Spring 2014 Fuels Fix by East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition

spring 2014 | fuelsfix.com

COVER STORY

propane autogas school buses are mainstream

Roush cleantech presents the evidence

plus

nyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s green fleet program the answer to range anxiety Genesee region launches cmaq program

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contents

Flipping the Lid at the Twin Cities Auto Show | p. 10 Twin Cities Clean Cities

Utah Clean Cities Turns 20 | p. 15 Utah Clean Cities

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Launch of Green Fleet Program | p. 7 Empire Clean Cities

Genesee Region Launches CMAQ Program | p. 31 Genessee Region Clean Communities

New CNG Station Opens | p. 25 West Virginia Clean Cities

Waste Management Exceeds Sustainability Goals| p. 19 Middle TN Clean Fuels

Special Updates from NC | p. 11 NCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clean Cities Programs

Charging a Leaf Gets Faster in TX | p. 29 Lone Star Clean Fuels

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

contents

advertisers index

up front Editor’s Letter | 6 Cover Story: Propane Autogas Buses Are Mainstream | 21

focus features The Answer to Range Anxiety | 9 Special Updates from NC Clean Cities | 11 Environmental Defense Fund Report | 13 Get to Know EcoCAR 2’s Team Tennessee | 17

special features

Alt Fuels Data Center 33 AFV Resale 27 BBI International 24, 30 CVEF 16, 28 EMI 26, 28 Icom North America 28 NAFTC 20, 28 NBB 14, 28 NGV America 16, 27 NGVi 2, 28 REGI 3 ROUSH CleanTech 8, 27 SE Alt Fuels Conf. & Expo 27 US Gas Vehicles 27 XL Hybrids 5

Question of the Month | 23 Clean Cities TV | 32 American Beauty | 34

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editor’s letter Sometimes You’ve Got to Stop and Think As a Clean Cities coordinator, sometimes it’s easy to forget how amazing our national program is as a whole and the collective progress that we make. Even though we all love this work, and it’s our bread and butter, it’s also our day-to-day. We are so fully immersed in the alternative fuels world that many times we forget the grand scope of what we’re doing and just how innovative our work is from an outsider’s perspective. I’m sure other coordinators can relate. As I was reading through the articles in this edition, the magnitude of what we’re doing along with our amazing partners and members around the country struck me once again. Look at ROUSH CleanTech’s information on autogas school bus deployment or at the advancements that Waste Management continues to make. What’s happening is truly revolutionizing transportation as we have known it for many decades, and we’re of it! I challenge you to read this edition with fresh eyes— the eyes of a “non-coordinator” and notice just how many amazing things are happening around us.

publisher & senior editor

Jonathan G. Overly East TN Clean Fuels Coalition jonathan@etcleanfuels.org

designer & editor Kristy Keel-Blackmon East TN Clean Fuels Coalition kristy@etcleanfuels.org

The Fuels Fix is published quarterly by the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition in collaboration with the brilliant and groovy DOE Clean Cities coalition coordinators across the United States. Advertising information may be obtained by visiting fuelsfix.com or contacting the editors.

Publication Date: April 10, 2014

Sincerely,

Jonathan G. Overly Executive Director, ETCleanFuels

P.S. Don’t forget about a great opportunity that showcases the transformation of transportation: the Southeast Alternative Fuels Conference & Expo. It’s coming up this fall, and you won’t want to miss it!

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

empire clean cities launches

empire green fleet

On June 5th, 2013 Empire Clean Cities launched their fleet certification program, Empire Green Fleet (EGF), certifying Down East Seafood, NYC Parks Department, and the City of White Plains. EGF was created to help stream-line data collection from fleet managers, recognize fleet leaders in both public and private sectors who are leading the way in transitioning into a low carbon sustainable economy, and preparing fleets for future regulatory requirements. Fleets can reduce their emissions and become a certified EGF by implementing alternative fuels like natural gas, biodiesel, hybrids, and electric vehicles, as well as utilizing fuel-efficient policies like off-hour delivery, idle reduction technologies, utilizing route management systems, driver-training, and utilizing diesel emission filters.

In the Fall of 2013 ECC announced the three green apple certification of Neapolitan Express, a mobile pizza truck company that operates an entire fleet of CNG food trucks. On May 22nd, an additional three fleets will be certified at ECC’s 6th Annual Stakeholder Event being held in conjunction with NYC’s 26th Annual Fleet & Equipment Show in Queens, NY.

“The Empire Green Fleet program is helping companies and municipalities manage fleet operations by measuring, monitoring, and tracking vehicles. Finding ways to improve efficiency, which in turn reduces overall fuel consumption is saving our fleets money,” says Christina Ficicchia, Executive Director of ECC. “We are starting to see additional benefits that we hadn’t factored in, related to improved safety, and improved driver morale.” Its inaugural fleet of certified EGFs include a small private fleet that is incorporating alternative fuels and advanced technologies into 100% of their 18-vehicle fleet, a middle-sized municipality, and one of the largest Parks Department in the country.

kevin kraft

Empire Clean Cities kevin@empirecleancities.org 212-839-7728

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

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Partner Focus

the answer to

range anxiety With mounting gas prices and pressure to go green, more organizations are considering alternative fuels. But for most fleets, this is only an option if there is an existing fuel infrastructure. Even with infrastructure, many fleets may be challenged due to variable routes and experience “range anxiety.” Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) offer commercial fleets a simple solution: No Infrastructure Many alternative fuels require a new fueling station or electric plug-in infrastructure, which come with engineering, construction, and operating costs. XL Hybrids’ powertrain technology is charge sustaining, meaning no plugs, no operating costs, and no “range anxiety.” The hybrid powertrain is a drop-in solution for commercial fleets that does not impact fleet operations. Cost-effective With an approximate $8,000 premium for an HEV system when purchased in volume, commercial fleets see an immediate monthly savings in fuel costs and get an attractive payback even without government incentives. The payback on fuel savings alone can be

just over three years. The HEV system also reduces the work the vehicles’ brakes have to preform resulting in brake pads and rotors lasting twice as long. This reduces fleet maintenance costs, as well. Fuel-efficient HEVs can save fleets over 20% on fuel costs. If a fleet van drives 100 miles per day for 250 work days per year in urban and suburban stop-and-go driving, and normally gets 10 mpg with gas at $4 per gallon, an HEV achieving 20% fuel savings would yield $2,000 in annual savings. Easy Going Green XL Hybrids’ solution reduces fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions by 20% without modifying the engine. The system saves fuel through regenerative braking, a process by which the electric motor helps slow the vehicle when the driver brakes, charging the battery. When the driver accelerates, the battery releases energy to the electric motor, helping propel the vehicle which allows the engine to not work as hard, thus using less fuel. It’s that simple— Brake, Charge, and Go Further. For corporate fleet managers looking to cut costs and go green, HEVs are an attractive low-cost solution—especially when range anxiety is a reality.

Article courtesy of

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

“Flipping the lid” at the Twin cities auto show The 41st annual Twin Cities Auto Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center brought a variety of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles to the public’s attention March 8–17th. Electric vehicles, flex fuel vehicles, and biodiesel ready vehicles could be found in nearly every area of the 400,000 square foot exhibit space. Drive Electric Minnesota (DEM), a public-private partnership that aims to raise awareness of electric vehicles and works to further electric vehicle infrastructure in the state of Minnesota, exhibited in the show’s “Green Room.” The display included a Nissan Leaf and ChargePoint’s latest charging station. The dual station allowed attendees to experience the ease of charging an EV, just by plugging it in. Maps on display showed where to find the 135-plus public charging stations in Minnesota, including the 17 charging stations located near the convention center. Members of the Minnesota Plug-In Vehicle Owners Circle manned the exhibit throughout the show, answering attendee questions from an experienced EV owner’s point of view. The regional chapter of National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) held their monthly meeting at the show and more than 100 fleet managers received the latest updates from OEMs on popular fleet vehicle offerings.

To further promote the message of alternative fuel vehicles as attendees were coming and going from the Auto Show, the Twin Cities Clean Cities Coalition and project partners installed poster boards and floor clings (see photo above) in skyways near the convention center, promoting the use of cleaner burning, renewable biofuels. The messages highlighted the air quality and health benefits of biodiesel use in diesel vehicles and others encouraged car buyers to “flip the lid” of the cars on display to see if they are able to use Flex Fuel ethanol blends. The 41st Twin Cities Auto Show provided a great opportunity for car enthusiasts interested in sustainable transportation to see the wide variety of vehicle and fuel technologies hitting the road in Minnesota.

lisa thurstin

Twin Cities Clean Cities Coalition lisa.thurstin@lung.org 651-223-9568 spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Special Updates from NC

NASCAR and Sprint Join Workplace Charging Challenge

Several weeks ago at the NASCAR Plaza in uptown Charlotte, officials from the U.S. Department of Energy, NASCAR, and Sprint announced their involvement in the DOE’s Workplace Charging Challenge, a collaborative effort to increase the number of U.S. employers offering workplace charging. “As the market for electric vehicles continues to grow, partners in the Workplace Charging Challenge are giving drivers more transportation options that save money and benefit the environment,” said Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Dr. David Danielson. After the press conference, members of the three NC Clean Cities Coalitions (Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition in Asheville, Triangle Clean Cities Coalition in Raleigh-Durham, and Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition in Charlotte) were able to attend an exclusive round table discussion with Dr. Danielson in order to talk with him about the improvements in EV infrastructure in North Carolina.

meeting was a great chance for the group to have a productive discussion about overcoming barriers to further EV infrastructure along with the adoption of other alternative fuels and transportation technologies across the state. The implementation of this project reflects the growing need for infrastructure that supports electric vehicles. “Here in Mecklenburg County alone, the number of registered electric vehicles has doubled since 2012,” said Sean Flaherty, Co-Coordinator of the Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition. “Thanks to planning efforts funded by the Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program, the state is now seeing some of its first installations of DC Fast Chargers that can fully charge a plug-in electric vehicle in 30 minutes or less.” Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition plans to host an EV Ride & Drive in Uptown Charlotte this April in partnership with Charlotte Center City Partners, Envision Charlotte and Duke Energy.

During the meeting, Dr. Danielson discussed his commitment to following through on DOE’s goal to decrease the country’s reliance on foreign oil. The Article courtesy of North Carolina’s Clean Cities Coalitions

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

CNG Workshop Held for Fleets in City of Monroe, NC Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition recently presented a workshop on the benefits of utilizing compressed natural gas for fleets at Southern Piedmont Community College. The workshop was attended by fleet users, local government officials, and other interested parties and was a great opportunity to spread information and success stories about CNG fleets. The workshop began with an introduction of the DOE Clean Cities Program and the Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition given by CCFC Coordinator Jason Wager. CCFC Co-Coordinator, Sean Flaherty, followed with an overview of Natural Gas which helped attendees who were not as versed in the usage of CNG understand its benefits and obstacles. This was followed by presentations given by two CCFC stakeholders, Kathy Sanders, City of Charlotte Solid Waste Services Fleet Manager, and Ronnie Kidd, Fleet Manager at Frito-Lay Transportation. The goal of these presentations was to share success stories of how other large fleets had successfully integrated CNG vehicles. Charlotte Solid Waste Services first started using two CNG refuse trucks in October 2010, and saw fuel savings of over $42,000 in the first year of use. Now, there are 10 CNG refuse

trucks in their fleet and they have an annual fuel savings of about $15,000 per truck. They are hoping to build their own fueling station in the coming year. Frito-Lay is planning to open a new public fast-fill station in Charlotte in 2014 to support their growing CNG fleet. They first implemented CNG tractors in July 2012, then added 10 more in December 2013. Even though their CNG trucks were purchased with no grant or outside funding, they have turned out to be so cost effective that Frito-Lay plans to pursue even further CNG implementation. The workshop concluded with a brief tour of the CNG fueling station at God Bless the USA, Inc., a private refuse hauling company based in Monroe. The station consists of two fueling posts powered by an Ingersoll Rand twin 40 horsepower compressor. Attendees were able to watch GBUSA staff fuel one of Monroeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s two bi-fuel CNG pickups.

sean flaherty

Centralina Clean Fuels Coalition SFlaherty@centralina.org 704-688-6508 spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Partner Focus 

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   The LCFS promotes home grown fuels and vehicles that take advantage of local sources by providing new incentives throughout the entire lifetime (from feedstock to combustion).

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UCc celebrates 20 years with partners As Utah Clean Cities Coalition (UCCC) celebrates 20 years of successful petroleum reduction and natural gas use, we look back at the partners who have helped us along the journey. One partner in particular has been a stalwart supporter of alternative fueling and alternative fueled vehicles for over 30 years. Questar began its own journey into alternative fuels in 1981 with the building of their first natural gas vehicle (NGV) station and the conversion of 25 vehicles to run on natural gas in their fleet. By 1989, Questar built a second NGV station at the Salt Lake City Ops Center and started converting vehicles for customer fleets. Questar has been a leader in the State of Utah by helping companies, such as the Salt Lake City Airport, make the switch to natural gas. The infrastructure Questar Gas continued to build came in handy when vehicle manufacturers like Ford, Chrysler and GM decided to build natural gas vehicles. This in turn allowed community members to utilize Questar’s NGV fueling stations. In 1997, Questar was ranked #3 for the Largest Alternative Fuel Fleet in the Nation with 857 NGVs in operation. Since then, their NGV fleet has stayed steady and strong, with new CNG vehicles being added.

When Utah Clean Cities spearheaded Idle Free Utah in 2006, Questar was one of the first companies to adopt the idle free program. “Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free” became a statewide program in 2010 and Questar proudly posted signs on their fences and in parking lots, helping the program flourish. They even went the extra mile to personalize the program by saying “Turn Your Key, Questar Idle Free”. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant awarded to Questar, UCCC and others, Questar was given the ability to expand the NGV station network. Since 2009, public CNG station infrastructure has been upgraded, and more than 10 new public stations have been built, totaling 29 stations in operation with more under construction under the Questar name. Questar Gas has been a wonderful partner to Utah Clean Cities and strives to continue providing the best service within the states of Utah, Wyoming, and surrounding Questar territories. For more information on Questar and their goals and initiatives, visit www.questargas.com.

sophia jackson 15

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

Utah Clean Cities Coalition sophia.jackson@utahcleancities.org 801-535-7736

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Partner Focus

get to know ecocar 2’s

team tennessee Article Courtesy of UTK EcoCAR 2 /// Visit ecocar2.utk.edu for more information.

the competition

• 3-year collegiate engineering competition • Sponsored by DOE, GM, and others • Educates the next generation of automotive engineers • Challenges 15 universities across North America • Students reduce the environmental impact of a Chevrolet Malibu

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

team tennessee

• • • •

27 Engineering Team members 5 Communications Team members 4 Business Team members 22 years of participation in Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions

the vehicle

• Series-Parallel Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) • Series-Parallel means that the car switches between modes for optimum efficiency. • Series Mode: The gasoline engine powers the generator, which charges the battery. A battery-powered electric motor drives the rear wheels. • Parallel Mode: The gasoline engine powers the front wheels and the battery-powered electric motor powers the rear wheels at the same time. • Series Parallel Mode: Utilizes the benefits of both modes

traction drive system

fuel system (e85)

engine/generator system

energy storage system

alternative Energy Sources

• The car is fueled with electricity and E85 • Both reduce petroleum use and are domestically produced • Both provide emissions reductions benefits when compared to gasoline

gasoline (15%) ethanol (85%)

results

Team Tennessee’s combination of vehicle architecture and fuel choices creates a vehicle that is projected to be 45% more fuel efficient and produces 53% less GHG emissions than industry leading hybrid vehicles conventional hybrid

conventional hybrid

ecocar 2

53% less ghg emissions

45% more fuel efficient spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

WASTE MANAGEMENT

EXCEEDS SUSTAINABILITY GOALS March 12th was a cold and windy day in Nashville, TN, but that didn’t stop anyone from coming to the site of Waste Management’s 55th public CNG station. Waste Management is bringing 75-100 compressed natural gas (CNG) refuse trucks to Nashville during the next three years. In 2007, Waste Management created a list of Corporate Sustainability Goals including the decreasing fleet emissions by 15% and improving their efficiency by 15% by the year 2020. They have made significant progress on this goal with the Cummins Westport engines used in the vehicles. • Waste Management’s CNG-powered vehicles emit nearly zero air particulates and cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25%, or the equivalent of taking 90 passenger vehicles off the road.

• In 2014, the 23 trucks in Nashville will eliminate the need for 184,000 gallons of diesel. • Once the Nashville fleet is completely converted to CNG, the need for nearly 600,000 gallons of diesel will be eliminated annually, and GHG savings will equate to removing nearly 300 passenger vehicles from the road. And their Corporate Sustainability Goals to Decrease their fleet emissions by 15% and improve their fuel efficiency by 15% by the year 2020? They met that goal in 2012. Congratulations to Waste Management for their commitment to clean fuel and clean air in Middle Tennessee and beyond!

• The CNG fueled trucks have created a reduction of carbon dioxide by 58% and nitrogen oxides by 72%. • For every truck refueling with natural gas, Waste Management reduces their dependence on foreign oil by an average of $8,000 per year.

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

atha comiskey

Middle TN Clean Fuels Coalition mtcf@comcast.net 615-884-4908

National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium

AFV Day Odyssey 2014 Planning Underway!

Who we are: The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium (NAFTC) is the only nationwide training organization dedicated to promoting, supporting, and expanding the use of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.

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Cover Story

propane autogas school buses are PROPANE AUTOGAS SCHOOL BUSES MAINSTREAM ma i nARE s tream

ropane autogas is the nation’s fastest growing transportation fuel in the school bus industry. The adoption of a domestically produced alternative fuel like propane autogas benefits schools and their community — saving taxpayer dollars and reducing harmful emissions in the air. Whether based on a rapid return on investment, community impact, energy security, carbon footprint, safety, serviceability or a combination of these, fueling with propane autogas is a versatile and readily available solution. Partners Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech offer the Type A Micro Bird and the Type C Vision fueled by propane autogas. This map shows deployment of these propane autogas school buses across the nation.

MANITOBA

ALBERTA SASKATCHEWAN

ONTARIO

QUEBEC

WASHINGTON MAINE

MINNESOTA

MONTANA OREGON

NEW HAMPSHIRE

WISCONSIN NEW YORK

MICHIGAN NEBRASKA

NEVADA

IOWA

PENNSYLVANIA OHIO

UTAH

ILLINOIS

COLORADO KANSAS

CALIFORNIA

ARIZONA

NEW MEXICO

MISSOURI

NEW JERSEY

INDIANA VIRGINIA KENTUCKY TENNESSEE

OKLAHOMA

CONNECTICUT

ALABAMA

NORTH CAROLINA

GEORGIA

TEXAS LOUISIANA FLORIDA

1-20 buses 21-50 buses 51-100 buses 101+ buses

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

NOW DEPLOYED IN THE U.S. TEXAS

1,324

CALIFORNIA

754

NEBRASKA

435

OREGON

260

NEW YORK

222

PENNSYLVANIA

155

WISCONSIN

139

= 50 BUSES Map created March 2014

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

question of the month From February 2014

What driver behaviors can help reduce petroleum consumption? There are many simple changes fleet managers and individual drivers can adopt to improve vehicle efficiency, decrease fuel consumption, save money, and reduce emissions. In fact, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that improved driving behavior can reduce fuel consumption by an average of 10% and up to 20% for aggressive drivers; see the final report here. Below are strategies fleet managers and individuals may consider to improve fuel efficiency. Fuel Conservation Techniques for Drivers Both fleets and individual drivers can save fuel by implementing the following practices: • Reducing Speeding: Though different vehicles reach optimal fuel economy at different speeds, fuel efficiency generally decreases significantly at speeds above 50 miles per hour. This is because at high speeds, more fuel is needed to overcome resistance from aerodynamics and tire rolling. The fuel economy benefit of reducing your speed is 7% to 14%. The FuelEconomy.gov “What is the speed penalty for my vehicle?” tool allows drivers to calculate the fuel economy reduction for their specific vehicle and typical driving behavior. • Conservative Driving: Gradual braking and accelerating can improve a vehicle’s fuel economy by 33% on highways and by 5% on city roads. Driving 23

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

conservatively not only helps conserve fuel and save money, but it is also a safe practice for drivers. • Combining Trips: Using one trip for multiple purposes, rather than making multiple trips, can save fuel, time, and money by reducing driving distance and avoiding unnecessary cold starts. When the engine is cold, starting a vehicle can use twice as much fuel. • Reducing Load: By offloading unneeded items from the vehicle, drivers can reduce the amount of fuel consumed by up to 2% for each 100 pounds. • Vehicle Maintenance: Proper and regular vehicle maintenance can improve fuel economy by 40%. This includes keeping the engine properly tuned, maintaining proper tire inflation, and using the recommended grade of oil. For more information on vehicle maintenance techniques used to conserve fuel, see the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Vehicle Maintenance to Conserve Fuel page. Fuel Conservation Strategies for Fleet Managers Fleet managers can adopt the following fuel conservation strategies to maximize their fleet’s fuel efficiency: • Train Drivers: Driver training courses can teach new and veteran fleet drivers basic fuel conservation techniques (see the above Fuel Conservation Techniques

for Drivers section) that they can use to improve their individual fuel economy. These courses teach ways to minimize the negative impacts of idling, speeding, aggressive or frequent accelerating or breaking, improper shifting, and taking unnecessarily long routes. National Clean Fleets Partner Coca-Cola has a successful “eco-driver” training program. • Employ Advanced Technologies: Technologies, such as telematics systems, can greatly increase efficiency and fuel savings in fleets. These tools allow fleet managers to: Give Feedback: Fleet managers can use fueltracking devices or GPS-based telematics systems to track fuel economy, idle time, vehicle routes, and driver performance to provide drivers with feedback on how to improve. Some systems even provide drivers with instantaneous alerts when they are exhibiting inefficient driving behaviors, such as speeding. Some fleets pair drivers with coaches to critique driver behaviors. Driver feedback may improve fuel economy by 3% to 10%. Optimize Routes: Route optimization technologies help drivers plan routes that can reduce mileage,

stops, acceleration events, number of vehicles needed, and time spent in traffic. Fleet managers can view data for individual drivers or for the entire fleet to view their progress and target areas of improvement. • Provide Incentives: Incentives, including driver recognition, special privileges, and monetary rewards, encourage drivers to use efficient driving behaviors. Polk County, Florida, provides an excellent case study of a fleet that developed a successful incentive program for its employees. • Implement Policies: Corporate policies that require drivers to participate in training courses, meet fuelefficiency targets, comply with a maximum speed limit, and set goals can reduce emissions and improve driving efficiency. • Use Fleet Fueling Cards: Fleets that use fueling cards can monitor, control, track, and manage fuel and maintenance costs based on card transactions. One example is the WEX (formerly Wright Express) card. More information on adjusting driver behavior to improve fuel efficiency can be found on the AFDC Efficient Driving Behaviors to Conserve Fuel page.

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West Virginia fleets converged on the new CNG station along I-79 during its grand opening in January. Photo by Steve Shaluta, WV Department of Commerce.

NEW CNG STATION OPENS IN WV West Virginia drivers now have more fueling options for their vehicles. On Jan. 28, 2014, IGS Energy/CNG Services celebrated the grand opening of its Charleston compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station. The station will service the growing number of West Virginia businesses and residents converting to natural gas vehicles (NGVs), which saves money and uses a clean West Virginia fuel. As the vast Marcellus Shale gas deposit is tapped, the state has access to an abundance of natural gas: safer, cleaner, and cheaper than conventional fuels. The Charleston fueling station is IGS’s third one along I-79 in the state, following the opening of the Bridgeport station in September 2013. The third location is open for business in the Town of Jane Lew. West Virginia has seen an 80% increase in natural gas production since 2010 and is the second largest natural gas exporter in the region. After organizing a Natural Gas Vehicle Task Force to transition the state’s fleet to natural gas fuels in 2013, West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said state government should convert at least one-fourth of its 7,800-vehicle fleet within four years. That effort has begun with the

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

addition of 15 CNG-fueled pickups and five vans driven by WVDOT Division of Highways personnel. “As one of the nation’s top energy-producing states, West Virginia powers much of our state and the nation,” Gov. Tomblin said. “As we continue to diversify our state’s energy industry, it is important that we utilize this affordable and reliable alternative fuel source harvested by hardworking West Virginians.” Stakeholders with the West Virginia’s Clean State Program have helped with training those who use CNG vehicles, as well as serving as liaisons between state entities and private businesses. “The program has helped bring the stakeholders to the table and has been a neutral third party,” said T.J. Meadows of IGS. “We have to have both the vehicles and the infrastructure to support them simultaneously, and the Clean State Program has provided the training and valuable information that everyone can benefit from.”

kelly bragg

West Virginia Clean State Program Kelly.A.Bragg@wv.gov 304-558-2234 x 2004

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Charging a Nissan Leaf in Central TX is getting a whole lot faster As part of its Take Charge initiative, Austin’s Nissan Town North has installed the first DC Fast Charger charging station in Central Texas. The DC Fast Charge, or DCFC, is a new line of “quick chargers” for electric automobiles. The DCFC gains efficiency by utilizing direct current rather than the alternating current used in earlier charging stations, and drawing 480 volts compared to the 240 volts drawn by the Level 2. Just how fast is this new system? According to Dana Woodbury, Sales and Leasing Consultant at Town North Nissan, the DCFC will charge a Leaf from zero to 80% in just 40 minutes—a quarter of the charge time of the Level 2. With an average range of 84 miles on a full charge (as measured by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), a Leaf driver can be ready for several days worth of commuting in the time it takes to grab a sandwich. While Level 2 chargers have become somewhat prevalent—Woodbury estimates that about 160 have been installed throughout Austin—DCFCs are still a relatively rare breed. However, Nissan Town North’s

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

newest asset joins an emerging DCFC network that includes a small but growing number of locations in Houston and the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. Austin’s addition to the DCFC system has generated excitement within a considerable circumference of the city; Woodbury says that when word got out that this charger was on the way, he heard from Leaf owners as far away as San Antonio itching for the opportunity to try it out. Now they have their chance. An official “ribbon cutting” event will be scheduled for early April, but the DCFC is already operational and available free to any Leaf driver during the dealership’s business hours (7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday). Nissan Town North is located at 9160A Research Boulevard in Austin. It is a member of the Lone Star Clean Fuels Alliance, which connects companies, municipalities, and fleets to renewable fuel resources.

rian amiton

Lone Star Clean Fuels Alliance rianamiton@gmail.com 617-595-1437

2014

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Genesee Region Coalition Rolls Out $850,000 CMAQ Program The Genesee Region Clean Communities coalition, located in the Rochester, NY metro region, has implemented the first round a funding program to assist with the purchase of alternative fuel vehicle in the metro area. Using federal CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality), the program assists fleets by providing reimbursement for 75% of the incremental cost of eligible alternative fuel vehicles. After an RFP solicitation process, a technical evaluation panel reviewed twelve proposal submissions and recommended eight projects for funding. These applications were then reviewed and approved by the coalition’s board of directors. Three of the applicants receiving approval chose to withdraw from the program for various business reasons. The approved projects represented a combination of private and public sector fleets, including Monroe County, City of Rochester, Casella Waste, Suburban Disposal, and HALCO Corporation. This funding will enable these fleets to purchase or convert a total of 85 vehicles. These include compressed natural gas (CNG) refuse trucks, shuttle buses, pickups,

spring 2014 | FuelsFix.com

vans, and street sweepers as well as the conversion of vans and pickups to propane autogas. Once the vehicles are acquired or the conversions completed, the fleet will be reimbursed 75% of the incremental cost . The vehicle acquisitions and conversions are expected to be completed prior to the end of 2014. According to Genesee Region coalition coordinator David Keefe, “the vehicles will enable these fleets to reduce the amount of petroleum used, resulting in fuel cost savings during the life cycle of the vehicle. In addition, these projects will help demonstrate to other fleets and the general public that these technologies are viable.” Eligibility for CMAQ funds occurred in 2006 after the U.S. EPA determined that the Rochester Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), with Rochester as the central city, was in non-attainment status for ground-level ozone. This designation is in accordance with the Clean Air Act and the National Ambient Air Quality Act.

david keefe

Genesee Region Clean Communities dkeefe@grcc.us 585-301-2433

clean cities tv Clean Cities TV is the educational media channel of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program, which advances the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local actions to reduce petroleum consumption in transportation.

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american beauty Great Smoky Mountains National Park, pictured here, has embarked on an exciting new project to bring more alternative fuels to the park including EV chargers and propane mowers.