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MoDOT and UPS Test Hybrid Truck Prototypes The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) plans to test three hybrid bucket trucks over the next 18 months at district offices in Kansas City, St. Louis and Joplin. MoDOT received two trucks in July and is the first government agency in the country to test a diesel-hybrid truck. Hybrid diesel-electric technology in utility trucks uses electric power to raise the hydraulic arm to lift maintenance workers in the air to install signs, fix traffic signals or replace streetlights. This allows the conventional engine to be turned off, reducing fuel consumption and smog-forming emissions. The hybrid truck is manufactured by International Truck Corporation and Eaton Corporation and is powered by a conventional diesel engine, electric motor and lithium ion battery pack. Conventional bucket trucks at MoDOT consume on average 2,176 gallons of diesel per year; the hybrids are expected to improve fuel efficiency by 50 percent. Further, the agency will use a B20 blend of biodiesel (20 percent biodiesel, 80 percent petroleum) in the trucks. MoDOT officials estimate potential savings of approximately $3,134 a year per vehicle replaced, with 106 conventional bucket trucks in the MoDOT fleet. MoDOT’s hybrid truck demonstration is part of the Utility Hybrid Truck Pilot Program spearheaded by California-based WestStart-CALSTART. Thirteen other utility companies across the nation will participate in this demonstration program. In related news, United Parcel Service (UPS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have unveiled the prototype of a hydraulic hybrid delivery truck. The technology, which was developed by the EPA in partnership with FEV Engine Technology, Inc. (FEV), stores energy as compressed nitrogen gas which powers the vehicle at lower speeds (25-30 mph), rather than a battery system, which is a feature of regular hybrids. The truck is powered with EPA’s Clean Diesel Combustion engine which meets EPA’s 2010 nitrogen oxide (NOx) standard of 0.2 grams per brake horse power without the need for after-treatment. The truck is expected to improve fuel economy between 60 and 70 percent and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent. Although the prototype is still being tested, UPS and EPA hope to have the vehicle in commercial production within the next two years. According to the EPA, the incremental cost for this technology is approximately $7,000 per vehicle, but the resultant fuel cost savings will allow the trucks to pay for themselves in two years. EPA estimates a net savings of more than $50,000 over the lifespan of the vehicle based on lowered fuel consumption and lowered brake maintenance cost.The major partners in this demonstration effort include Eaton Corporation, UPS, International Truck and Engine Corporation, the National Automotive Center - US Army and the Southwest Research Institute. To read more about the MoDOT hybrid trucks, please see: For more information on EPA’s hydraulic-hybrid truck, please visit:
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| Portsmouth Considers Biodiesel The Public Works Department in Portsmouth, N.H. plans to transition its fleet to biodiesel. The department will try out a B20 biodiesel blend (20 percent biodiesel, 80 percent petroleum diesel) in five trash packers and three recyclables collectors. According to the Director of Public Works, Steve Parkinson, the city is looking to shift its entire fleet to biodiesel and this test period will help increase their comfort level with the fuel, helping to iron out any potential mechanical and operational issues. According to Parkinson, the nearby city of Keene has used biodiesel without problems for some time and he hopes for similar results. If all goes well, the city’s entire diesel fleet could switch over before the end of the year.
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| Ford Starts Production of Hydrogen Engine Ford Motor Company has become the first auto manufacturer in the world to begin commercial production of a dedicated hydrogen-fueled V-10 engine. The supercharged 6.8-liter V-10 engine will be housed in Ford’s E-450 shuttle buses. The buses are scheduled to be delivered to fleet customers later this year. The first lessee is the state of Florida, which will utilize eight hydrogen-powered E-450 shuttles at its airports and convention centers. The cost of the leases, which will run between two and three years, is $250,000. Ford is also conducting research into next generation hydrogen internal combustion engines, including features such as direct injection to enhance power and fuel economy.
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| Miami-Dade Transit Testing Waters on Hybrid Buses Miami-Dade Transit in Florida recently added two diesel-electric hybrid buses to its fleet in late July. The transit agency will test a 60-foot diesel-electric hybrid bus manufactured by North American Bus Industries Inc. (NABI) and a 40-foot New Flyer diesel-electric bus equipped with GM-Allison’s parallel hybrid drivetrain. The agency will test the buses over the next 30 days with the expectation that the buses will improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions when compared to their diesel counterparts. Miami-Dade Transit plans to purchase a total of 219 hybrid buses between 2009 and 2012 as part of its routine fleet replacement program. The agency is looking to pool its purchase order with other transit agencies including Austin (Texas), Las Vegas (Nevada) and Hampton Roads (Virginia) in an effort to reduce the cost per vehicle. Hybrid buses are estimated to cost between 450,000 to 550,000 compared to $300,000 for a conventional diesel bus. Increasingly, transit agencies are looking at ways to reduce the cost of purchasing hybrid buses by ‘piggybacking’ on other transit agency bus orders. Large volume orders will help make hybrid buses more affordable and develop the market for this cleaner, advanced technology.
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New York Funds Alternative Fuel Research Lab & $10 Million Program for Plug-in Hybrids New York State is moving forward with its effort to reduce its dependence on foreign oil. On August 1, Governor George E. Pataki and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno announced plans for a state-of-the-art alternative fuel research laboratory and a new $10 million program to convert vehicles in the New York State fleet to plug-in hybrids. The New York State Alternative Fuel Vehicle Research Laboratory, which will be established at the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park (STEP), will conduct testing for advanced technologies such as fuel cells, alternative fuels, and greenhouse gas reduction technologies. The lab will focus on test systems to quantify emissions from diesel buses and trucks, helping to develop advanced control and retrofit technologies for these vehicles. In addition, New York will expand its commitment to plug-in hybrid vehicles. Under its new plug-in hybrid program, 600 hybrid vehicles in the State fleet will be retrofitted to be plug-in hybrids. Once the conversions are complete, the state will set up a competitive process to make these vehicles available to individuals and businesses. On August 14, the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency (NYSERDA) released a $10 million solicitation for the development of plug-in hybrid vehicle prototypes, which will then be subject to three months of testing. Builders of successful prototype vehicles may then apply for a second round of funding to convert the state's fleet of hybrids into plug-in hybrids. New York State owns between 500 and 600 hybrid cars and light trucks, and is looking to convert these vehicles to plug-ins. The solicitation requires a significant portion of the plug-in conversion systems to be manufactured in New York State. Alternatively, the winning bidders will be required to generate significant economic activity in the state. Proposals are due on September 18th. For more information on NYSERDA’s plug-in hybrid grant opportunity, please see:
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| Daimler Chrysler to Fuel Jeep Grand Cherokee with Biodiesel Chrysler Group announced recently that its first diesel powered full-size SUV offered in the United States will be shipped from the factory with a B5 biodiesel blend (5 percent biodiesel, 95 percent petroleum diesel). This decision builds on a similar program to fuel the Jeep Liberty with B5. Peter Cremer North America of Cincinnati, Ohio will supply the biodiesel fuel. The 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 3.0 liter common rail turbo diesel (CRD) engine built by Mercedes-Benz. Cleaner diesel technology is expected to improve fuel economy by 30 percent and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 20 percent. The Grand Cherokee CRD will be manufactured at the Jefferson North Assembly Plant in Detroit and will be rolled out to dealerships in the first quarter of 2007.
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CARB Approves Funds For Air Pollution Research The California Air Resources Board recently approved $5 million for 21 research initiatives on the health and welfare effects of air pollution, exposure assessment, global air pollution, and technology advancement and pollution prevention. Key projects funded include efforts to define the relationship between air pollution and premature death due to particulate matter, determining the nature and magnitude of emissions from offshore shipping emissions, and quantifying engine lube oil’s contribution to mobile source particulate matter emissions. In addition, CARB will support a series of studies to address greenhouse gas emissions. For more information on the project funded, please visit:
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Central California Hybrid Fleet Runs into Trouble Elk Grove, California prided itself on operating the nation’s first hybrid-only transit fleet when it purchased 21 hybrid buses 19 months ago for its e-tran commuter fleet. However, this year, operating in the scorching heat of California and on highway routes, the buses have run into repeat mechanical troubles. Hybrids work best in stop-and-go traffic and transit officials are discovering that the buses are struggling to maintain air conditioning and acceleration on commuter routes consisting primarily of freeways. At 105° F temperatures in the Central California Valley, passengers have likened the trip to sitting in an “oven on wheels.” Despite the mechanical problems, e-tran was named the fastest growing transit system in the nation, and passengers seem to appreciate the city’s attempt to use hybrid technology to reduce emissions and save fuel. Poor route planning and failure to recognize the limitations of the hybrid buses in unfavorable conditions (high temperatures) have contributed to the current troubles. Recognizing that the technology may not have been the best choice for the transit fleet’s needs, the agency will purchase compressed natural gas buses next year to augment the fleet. The Elk Grove City Council will be asked to approve the purchase of 10 such buses for next year.
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Michigan Joins the Hybrid Bus Club The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) in Lansing, Michigan has decided to add three diesel-electric hybrids to its fleet. The buses are equipped with GM-Allison’s diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system and are manufactured by New Flyer. The three vehicles, which are the first hybrid buses in the state of Michigan, are quieter and are projected to save at least 250 gallons of fuel per bus each month. The buses cost $508,900 each and were funded by federal and state grants. They will join a fleet of 91 large buses and 35 small vehicles. |
New York City to Clean Up Tour Buses New York City has tightened its emission regulations for tour buses operating in the city. Under the new Local Law 41, tour buses will be required to retrofit their vehicles with the best available retrofit technology to control emissions of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. The effort is part of a broader initiative to reduce diesel emissions in the city which has one of the highest rates of childhood asthma in the nation. A recent study reported that one in four children in the Harlem neighborhood in New York City suffer from asthma. The law will take effect in January 2007 and will apply to all sight-seeing buses with diesel engines older than three years. The retrofit technologies eligible include alternative fuels and technologies certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board. Fleets failing to comply with these new requirements will be subject to a $20,000 fine per vehicle unless they have obtained a waiver. More information on the requirements of Local Law 41 can be found at:
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Sun Metro Orders More CNG Buses Sun Metro Transit in El Paso, TX recently ordered 35 forty-foot low-floor compressed natural gas (CNG) buses from North American Bus Industries (NABI). The new commuter buses will replace a 15 year old fleet of standard-floor diesel buses. The buses will be delivered in March 2007 at a cost of $14 million, and will aid the city of El Paso in its effort to provide cleaner transportation choices. Sun Metro operates a large fleet of natural gas vehicles (more than 50 percent of its fleet is alternative fueled). |
Hybrid Shuttle Bus in the Works Azure Dynamics Corporation, a manufacturer of hybrid-electric and electric power trains has announced an agreement with Star Trans, a shuttle bus manufacturer, to produce hybrid shuttle buses. Star Trans, which has a manufacturing facility in Goshen, Indiana, will equip their shuttle buses with Azure Dynamics’ hybrid-cab chassis. The hybrid-electric shuttle bus will be the first commercially-produced unit in North America and will use a 4.8-liter gasoline-fueled GM Vortec engine as the genset combined with a 110 kW induction motor and a NiMH battery pack. The Citibus shuttle has a top speed of 65 mph, and an all-electric range of 1.5 miles. More than 10,000 shuttle buses are sold each year. This new technology offers the opportunity for operators to transition from diesel shuttle buses. Tests indicate significant fuel savings (almost 50 percent compared to conventional buses) with reductions in hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions of nearly 83 percent, 91 percent and 53 percent respectively. Azure and Star Trans will jointly market the bus via their distributor networks and will display the bus at the upcoming Bus-Con Expo to be held in October in Chicago. For more information, please see: |
School districts in Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties in Florida are hoping to cut sky-high diesel fuel costs with a switch to biodiesel. In the St. Lucie School District, officials have seen the fuel budget reach $2.9 million, up nearly $1.4 million from a year ago. The district’s fleet of about 450 buses consumes more than 1 million gallons of diesel per year and has been hit with high fuel prices. Similarly, the Palm Beach County School District, which has seen its fuel budget increase 24 percent to $4.2 million this year, will prepare to switch to biodiesel in buses before school starts this year. The district operates a fleet of 904 buses and will test biodiesel in a few buses before expanding its use to the entire fleet. In Florida, proponents of biodiesel are hoping that the high diesel prices will prompt a shift to this cleaner, renewable fuel. Last year, the state was hit hard by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita which shut down the Gulf Coast refineries. Faced with the prospect of high diesel prices, Manatee County became the first school district in the state to make the switch to biodiesel last year followed by Polk County which made the transition earlier this year.
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11 States to Receive Hybrid School Buses New York, California, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, Iowa and Washington will be the first states in the nation to receive hybrid school buses. Through its Plug-In Hybrid Electric School Bus Project, Advanced Energy, a Raleigh, N.C. based nonprofit organization initiated a buyer’s consortium of school districts, state energy agencies and student transportation providers. After issuing a nationwide request for proposals to build hybrid school buses in June 2006, Advanced Energy announced at the 13th Annual School Transportation News Expo that IC Corporation, the nation’s largest school bus manufacturer, had secured the bid and will provide up to 19 hybrid school buses to the 11 states in the consortium. The hybrid school bus will be manufactured by IC Corporation and will feature Enova’s 80-kilowatt Hybrid Drive System. The hybrid system will include an International VT365 V8 diesel engine and an electric motor. The system is based on a parallel architecture, allowing the internal combustion engine and the electric motor to work in tandem. The battery pack will be recharged through the process of regenerative braking and will result in a gain of almost 40 percent in fuel efficiency, savings which are critical for school districts struggling with tight budgets and skyrocketing fuel prices. The buses will have a plug-in capability which means that the battery pack can be recharged by plugging the vehicle into the electric grid. However, the vehicle will not be capable of operating in all-electric mode because of the parallel design. More information about this hybrid school bus program is available at:
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| Air Innovations Conference
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Alliance to Save Energy Annual Summit
For more information and to register, please visit: |
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Alternative
Transportation Festival September
22-24, 2006 More
information available at:
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Update! Send this information to |
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The Environmental and Energy Study Institute is a non-profit organization established in 1984 by a bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress to provide timely information on energy and environmental policy issues to policymakers and stakeholders and develop innovative policy solutions that set us on a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy path . EESI's valuable work in energy, climate change, agriculture, transportation and smart growth is made possible through financial support from people like you. Your tax deductible contribution will help EESI develop innovative policy solutions for a cleaner, safer, healthier world. For more information, go to our website or contact Shefali Ranganathan at sranganathan@eesi.org or call 202-662-1883.
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