles, and Type A and Type C Blue Bird school buses. Visit www.roushcleantech.com.

Virginia Clean Cities Reaches 1,000 Vehicle Conversions to Propane
The largest propane deployment project in the U.S. involving a government partnership, Virginia Clean Cities has now converted 1,000 vehicles through the Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program. The program is supported by funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program.

The vehicle conversions in this program take gasoline-powered vehicles and upfit them with the bi-fuel Prins VSI propane autogas system. Visit www.usepropaneautogas.com and www.vacleancities.org.

Alliance AutoGas Installs 600th Propane Refueling Station
As of June, Alliance AutoGas had installed its 600th propane autogas refueling station at a fleet facility. The company usually supplies its refueling technology at no upfront cost and then provides customers with autogas, vehicle conversions, and ongoing training and technical support. For fleets interested in new propane autogas-powered vehicles, Alliance provides vehicles from U.S. manufacturers, and is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Prins autogas systems. Visit www.allianceautogas.com.

Quantum Develops Lightweight Carbon Composite CNG Fuel Tanks
Utilizing selective fiber placement that leads to a reduction in weight, Quantum, under sponsorship by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy of the U.S. Department of Energy, has developed lightweight composite shells for natural gas storage tanks. Under a patent filing, the company has demonstrated more than a 20 percent reduction in material needed for its lightweight carbon composite compressed natural gas fuel tanks.

“This is a significant patent in that it provides a solution to reduce both weight and cost of fuel tanks, enabling more widespread commercialization of natural gas vehicles,” said Brian Olson, president and CEO of Quantum. “We are in the process of refining this technology for phased introduction into commercial products.” Visit www.qtww.com.

ELECTRIC

Energy Xtreme partners with City of Austin Public Works Department
Field data on Energy Xtreme’s Independence Package (IP) Utility Service Vehicle Series smart power management systems is revealing savings for the City of Austin. The public works department has utilized 31 IP4 models of the auxiliary power unit in its fleet for the past three years.

The Austin Public Works Department used the IP4 four hours per day to eliminate four hours of idling and realized an estimated savings of 4.8 gallons of gasoline per day, elimination of an estimated 140 idling miles per day and a reduction in costs for battery replacement.

The IP4, with a 4,000-Whr capacity, provides AC power for tools and has a built-in inverter allowing for shore power to operate a utility truck’s full electrical load – including beacon lights, camera, radio, computer and power tools – without engaging the engine. Visit www.energyxtreme.net.

Stockton to Deploy Battery-Electric Transit Buses
In a program managed by CALSTART, the California Energy Commission is providing funding for two electric buses operated by the San Joaquin Regional Transit District. Built by Proterra, the battery-electric transit buses, which have all the functionality of a conventional transit bus, will operate throughout an entire daily cycle, recharging using a fully automated rapid charging system for 10 minutes every two hours. When the bus approaches the charge station, the station recognizes the bus, guides the bus into position and charges the vehicle without driver interaction. Visit www.calstart.org.

Boulder Electric Vehicle and Coritech Services Showcase Fast-Charge Solution
A bidirectional DC fast-charging system using vehicle-to-grid technology has been demonstrated by Boulder Electric Vehicle and Coritech Services. The turnkey solution utilizes Boulder Electric Vehicle’s all-electric truck equipped with a lithium 72-kWh battery pack and a Coritech 60-kW DC fast-charger system. Boulder Electric Vehicle offers a range of electric vehicles. Coritech Services offers DC fast chargers capable of bidirectional charging and discharging. Visit www.boulderev.com.

GREEN EVENTS

HTUF 2013 National Meeting
October 7-9
Chicago
www.calstart.org

2013 North American Natural Gas Vehicle Conference & Expo
November 18-21
Atlanta
www.cleanvehicle.org
 
The Work Truck Show 2014
March 5-7
Green Truck Summit begins March 4
Indianapolis
www.ntea.com

Green News

Written by Seth Skydel on July 26, 2013. Posted in Smart Fleets.

Purchasing fuel-efficient technology may be one of the best options utility fleets have to reduce costs. Now, significant and easily accessible funding is becoming more readily available.

In California, one program that is proving highly beneficial is the Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). Similar programs may also be coming soon to other parts of the country, including New York state and the city of Chicago, among others.

Now in its third year, HVIP is administered and implemented through a partnership between the California Air Resources Board and CALSTART, the clean transportation technology and fuels consortium. To date, more than $28 million has been delivered through the program, and 1,200+ hybrid and electric vehicles have been delivered. Additional funding is available to both public and private utility and telecom companies.

HVIP is designed to offset about half of the additional cost of eligible vehicles, including hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. Vouchers range from $8,000 to $55,000 per vehicle depending on the vehicle size and model and the total number of vehicles purchased. Approved voucher amounts are deducted at the time of purchase.

Vehicles that are outfitted with hybrid aerial boom lifts, such as the Altec JEMS, are eligible for funding even if the lifts are installed on a vehicle without a hybrid driveline. Other manufacturers with eligible hybrid vehicles include Freightliner, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp., Peterbilt, Kenworth, Hino, Altec, Autocar and Thomas Built. Current electric vehicle offerings include Smith Electric, Electric Vehicles International and Boulder Electric.

HVIP is also a fit for school districts and bus companies, and there are several different makes and models of buses currently eligible for the program. In the Kings Canyon Unified School District, which serves students in a 600-square-mile area in California, alternative fuel vehicles were purchased using funds from a variety of sources.

Included were five hybrid-electric school buses built by International Coach using HVIP as a main source of funding combined with funds from the California Air Resources Board (ARB)/San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Lower-Emission School Bus Program, the Federal Highway Administration Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program or Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District/U.S. EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, and Fresno County Transportation Authority Measure C funds. The school district also received funding for an ARB AB 118 Air Quality Improvement Program Hybrid/Electric School Bus Demonstration Project to allow neighboring school districts to test the advanced technology buses.

“We continue to seek grant award opportunities that improve our clean air goals and lessen our use of conventional petroleum fuels to reduce our cost of operations,” said John D. Clements, director of transportation at Kings Canyon.

Many of the hybrid models on the road today are outfitted with Eaton hybrid systems. In Kings County, shop technicians received advance hybrid propulsion training from the manufacturer supported by a grant from the California Energy Commission. Visit www.californiahvip.org and www.calstart.org.

HYBRIDS

Magic Valley Electric Cooperative Adds Terex HyPower Hybrid
Terex Utilities has delivered a new TL41P Hi-Ranger telescopic material-handling aerial device equipped with its HyPower Hybrid System to Texas-based Magic Valley Electric Cooperative. The unit is in use at work sites in the Rio Grande Valley.

According to Rick Mendez, fleet manager at MVEC, by utilizing plug-in electric hybrid technology to operate the truck’s boom functions and accessories, the Terex TL41P HyPower truck offers Magic Valley the opportunity to lower the carbon footprint of its utility fleet while also cutting fuel costs.

“The Terex HyPower system is designed for the electric utility industry,” Mendez said. “It gets exceptional fuel economy without sacrificing productivity. And, it’s durable in all weather conditions so we’re able to use it year-round, increasing the savings we can pass on to our members while improving environmental conditions, including diesel exhaust emissions and noise pollution.”

MVEC, headquartered in Mercedes, Texas, also has facilities in Edinburg, Pharr and Brownsville. Founded in 1937 to bring electricity to the rural areas of the Rio Grande Valley, today Magic Valley has 4,800 miles of energized lines to serve more than 100,000 residential and commercial members.

The Terex TL41P HyPower truck uses stored energy from the HyPower hybrid system’s rechargeable batteries to power the nonpropulsion functions of the vehicle. MVEC’s HyPower model can work for hours without crews needing to start the vehicle engine.

“The Terex TL41P HyPower truck has been a good fit for us,” said John Herrera, MVEC general manager. “We are pleased with the productivity on projects, and our crews especially like the quietness of the truck’s operation because they are able to more easily communicate with one another on the job site.”

Since putting the Terex TL41P HyPower unit into service earlier this spring, MVEC crews have used it to change out a transformer, as well as on routine troubleshooting tasks and while servicing customer power outages.

According to Herrera, MVEC is evaluating opportunities to add more Terex HyPower trucks to its fleet. He also said that because the hybrid system can be retrofitted, the cooperative is considering adding the system to existing trucks in its fleet. Visit www.terexhypower.com.

Altec Expands Green Technologies
The Altec AT40G JEMS Aerial Device featuring an aluminum body is among the latest products to join the manufacturer’s Green Fleet product line of sustainable solutions. Aluminum bodies, according to the company, are up to 40 percent lighter than steel and weigh about 15 percent less than fiberglass, resulting in fuel savings. The bodies also allow utility fleet customers the option of a decreased gross vehicle weight rating chassis.

Integral to the Altec Green Fleet product line is the Jobsite Energy Management System (JEMS) integrated plug-in hybrid-electric system that uses stored electrical energy to power aerial devices and tools, and provide cab comfort. The energy storage system, which is recharged by plugging into shore power or by the truck’s internal combustion engine, eliminates idle time, reduces fuel consumption and lessens noise. Altec JEMS was recently approved by the U.S. EPA and complies with anti-idle legislation. Visit www.altec.com.

Odyne Systems Receives Award
The California Energy Commission, the state’s energy policy and planning agency, has awarded Odyne Systems and CALSTART an award for Advanced Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Technologies Pre-Commercial Demonstrations.

Under the award, CALSTART will function as the program manager, and Odyne Systems will demonstrate the installation of diesel plug-in hybrid electric truck systems and deploy four plug-in hybrid vehicles. CEC is contributing up to $462,600 toward the projects, along with additional funding from other partners.

The Odyne hybrid power system interfaces with Allison Transmission’s fully automatic transmissions, Remy advanced electric propulsion motors, Johnson Controls lithium-ion battery technology and other components. The hybrid drive system, according to the company, reduces fleet operating and maintenance costs and, depending on duty cycle, enables trucks to obtain fuel economy improvements of up to 50 percent compared to diesel or gasoline engines. Visit www.odyne.com, www.allisontransmission.com and www.calstart.org.

Ford Expects to Double Hybrid Vehicle Production
Since their introduction last fall, Ford has seen rising demand for its C-MAX Hybrid and Fusion Hybrid vehicles among fleet customers, and now expects to double hybrid production. The sales growth, according to the OEM, is the result of savings in costs of as much as 45 percent compared to gasoline engines and typically higher resale values.

Ford now offers a number of hybrid-electric vehicles:
• C-MAX Hybrid: EPA-estimated rating of 47 mpg city, highway and combined.
• C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid: EPA-estimated city rating of 108 mpg equivalent and 21 miles of all-electric range, and an EPA-estimated gas-plus-electric range of 620 miles.
• Fusion Hybrid: EPA-estimated rating of 47 mpg city, highway and combined.
• Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid: EPA-estimated gas-plus-electric range of 620 miles, electric-only range of up to 21 miles, and EPA-estimated rating of 108 mpg equivalent city, 92 mpg equivalent highway and 100 mpg equivalent combined.

“Fleet customers are looking for fuel-efficient, durable vehicles that can withstand the daily use and duty cycles of their businesses,” said Jon Coleman, Ford commercial fleet sustainability and technology manager. “Ford’s Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX Hybrid give them the tools they need to get the job done.” Visit www.ford.com.

XL Hybrids Partners with Knapheide Manufacturing
A distribution and installation agreement between XL Hybrids, developer of a hybrid-electric powertrain for Class 1 to 3 commercial vehicles, and The Knapheide Manufacturing Co., a commercial vehicle equipment provider, will provide one-stop purchase, upfit, delivery and invoicing for fleets. Through the new partnership, Knapheide will install XL Hybrids’ technology in its existing ship-through network. Deliveries will begin in August with new 2014 model year Chevy Express and GMC Savana vans, and will cover pool vehicles and retrofits for 2010 to 2013 GM cargo vans. Visit www.xlhybrids.com and www.knapheide.com.

NATURAL GAS

Williamson County Fleet Saves on Fuel Costs with Propane Autogas
On an annual basis, by running fleet vehicles on propane autogas, Williamson County, Texas, expects to save $73,000 on fuel costs. The central Texas county began converting vehicles to propane in 2009, and now operates 36 autogas-powered units. In addition to saving fuel costs, the county was also able to take advantage of a 50-cent per gallon Alternative Fuel Motor Tax Credit, a federal incentive available through the IRS for fleets that choose propane autogas.

The 36 autogas-powered vehicles in the Williamson County fleet include eight with dedicated systems and 26 with bi-fuel systems, a popular option for converting existing vehicles to autogas.

“We are pleased to be able to convert part of our fleet to propane autogas, which is domestically produced in Texas, and is less expensive than gasoline or diesel fuels,” said Williamson County Commissioner Cynthia Long. “In addition to being more economical, autogas is cleaner burning, which makes it better for engine maintenance and emissions.”

With more than 700 fueling stations across the state, propane autogas is widely available throughout Texas. Williamson County has built six autogas fueling stations, each with a storage capacity of 2,000 pounds.

“Williamson County is just one of the many U.S. fleets making the transition to propane autogas,” said Jackie Mason, education and marketing director of the Propane Council of Texas. “Across Texas, more fleets are choosing autogas because it’s environmentally friendly, cost-effective and made in America.” Visit www.procot.org.

Alliance AutoGas Announces New Propane Autogas Vehicle Conversion Centers
Two Wisconsin companies, Dave Jones Inc. and the Fillback Family of Dealerships, have joined Alliance AutoGas to perform EPA-certified propane autogas vehicle conversions. The new conversion centers will work with Alliance fueling provider Charter Fuels. Alliance AutoGas is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Prins autogas systems, including the bi-fuel Prins Vapor Sequential Injection system, which is EPA certified for more than 200 vehicle types.

The Fillback Family of Dealerships has converted Ford Crown Victoria cruisers, Ford E-350 vans and a Chevrolet Silverado truck to propane autogas for customers. Dave Jones Inc. is a mechanical contractor that has converted seven Ford E-350s in its fleet and plans to continue adding propane autogas vehicles to its operation. Visit www.allianceautogas.com.

ROUSH CleanTech Announces Production of Ford F-650 Propane Autogas Fuel Systems
With production beginning in October, ROUSH CleanTech is now taking orders for Ford F-650 propane autogas fuel systems. Offered in two tank size configurations, the systems include an 80-gallon fuel capacity for trucks equipped with nonskirted bodies and a 45-gallon solution for skirted bodies. Both versions are a dual saddle tank design with a single refueling point.

A Tier 1 supplier, ROUSH CleanTech is the only Ford qualified vehicle modifier manufacturer offering dedicated propane autogas fuel systems. With up to a 30,000-pound gross vehicle weight rating, the propane autogas Ford F-650 delivers the same horsepower, torque and towing capacity as the OEM’s gasoline-fueled model, and has California Air Resources Board and EPA certifications.

“The new ROUSH CleanTech Ford F-650 is another example of the versatility of abundant, clean and price-competitive propane autogas,” said Roy Willis, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council, which co-funded development of the fuel system.

Ford offers a full line of commercial vehicles prepped from the factory with gaseous fuel-ready engines. Visit www.roushcleantech.com.

Quantum Awarded Grant to Develop Natural Gas Truck Engine
The California Energy Commission has selected Quantum Fuel Systems Technologies Worldwide to receive a natural gas fuel system and engine development grant of $1 million to develop a natural gas engine for Class 3 to 7 vehicles. Southern California Gas has also committed funding to help the project meet its technical goals.

The CEC grant will fund the development and validation of a low-cost, multiport fuel-injected natural gas fuel system and engine with advanced controls designed for Class 3 to Class 7 fleet applications. Quantum’s partners in the project include Power Solutions International, a clean-tech engine manufacturer, technology and strategy consultancy Ricardo, and the University of California, Riverside.

The project will utilize PSI’s new 8.8-liter engine and target a 20 percent improvement in fuel economy and a 16 percent improvement in power density for the natural gas version for medium-duty applications.

Two nationwide networks of truck integrators that are building the capability to convert aftermarket diesel truck fleets to run on natural gas have placed $1.4 million in orders from Quantum for its Q-Lite CNG tanks and bolt-on natural gas fuel storage systems.

Quantum has also announced an agreement with ZHRO Solutions to develop fully integrated compressed natural gas storage and fuel delivery systems for medium- and heavy-duty diesel fleets. The company will engineer and develop fuel delivery modules and integrate its Q-Lite natural gas vehicle storage systems with ZHRO’s natural gas injection/engine conversion system. Visit www.qtww.com.

GE Unveils LNG In A Box
Calling it another key step toward accelerating the use of natural gas as transportation fuel, GE Oil & Gas has introduced a small-scale, plug-and-play, redeployable liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling solution.

LNG In A Box is a modular fueling solution with a production range of 10,000 to 50,000 gallons per day. Typical LNG tanks for heavy-duty vehicles hold an average of 70 to 150 gallons, so one 10,000-gallon-a-day system would be able to fuel up to 100 trucks per day.

Each LNG In A Box unit is equipped with a gas pretreatment system, cold box assembly and boil-off gas compressor, as well as a GE turboexpander compressor, high-speed reciprocating compressor, electric motor, driver and control system.

The LNG In A Box system will be deployed initially in Europe by Gasfin and is expected to encourage transition of trucks from diesel fuel to LNG in North America in the future. LNG In A Box units will be manufactured in the U.S. and shipped to Gasfin LNG fueling sites in Europe. Visit www.ge.com.

ELECTRIC TRUCKS

E-Truck Task Force Findings Being Put in Motion
Recommendations of the E-Truck Task Force – formed as a subgroup of the Hybrid, Electric and Advanced Truck Users Forum to target specific issues in the electric truck market and speed and support effective electric truck production and use – are being acted on by CALSTART.

Infrastructure
Actions include a newly launched program targeting workplace charging for electric vehicles. CALSTART also operates an advisory work group and is about to publish a best practices guide for installing charging systems at workplaces. The group plans several regional workshops around the country on this topic.

Vehicle Cost and Battery Contribution
E-TTF has developed a program aimed at driving higher battery pack volumes around common sizes and is working with fleets and the U.S. Army to pinpoint performance standards. Also underway is a project with the Army to validate for military and commercial use a lithium-ion version of a standardized battery module.

Incentives
The task force has accelerated work on extending incentives for electric trucks, specifically using vouchers. The group has published a white paper on the value of vouchers and how to structure a voucher program. New e-truck voucher programs have launched in New York and will be launched in Chicago.

Fleet Business Case
CALSTART has held training sessions at the NAFA Institute & Expo on life-cycle cost assessment of e-trucks and the use of its eTruck Business Case Calculator. The group is also holding regional fleet workshops on the subject.

Initially, the E-TTF issued recommendations for minimizing costs, improving vehicle quality and support, and providing better performance validation data and business case information, including data on charging infrastructure requirements and costs. Some of the task force recommendations identified core issues of trucks already in the field. That effort, testing and validating of trucks in a variety of applications continues as well. CALSTART also works with electric trucks in the California Hybrid, Efficient and Advanced Truck Research Center. Visit www.calstart.org.

TransPower Receives Grant to Develop All-Electric Tractor
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District has awarded TransPower a grant to develop an all-electric heavy-duty tractor. The company said Class 8 electric tractors, which are capable of hauling loads up to 80,000 pounds, have shown the ability to operate for as long as 12 hours on a single battery charge. The technology includes an onboard inverter-charger that accelerates battery charging.

TransPower also offers the ElecTruck electric drive system for short duty-cycle trucks and buses. Electric drive motors are used to propel these vehicles, with all of their energy obtained from onboard batteries. Visit www.transpowerusa.com.

Chevrolet Spark Named Most Efficient U.S. Electric Vehicle
With a combined city/highway electric range estimated at 82 miles by the EPA, a fully charged 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV has a fuel economy of 119 mpg equivalent. The Spark EV goes on sale initially this summer in California and Oregon.

The Spark EV features an oil-cooled permanent magnet motor and drive unit that will produce 130 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, and a lithium-ion battery pack capable of handling multiple DC fast charges daily.

An available option is a recently approved SAE combo charger for DC fast charging that will enable the Spark EV to recharge up to 80 percent of its capacity in approximately 20 minutes. Charging can also be completed in fewer than seven hours using a dedicated 240-volt charge. Visit www.chevrolet.com.

Tag: Hybrid Vehicles

The State of Electrified Pickup Trucks in the North American Market

Could Cutting the Cord Accelerate Electric Vehicle Growth?

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