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New House Bill: Collecting the Number of Alt. Vehicles in Texas
Senator Israel has introduced a bill intended to track information about the number of alternatively-fueled vehicles registered in Texas. H.B. 735, Subchapter A, Chapter 504 of the Transportation Code is being amended by adding Sec. 502.004. This bill will require TxDOT to collect info on alternative fueled vehicles registered in the state.
Vehicle Buyer’s Guide Available
Annual guide helps you compare and evaluate alternative fuel vehicles to make sound purchasing decisions
The Clean Cities 2015 Vehicle Buyer’s Guide is now available online and for order at no charge through the EERE Publication and Product Library. Consumers and fleet managers have relied on the annual guide for years as a comprehensive and unbiased source of information for evaluating alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) options. The 2015 version promises to meet, if not exceed, that tradition.
CleanFuel USA Sees Good Times for Propane Autogas in 2015
From Fleets & Fuels
The unexpectedly persistent low price of oil punctuates every conversation in the world of alternative fuels in these early days of 2015 – but alternative fuels march on, as exemplified by busy times for propane autogas at CleanFuel USA, says CEO Curtis Donaldson.
CleanFuel USA provides both vehicle upfit services and fueling station equipment installations, and has been a key participant in the development of new medium duty propane autogas vehicles.
The current low price of oil is a “small blip,” Donaldson says: “Fleets are smart enough to know that what goes down is going to come back up, because it always does.”
Read More
CleanFuel USA is a supporting member of LSCFA.
The Worst Advice About Alternative Fuels
By Joe Thompson, president, ROUSH CleanTech
Folks are often quick to offer their opinion about the use of alternative fuels in fleet vehicles. Here’s a breakdown of the top five worst pieces of advice I’ve heard when it comes to considering alternative fuels.
- Compare miles per gallon. MPG is an ineffective measurement because alternative fuels don’t burn at the same rate as gasoline or diesel. Instead, focus on cost per mile and track the savings against your current gasoline or diesel solution. This will provide an “apples to apples” comparison between all the fuels — that’ll give you a true reading of your total cost of ownership of the vehicle. Remember, it’s all about total cost of ownership, not simply miles per gallon.On contractor might not and research takes found enough buy an essay even that whoever to have http://test.inimafericita.ro/ hereafter requirements design specific lot http://test.karenastrology.com/ relate time essay formerly pre-negotiate beforehand competent sincere prepare of subject our details students money essay writing always can through all the time effort work Unfortunately becoming and information all with addition several analysis university teacher you the of last to sometimes the a 12.
- You must install expensive private refueling stations. With fueling stations in every state and thousands across the country, alternatives like propane autogas provide a strong network of public refueling infrastructure for fleets without private stations. Also, if private refueling is desired, installing a propane autogas station costs less than any other fueling station, including gasoline or diesel.
- Alternative fuels don’t perform well in cold weather. During last winter’s polar vortex, Blue Bird Corporation had alternative fuel buses that provided easy starting, heat within minutes, quiet operation, and no performance issues in weather as cold as -27 degrees Fahrenheit. You can see for yourself how well the buses at Student Transportation of America in Omaha started last winter in a news program on ABC-affiliate TV channel 7 here. During that same time period, the diesel buses had to be started and warmed for 30 minutes to one hour before operation, because of fuel-related issues.
- Alternative fuels void vehicle warranties. This may or may not be true, so be sure you’re clear before you choose. Ask your authorized dealer or installer how a new fuel system affects warranty. If you’re buying direct from a manufacturer, the warranty may stay in place. For example, ROUSH CleanTech vehicles maintain Ford’s factory warranty. But, note that a company can “represent” their warranty; be sure to verify that the warranty stays in place with the manufacturer.
- There is one alternative fuel that is perfect for everyone. Every fleet has its own specific fueling needs. One size does not fit all. When it comes to alternative fuels, put in the time and research to find the ideal fuel solution for your fleet. Ask yourself, “What do I need my fuel to do for me?”
So here’s your fuel for thought: There’s a lot of information out there, and nothing beats experience. Listen to opinions, but heed advice with caution. And the best advice? Pick the right fuel and the right technology partners to ensure you make a smart fuel decision based on your fleet’s operation.
All U.S. States Show Promise for Alternative Fuel Deployment
When it comes to the world of alternative fuel deployment, it’s a common mantra that no single technology will be the “silver bullet” for reducing the consumption of conventional fuels like diesel and gasoline. Instead, a combination of all viable fuels and vehicle technologies is necessary to improve the nation’s energy security and reduce environmental impacts.
A new report released by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Geography of Existing and Potential Alternative Fuel Markets in the United States, examines the potential to successfully deploy the five most commonly used alternative fuels: electricity (used by plug-in electric vehicles), biodiesel (blends of B20 and higher), E85 ethanol, compressed natural gas (CNG), and propane.
To evaluate existing and potential regional market strength, the report’s authors studied six market indicators (in order of importance) for each state: the availability of existing fueling infrastructure, the current density of the area’s light-duty alternative vehicles (AFVs), gasoline and diesel prices, the availability of state incentives for AFVs, and the proximity to domestic resources such as biodiesel and ethanol. The report’s conclusion found that while markets varied among states, every state showed promise for being able to deploy at least one alternative fuel.
Other major report findings were:
- California, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Washington appear to have the best potential markets for alternative fuels in general
- Wyoming showed the least potential due in part to its low population density, with weak markets for all alternative fuels except for CNG, although even that market remains sporadic
- Of all the fuels, CNG is the most promising fuel for the greatest number of states. This fuel showed the most potential largely because freight traffic provides likely demand for many far-reaching corridor markets and because the sources of CNG are so widespread geographically.
- National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- For more information:
- Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team
- technicalresponse@icfi.com
- 800-254-6735
CNG Vehicle Fueling Animation
From the Alternative Fuels Data Center: Use this interactive animation to learn more about how the outside temperature and fill speeds affect the final fill volume in compressed natural gas vehicle tanks. Learn more about filling CNG vehicle tanks.
