winter 2014 | fuelsfix.com
COVER STORY
first responders receive training for alt fuel vehicles
plus
texas altcar expo idlebox gets traction maine goes electric propane transports inmates and much, much more!
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contents
The Air Quality Bureau | p. 31 Utah Clean Cities
Cover Story | p. 15
San Diego Regional Clean Cities
3
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Tractor Training | p. 30 Wisconsin Clean Cities
Maine Goes Electric | p. 13 Maine Clean Communities
Celebrating 20 Years | p. 14 Kentucky Clean Fuels
Propane Transports Inmates | p. 11 Alabama Clean Fuels
The Future of Automotive Engineering | p. 27 Central Florida Clean Cities
TX AltCar Expo | p. 19
Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities
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contents up front Editor’s Letter | 6 Cover Story: First Responders Get Safety Training | 15 The Quick Fix | 21
focus features Ford C-Max Energi Added to National Lab Fleet | 7 Energy Independence Summit 2014 | 9 Get to Know Icom North America | 24
advertisers index AFV Resale 21 BBI International 10, 22, 28-29 EMI 21, 28 Icom North America 22 IdleBox 26 NGVi 2, 21 REGI 8 Roush CleanTech 1, 21 SmartWay 20 SE Alt Fuels Conf. & Expo 21 Trans. Energy Partners 22 US Gas Vehicles 21
IdleBox Gets Traction | 25
special features Flux Report | 12 Question of the Month | 17 Clean Cities TV | 23 American Beauty | 32
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE SUMMIT 2014 The Nation’s Premier Alternative Fuels Policy Event The 2014 Summit will provide the latest information on what the current state of play in Washington means for alternative fuels and vehicles, as well as an opportunity to meet the key Administration and Congressional leaders who will chart the future of the transportation energy industry. The Summit will feature educational sessions and presentations from the nation’s leading clean transportation experts on: •
Federal funding and incentives to promote alternative fuels, vehicles and infrastructure;
•
Successful alternative fuels and vehicle projects across the country; and
•
Innovative state and local policies and programs, which are advancing markets for cleaner fuels and vehicles.
“The annual Energy Independence Summit is a ‘can’t miss’ event!” Learn more at TransportationEnergyPartners.org
editor’s letter News for New Beginnings Once again, we have a new year in front of us. I view this as a chance to get more alternative fuel vehicles on the road and make a greater impact with cleaner, American fuels. I’d like to challenge you to use the next 355 days to take advantage of every opportunity available to you to make this a realization. This might not be as hard as you would think. If you read this edition, you will have some great opportunities staring you right in the face!
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
For instance, take advantage of some amazing upcoming conferences like this year’s Energy Independence Summit or the Southeastern Alternative Fuels Conference & Expo.
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.
You can also find articles that will get you excited for 2014, like important updates from national lab partners and major milestones for coalitions.
Advertising information may be obtained by visiting fuelsfix.com or contacting the editors.
Here’s to 2014; let’s make it the best year yet for Clean Cities progress!
Publication Date: January 10, 2014
Sincerely,
Jonathan G. Overly Executive Director, ETCleanFuels
winter 2014 | FuelsFix.com
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Partner Focus
oak ridge national Laboratory adds ford c-max energi to fleet
NTRC home to first plug-in hybrid in ORNL fleet
ORNL’s Sustainable Transportation Program Director Ron Graves charges a new Ford C-MAX Energi, the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the lab’s fleet, housed at the NTRC.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) has added a new 2013 Ford C-MAX Energi, the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in the lab’s fleet, which will be housed at the National Transportation Research Center (NTRC). The C-MAX has a small gasoline engine coupled to a hybrid-electric powertrain with a lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged to full capacity in under three hours with a 240-volt charger. The vehicle will operate in all-electric mode for about 21 miles, depending on
drive cycle, with a total range of up to 620 miles on a full charge and full tank of gas. ORNL transportation researchers will be able to collect data from the C-MAX for a variety of purposes including real-world fuel economy, driver behavior, and energy source specific information by tracking electric power consumption and gasoline use. The C-MAX will join the ORNL fleet that consists of primarily alternative fueled and hybrid vehicles. Article courtesy of
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Partner Focus
Energy Independence Summit 2014
Driving Alternative Fuel Policies to Washington
Heather Zichal, chief advisor to the President for Energy and Climate Change, presented at the 2013 Summit.
Energy Independence Summit 2014, the nation’s premier alternative fuels policy event will take place March 30 - April 2 in Washington, DC. Organized by Transportation Energy Partners (TEP), the Summit brings clean transportation stakeholders together with Clean Cities coalitions to share best practices and educate federal policy makers about the need for incentives, tools and resources to overcome the barriers to the widespread deployment of cleaner vehicles and fuels. “The annual Energy Independence Summit is a ‘can’t miss’ event,” said Rita Ebert, Coordinator of the Greater Long Island Clean Cities Coalition. “Whether you are a Clean Cities Coordinator or part of the alternative fuels industry in any way, you should be in Washington, DC this spring to connect with the nation’s top clean transportation leaders and help us educate our government leaders about what is truly needed to achieve energy security and maintain momentum for advanced fuels and vehicles.” Representatives from over 50 Clean Cities coalitions 9
winter 2014 | FuelsFix.com
and 125 industry leaders attended last year’s Summit. Keynote speakers for the 2013 event included Heather Zichal, chief advisor to the President for Energy and Climate Change, and Sharon E. Burke, the Pentagon’s top official on Operational Energy. Roundtables featured national experts from leading alternative fuel organizations, the alternative fuel industry, the Obama Administration, and state and local governments. The 2014 Summit will provide the latest on what the current state of play in Washington means for alternative fuels and vehicles, as well as provide an opportunity to meet the key Administration and Congressional leaders who will chart the future of the transportation energy industry. The Summit will feature educational sessions on: • Federal funding and incentives to promote alternative fuels, vehicles and infrastructure; • Successful alternative fuels and vehicle projects across the country; and • Innovative state and local policies and programs,
which are advancing markets for cleaner fuels and vehicles markets. The Summit will also include a day of briefings and meetings on Capitol Hill where attendees will talk directly with Congressional and federal agency officials about alternative fuel and advanced vehicle and infrastructure projects, and other successes achieved with support of government leaders and industry. Thanks to UPS, the 2014 Summit will again feature a Capitol Hill Day reception where participants can meet with key Members of Congress and their staff. Transportation Energy Partners is an independent, national non-profit organization that brings together Clean Cities coalitions and the clean transportation industry to advance policies that will reduce American
dependence on petroleum-based fuels. TEP works closely with and provides policy support to the nearly 100 Clean Cities coalitions and their 18,000 stakeholders that voluntarily participate in the U.S. Department of Energy Clean Cities program. More information about the Summit can be found online at TranportationEnergyPartners.org.
Article courtesy of
SARY R E V A N NI 1984 –
2014
JUNE 9 – 12, 2014 Indianapolis, IN
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES EXHIBIT.SPONSOR.SPEAK.ATTEND.
propane transports inmates
Alabama Department of Corrections launches pilot project using propane autogas for work-release vans
For the Alabama Department of Corrections, ferrying inmates to and from work-release jobs had become increasingly costly in recent years. Their 15-passenger vans average almost 5,000 miles of travel a month, and gasoline for the fleet of 77 vans totaled about $1.3 million a year. In 2011, Andy Farquhar, Director of the Department’s Industries Division and Departmental Energy Officer, began researching options. He attended a number of alternative-fuel workshops, including two Propane Road Shows organized by the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. “After running the numbers, it appeared that autogas was an excellent fit for our high-mileage vans,” Farquhar said. In 2012, ADOC received approval to buy ten E350 Ford 15-passenger vans and a refueling station for use at the Loxley Work Release Center. Vendors for the pilot project were selected through a bid process. Stivers Ford got the bid for the vans, Precision Sales & Service installed the propane conversion kits, and Estes Equipment installed the dispensing station at Loxley. Alliance Autogas will provide propane under the state’s alternative fuel contract. The department expects to begin using the vans in January 2014 and anticipates significant fuel savings.
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Purchase cost for the 10 vans (including conversion) was $355,000, and the dispensing station cost roughly $51,000. But with the low cost of propane ($1.63 per gallon in midDecember), the department stands to recoup the conversion and infrastructure costs in less than one year. Fuel savings just for 2014 are estimated at $142,000. Farquhar said if expectations are met, propane could be adopted throughout the work release program. “We’re happy to be exploring alternative fuels and looking for ways to save taxpayer money,” ADOC Commissioner Kim Thomas said. “Considering the distance traveled by our vehicles, this is a huge opportunity.” Mark Bentley, executive director of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, said the advantages go beyond cost. By using propane autogas in 10 vehicles, ADOC will also considerably reduce greenhouse gas emissions each year, Bentley said. And since propane is primarily produced in the United States, its increasing popularity in transportation supports economic development at home. “These benefits explain why more businesses, municipalities, colleges, and schools are turning to propane,” Bentley said. “We’re so pleased to see the Alabama Department of Corrections add its name to the list.”
mark bentley
Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition mark@alabamacleanfuels.org 205-402-2755
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maine goes electric
Maine Clean Communities Successful Grant Recipient of an All-Electric Nissan Leaf
Maine Clean Communities, a Clean Cities Coalition and a program of the Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG), was recently awarded a grant from Central Maine Power (CMP) for a two-year lease of an all-electric Nissan Leaf electric vehicle (EV) and the installation of two Clipper Creek charging stations at their offices in Portland, Maine. As part of the grant, Maine Clean Communities is collecting data of drivers’ attitudes, experiences, and other data points related to vehicle use, performance and energy costs, and overall savings. “We are very excited about the opportunity to demonstrate electric vehicle and charging technology to our stakeholders and member municipalities and the region as a whole,” said Steve Linnell, Coordinator, Maine Clean Communities.
So far, Maine Clean Communities has handed over the “key” of the Nissan Leaf to three communities in Maine; South Portland, Portland, and Scarborough. The intent is to allow municipalities to try out the vehicle firsthand. In January, the Town of Standish will borrow the vehicle, and Town Manager Gordy Billington has already seen to it that the Town has installed a Level II EV charging station at their Town Hall. Even in a harsh Maine winter, Municipal staff and officials have given the vehicle rave reviews and municipal leaders are looking to start incorporating these types of vehicles into their non-emergency municipal fleets and install EV charging stations. This interest and enthusiasm coupled with the special lease program offered from Nissan should be advantageous to municipalities all across Maine in order to reduce their use and costs of petroleum.
jennifer puser Maine Clean Communities jpuser@gpcog.org 207-774-9891
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Above, L to R: Greenest Freight Fleet in Kentucky Award and Hybrid Horsepower for the Bluegrass awards were given to Kentucky’s best and brightest fleets at the celebration.
KentuckY Clean fuels coalition
celebrates 20 years! Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition (KCFC) proudly celebrated twenty years of alternative fuel and advanced vehicle technology work in the Bluegrass on December 17, 2013. There were pictures, awards, speeches, tributes, and great desserts. The only thing missing was balloons! Historic Boone Tavern, Kentucky’s first LEED (Gold) Certified hotel provided the perfect setting for celebrating the KCFC, a non-profit group that continues to serve as the only organization in the state focused on alternative fuels and advanced transportation. Dennis Smith, Director of Clean Cities for the U.S. Department of Energy was on hand to present awards. Outstanding Leadership awards were given to the top five Hybrid Electric School Bus districts in Kentucky, and fifteen awards were presented as part of the Green Fleets of the Bluegrass program administered by the KCFC.
Dennis Smith, U.S. Department of Energy presents Don Hayden, M & M Cartage with the Greenest Freight Fleet in Kentucky Award.
melissa howell
Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition mhowell@kentuckycleanfuels.org 502-452-9152
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Cover Story
Firefighters & Technicians Need More Training for Alt. Fuel Vehicles As greater numbers of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) enter onto California’s roadways, two workforce areas are in need of additional training according to a statewide survey of fire chiefs and transportation fleet managers. Under a grant from the Department of Energy, the California Center for Sustainable Energy and the California Clean Cities Coalitions recently published an assessment of current training on new vehicle technologies and fueling systems among fire fighters and fleet staff technicians. Currently, there are some 100,000 hybrid-electric, plug-in electric, and CNG vehicles in California, more than any other state, that might require emergency incident response or
be part of a fleet needing servicing. The survey found that nearly half of the 79 fire chiefs responding report a lack of such training among their staff. The 85 fleet managers surveyed said they face increasing training needs driven by state and federal mandates to adopt AFVs. The assessment also involved in-depth interviews with key AFV training organizations and industry stakeholders to develop recommendations. While fire chiefs desire AFV first responder training, some 52% said their departments are not offering their staff enough training. They cited barriers such as funding limitations, staff scheduling, and training availability.
For example, comprehensive courses that occur over several days can conflict with firefighters’ 24-hour shifts and may be interrupted by emergency needs. The report concludes that as increasing numbers of alternative fuel vehicles come on the road, alternative fuel training may need to become a required course for firefighters and other first responders. Fleet managers reported their needs for AVF training are generally on the horizon as existing vehicles go out of manufacturer’s warranty and as new clean vehicle policies for fleets go into effect. Currently, AFVs make up only about 25% of existing fleets
statewide, but that number is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years as California implements mandates for cleaner vehicle use. The assessment recommends that coalitions play a greater role in providing online information for fire departments and fleet operations about training needs, opportunities, and available grants for funding. The report, Alternative Fuel Vehicle Safety Training Needs Assessment, is available on the San Diego Regional Clean Cities Coalition website at www.sdcleancities.org.
rebecca robinson
San Diego Clean Cities Rebecca.Robinson@energycenter.org 858-244-7281
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question of the month From November 2013
What are the key terms to know when discussing ethanol flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) and their fueling infrastructure? It is important to know how to “talk the talk” when it comes to FFVs. Becoming familiar with the terms below will help you better understand these vehicles and the associated fueling infrastructure so that you can ask the right questions and make informed decisions. FFV: An FFV is a vehicle that has an internal combustion engine and can run on E85 (defined below), gasoline, or a mixture of the two. Except for fuel system and powertrain adjustments that allow the vehicles to run on higher ethanol blends, FFVs are virtually identical to their conventional gasoline vehicle counterparts; however, drivers can expect a slightly lower fuel economy when driving on ethanol compared to gasoline, depending on the ethanol blend. Types of Ethanol Ethanol can be categorized into two main types based on the feedstocks used for its production: • Starch- and sugar-based ethanol: Produced from feedstocks like corn, wheat, milo, and sugarcane, starch- and sugar-based ethanol makes up the majority of all domestic ethanol production. In fact, corn is the most common ethanol feedstock in the United States. This type of ethanol is manufactured through dry- or wet-mill processing. More than 80% of ethanol plants are dry mills due to lower capital costs. Dry-milling consists of grinding corn into flour and fermenting the mixture, resulting in distiller grain and carbon dioxide co-products. Wet mills separate the starch, protein, and fiber in corn prior to processing these components into products, such as ethanol. • Cellulosic ethanol: Produced from feedstocks like crop and wood residues, dedicated energy crops, and industrial and other wastes, cellulosic ethanol offers advantages over starch- and sugar-based feedstocks (e.g., no concerns with food versus fuel). Feedstock components include cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Because it is more challenging to extract sugars necessary for ethanol production from these feedstocks, cellulosic ethanol is more difficult to manufacture than starch- and sugar-based ethanol.
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This type of ethanol can be produced through two conversion pathways: o Biochemical: Feedstocks are pretreated to release hemicellulose sugars and then undergo hydrolysis to break cellulose into sugars. Sugars are fermented into ethanol, and lignin is recovered and used to produce energy to power the process. o Thermochemical: Heat and chemicals are added to feedstocks to create a mixture of carbon dioxide and hydrogen, also known as syngas. Syngas is then mixed with a catalyst to produce ethanol. Ethanol Blends The following ethanol blends can be used in conventional gasoline vehicles (note model year restrictions for E15): • E10: (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline) – E10 is classified as “substantially similar” to gasoline by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is legal for use in any gasoline-powered vehicle. More than 95% of the U.S. gasoline supply contains up to 10% ethanol to boost octane, meet air quality requirements, or satisfy the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS2), which calls for 36 billion gallons of biofuels to be blended into transportation fuel by 2022. E10 must meet ASTM D4806 fuel specifications. ASTM International develops specifications for conventional and alternative fuels to ensure proper vehicle operation and safety. • E15: (15% ethanol, 85% gasoline) – E15 is legal for use in model year 2001 and newer vehicles; however, there are several EPA and state agency requirements and regulations stations must adhere to when selling E15. Fuel producers that market E15 are required to individually register with EPA. While E15 does not qualify as an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct), it does help meet RFS2. E15 must meet fuel specifications laid out in ASTM D4806 and cannot be used in motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles, off-road vehicles, or off-road equipment. The following ethanol blends above E15 should only be used in FFVs due to material and compatibility issues associated with the high alcohol content of ethanol:
• Mid-level blends: Blender pumps (defined below) can create various other ethanol blends between E15 and E85 (also defined below). E20 (20% ethanol, 80% gasoline) and E30 (30% ethanol, 70% gasoline) are the most common blends selected. Mid-level ethanol blends must meet fuel specifications laid out in ASTM D7794. • E85: E85 is considered an alternative fuel under EPAct and can contain 51% to 83% ethanol, depending on geography and season. This variance in ethanol content is allowed to ensure proper starting and vehicle performance in geographic locations where cold temperatures can affect fuel properties. Though dependent on the blend, drivers can expect about 27% less energy per gallon than gasoline, resulting in a corresponding reduction in fuel economy, when using E85. E85 must meet ASTM D5798 fuel specifications. Infrastructure Low-level ethanol blends up to E10 have already been incorporated into the majority of the U.S. gasoline supply, and fueling stations that supply these blends are not required to update their fueling infrastructure. Ethanol blends above E10, however, do require specific ethanol-compatible equipment, including: • Dispensers: E85 and blender pump dispensers require specialized metals and seals to perform with high concentrations of ethanol. Permitting authorities typically require all ethanol dispensers to be UL-listed for the ethanol blend dispensed. • Hanging hardware: Hanging hardware, including hoses, nozzles, swivels, and breakaways used to dispense ethanol blends should use ethanol compatible materials. Permitting authorities typically require
hanging hardware to be UL-listed for the ethanol blend dispensed. • Storage tanks: EPA guidance allows underground storage tank (UST) manufacturers to provide a statement of compatibility for their products with specific biofuels blends. All tank manufacturers have issued statements of compatibility with ethanol blends. For a list of UST manufacturers and their ethanol-compatibility statements, please refer to the Clean Cities Handbook for Handling, Storing, and Dispensing E85 and Other Ethanol-Gasoline Blends. Most stations that dispense mid-level blends also have the following: • Blender pump: This type of fuel dispenser offers FFV owners a variety of ethanol-blended gasoline products between E15 and E85. Blender pumps draw fuel from two separate storage tanks (E10 and E85) and can dispense preprogrammed blends of those fuels. Blender pumps also may be used to dispense E15 legally. Note that blender pumps currently are offered only at select fueling stations and are mainly concentrated in the Midwest. The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Fueling Station Locator includes details about E85 stations with blender pump availability. Additional information on FFVs, ethanol feedstocks, and infrastructure can be found on the AFDC Ethanol website. Have additional quesitons? Contact the Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team by email at technicalresponse@icfi.com or call 800-254-6735.
winter 2014 | FuelsFix.com
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5th annual
texas Altcar expo
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The 5th Annual Texas Alternative Energy and Transportation Conference & Expo, hosted by the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Clean Cities Coalition, will take place at the LEED Silver certified Irving Convention Center, March 27 – 29, 2014. In 2012, the City of Plano hosted the first Texas AltCar Expo in the DallasFort Worth region, and it was a tremendous success. This year’s expo will feature more exhibit space, more ride-and-drive vehicles, and exciting panel and roundtable sessions that highlight the latest alternative fuel and advanced vehicle technology practices. Attendees will be treated to speakers and fleets from across Texas and the nation. The Texas Alt Car Expo will also give the public a chance to see the wide variety of alternative fuel vehicles and inform them on the benefits of owning and operating advanced technology cars.
funding, heavy- and light-duty vehicles, fleet success stories, and many other sessions as well as an expo hall with the latest vehicle technology will draw fleet professionals from all over the region. AltCar is open to the public on Saturday, March 29 so consumers and enthusiasts can engage in the various opportunities the event has to offer. The ride-and-drive and expo hall will be open for test drives on both days for industry professionals and the public.
DFW Clean Cities is excited to kick the event off with the Propane Engine Fuel Summit on Thursday March 27th. This event will bring in dozens of propane industry professionals as well as hundreds nationwide via streaming video. Friday, March 28 will be fleet and industry day, featuring John Davis from MotorWeek providing the keynote. Exciting panel sessions on
To learn more, visit www.altcarexpotexas.com.
winter 2014 | FuelsFix.com
Adoption of alternative fuels and advanced technologies by fleets and the public is pivotal in the North Texas region meeting national air quality standards. With examples of best practices, funding, and incentive programs, the conference will provide industry leaders and the public with tools to get behind the wheel of these new technologies.
kenny bergstrom Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Kbergstrom@nctcog.org 817-704-5643
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Fast links to the alternative fuels info you need
SAVE THE DATE SOUTHEAST ALTERNATIVE FUELS CONFERENCE & EXPO OCTOBER 22-24, 2014 RALEIGH, NC
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Alternative Fuel Systems The ICOM JTG  II Liquid Injection Propane System leads the industry with over 600 EPA certified vehicle platforms
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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.
Clean Cities -Georgia Highlights Alternative Fuels
TN Celebrates National Plug In Day
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Partner Focus
get to know
icom north america Icom North America has provided conversions for many companies including a number of shuttle bus conversions for Carpenter Bus of Franklin, TN.
Icom North America, LLC is based in the Metro Detroit area and manufactures Liquid Injection Propane Systems for the North American market. Icom partners with fuel and fueling infrastructure companies to provide turnkey solution for fleets. Their expert team works hard to help fleets enjoy the many benefits of propane autogas. Propane autogas, a natural gas liquid, is an extremely practical and cost-effective way for fleets to dramatically reduce fuel costs and emissions and utilize a domestic fuel source. Propane autogas vehicle systems and fueling infrastructure are relatively inexpensive and, in many cases, fleets will pay few out-of-pocket expenses, with fuel savings providing the payback to the fleet. Notably, Icom Systems could be financed by VFG Leasing, thus there could be no out-of-pocket costs for fleets. Propane liquid injection has been a game-changer in the USA, and Icom’s propane liquid injection system has many benefits over propane vapor injection including vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, cold weather starting, and reduced engine maintenance. Additional benefits of Icom’s systems include: • The Icom JTG Liquid Injection is patented, and Icom is one of the original pioneers in Liquid Injection Systems. • Icom technology is used in many OEM projects.
• The Icom JTG System is utilized on over 10,000 vehicles in North America and hundreds of thousands more worldwide. • Icom has attained the industry’s leading list of EPA Certified Vehicle Platforms and is continuously developing and certifying new vehicle platforms. • Icom JTG Systems are available in both bifuel and monofuel versions. • Icom Systems meet NFPA-58 Compliance, DOT FMVSS 303 and are certified to Canadian IGAC and EU E67 safety and durability standards. • Icom has 80 installation and service points in the U.S. with more on the way. • Icom Systems displace millions of gallons of gasoline and millions of pounds of emissions each year. Icom has plans for exciting developments in 2014 including the release the JTGhp Direct Injection System and the JTG Dynamic Propane/Diesel System in the U.S. For more information on Icom North America, visit them online at www.icomnorthamerica.com or call 248-573-4934. Article courtesy of
winter 2014 | FuelsFix.com
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Partner Focus
IdleBox Gets Traction “STOP Idling. START $aving”—a simple message with big potential. Because every dollar counts in this economy, reducing unnecessary idling is a great way for fleets to decrease their fuel costs with little or no financial investment. IdleBox, a new suite of tools created by Argonne National Laboratory for the U.S. DOE’s Clean Cities initiative, helps fleets launch their own idle reduction efforts. Through a suite of customizable outreach materials such as posters and presentations, IdleBox helps Clean Cities coalitions work with lightand medium-duty fleets to save money and support a cleaner environment through idling reduction. Since Clean Cities released the toolkit in January of 2013, IdleBox has made a big impact on some coalition stakeholders. Dale Collins, Fleet Services Supervisor of Fairfax Water in Fairfax, VA, embraced idle reduction after learning about it at a National Capital Chapter of the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA) meeting. At the event, the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition gave a presentation on the benefits of idle reduction based on IdleBox. As part of the presentation, they helped fleet managers calculate their potential savings from idle reduction and Collins liked what he saw. Following the NAFA meeting, Collins invited Jaime McKay, Project Manager at the coalition, to make specialized presentations to Fairfax Water’s more than 100 fleet drivers and managers. Surveys given before the presentations indicated that the groups knew less about idling’s negative impacts than Collins desired.
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Three goals motivated Collins to educate his fleet. “Our first goal was to raise awareness. Modern vehicles don’t need to idle to warm up or to cool down quicker. Secondly, [I wanted to educate them on] the financial aspects—using oil for idling gets our fleet zero MPG. Finally, if we can cut down on unnecessary idling, we can help achieve cleaner air.” The presentation to drivers focused on modifying driver behavior, such as route planning to avoid highly congested areas and turning off engines while waiting in a queue. The presentation to fleet managers went beyond the basics to discuss technologies that track or help reduce idling. During the presentation, this group recognized their fleets could use idle reduction as a solid strategy to immediately reduce fleet costs while also carrying out projects to support long-term goals, such as phasing in alternative-fuel vehicles. Both Collins and surveys by participants indicated they had an increased commitment to idling reduction after the presentation. “The presentations had a very positive impact,” he said. Fairfax Water plans to track the fuel savings from idle reduction during spring and fall of next year. For more information about IdleBox and idling reduction, contact your Clean Cities Coalition or e-mail IdleBox@anl.gov.
Article courtesy of
STOP Idling. START $aving. g. n i dl ing. I OP $av T S RT A ST
PPORT
SAVING
WE SU
IdleBox Please contact your Clean Cities coordinator about using IdleBox to jump start your idle reduction campaign (or e-mail IdleBox@anl.gov).
FUEL
Idling Reduction Policy Pledge We at ________________________________ hereby pledge our commitment to idling reduction. In support of this pledge, we are establishing the following guidelines for our facility, our vehicles, and our employees:
1. Excessive idling (more than 30 seconds) shall be prohibited at our facility, including during pickups and deliveries. 2. Drivers of our vehicles will not unnecessarily idle (more than 30 seconds).
! !
3. All employees will be encouraged to limit unnecessary idling in their own, private vehicles.
Signature of Policy Official ______________________________________________ Name, Title, Company _________________________________________________ Date ______________________________
The Future
of Automotive Engineering
Courtesy of Calvin Baker, EcoCAR 2 Communications Manager at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Students at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Daytona Beach, FL are one of 15 university teams from across North America participating in a student design competition called EcoCAR 2: Plugging In to the Future. Each university must reengineer a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu to be more environmentally friendly without compromising safety and consumer acceptability. The team, known as the EcoEagles, has spent the past two and half years of this 3-year competition designing, implementing, and refining their engineering changes, while spreading the word about hybrid and alternative fuel technologies to audiences ranging from school children to Congressional leaders. The EcoEagles implemented a Series Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) architecture. This architecture combines a Remy Electric Traction Motor with an A123 lithium iron phosphate battery pack. Fully charged, the car can travel for 35–42 miles. To extend the range, when the battery charge reaches 30 percent a General Motors 1.7 L diesel engine uses a 5-gallon tank of B20 biodiesel to power a Remy generator for extended operation. The B20 is made on campus using 20 percent processed peanut oil (from the on-campus Chick-fil-A) and 80 percent diesel fuel. These changes have resulted in the fuel efficiency of
the car increasing from the stock 29 MPG to an estimated rating of 105 MPGe. The Mechanical Engineering Department oversees the innovative achievements of the EcoEagles team, which include a paraffin and graphite composite phase-change material used to manage heat in the battery pack. An additional innovation is linked directly to the roots of Embry-Riddle as an aeronautical university. Graduate researchers have been working on a system with slotted jet flow in the rear deck lid that modifies the separation of airflow along the rear of the car, reducing the vehicle’s drag. All of this engineering is intended to win the EcoCAR 2 final competition that will take place between June 1–12 at GM’s Milford Proving Grounds and in Washington D.C. However, the real goal of the program is providing an unparalleled educational opportunity to prepare another group of exceptional young men and women to keep our nation at the forefront of efficient vehicle technology. Visit the team online at EcoEagles.org and Facebook.
colleen kettles
Central Florida Clean Cities Coalition ckettles@fsec.ucf.edu 321-638-1004
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tractor training
WISCONSIN CLEAN CITIES INTRODUCES A NEW TRAINING COURSE FOR CLASS 8 OVER-THE-ROAD TRUCKS “Behind the wheel-on the road” training with a licensed trainer.
Wisconsin Clean Cities (WCC) received Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program funding and is partnering with Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) to offer over-the-road truck drivers eco-driving training. Eco-driving involves learning techniques to maximize a vehicle’s energy efficiency.
will be completed on a simulator and drivers return 2-4 weeks after the initial class for final simulator evaluation. The WCTC certified instructors working with the drivers are Jeff Rood, Matt Eisert, and Mark Huss. Even the most experienced drivers can benefit from this cost-saving, eco-driving program.
The purpose of the program is to develop and deliver a curriculum program to heavy-duty trucking fleet drivers of at least two fleets within the six county non-attainment area of southeastern Wisconsin. The program includes developing an eco-driving training module for heavy-duty trucking fleets; recruiting, training and evaluating of at least two truck fleets; including pre-testing and post-testing, behind the wheel and classroom training; reporting pre-test and post-test results of the fleets; and a final written report, with all curriculum, training materials, driving results, and estimates of emission reduction.
Jeff Thomson, MPG Manager for Paper Transport, Inc. said, “As a driver with 33 years of experience, I thought I knew everything about maximizing the MPG of a truck…After sitting through the classroom, the simulator, and going out on the road, I realized I still had room to learn. This was a great learning experience and a lot of fun.”
The drivers are taught eco-driving skills such as progressive shifting, efficient route planning, vehicle checklists, emission reduction, anti-idling practices, and other fuel saving tips. The class consists of time in a simulator where the software can be customized. Drivers will also receive “behind the wheel-on the road” training with licensed trainers. Drivers will be evaluated before and after the course. Evaluations
Through driver awareness, eco-driving should result in reduced fleet fuel consumption and vehicle miles traveled therefore increasing productivity, lowering fuel costs, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in SE Wisconsin. For more information on the eco-driving program, contact Lorrie Lisek, Executive Director, Wisconsin Clean Cities, lorrie.lisek@wicleancities.org or call 414-221-4958.
erika noble
Wisconsin Clean Cities erika.noble@wicleancities.org 414-221-4487 winter 2014 | FuelsFix.com
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Key Members of Utah Clean Cities and The Air Quality Bureau (left to right): Richard Valentine, Robin Erickson (UCCC), Jim Jeffries, Sophia Jackson (UCCC), Mark Bowers
The Air Quality Bureau
Cleaning Utah’s Cities
Residents of Utah have gorgeous views of mountain ranges, lakes, and red rock vistas. Unfortunately these sights can be covered by inversions created in part by vehicle emissions. Utah Clean Cities Coalition (UCCC) has actively worked with the Air Quality Bureau, of the Salt Lake County Health Department, to reduce the detrimental effects of vehicle emissions through many clean air initiatives. Since UCCC’s inception in 1994, the Salt Lake County Health Department has actively worked towards optimizing air quality to promote and protect community and environmental health. With this goal in mind, the Air Quality Bureau has successfully helped implement air quality programs and has educated the community on the advantages of natural gas and the detrimental effects of vehicle emissions. The Air Quality Bureau has worked to facilitate the expansion of UCCC into other areas of the State by building relationships with organizations via the Utah Environmental Health Association, as well as other local Health Departments. Decreasing idling practices significantly reduces air pollution in the Salt Lake Valley. The Air Quality Bureau has been a pioneer in leading the way for idle-reduction programs. When UCCC implemented the “Turn Your Key, Be Idle Free” program with school districts, the bureau promoted the program’s ideals state wide. 31
winter 2014 | FuelsFix.com
In addition to the Idle Free Campaign, the Bureau has assisted in other statewide efforts. The Clear the Air Challenge, in which UCCC and the Bureau were partners, was successful with heavy support from the Bureau. In 2010, the Bureau presented the Declaration of Independence from Fossil Fuels, which emphasizes the need to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, which in turn create dirty exhaust from vehicles. Recently, the Air Quality Bureau was able to host compressed natural gas (CNG) training at their facility, allowing several individuals, including members of the Utah Highway Patrol’s Vehicle Inspection Program, to become certified in inspecting motor vehicle CNG tanks. The Air Quality Bureau and its members valiantly seek ways to improve Utah’s air quality through anti-idling practices, emissions testing, and programs to reduce our dependence on petroleum fuels. Utah Clean Cities is fortunate to have a wonderful partner who is dedicated to improving our community and environmental health.
sophia jackson
Utah Clean Cities Coalition sophia.jackson@utahcleancities.org 801-535-7736
american beauty Passengers are ready to board a propane shuttle bus at Zion National Park in Utah. This is just one out of 31 propane shuttle buses in use at the park.
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