green fleet magazine may/june 2011
DESCRIPTION
Magazine for the alternative fuel automotive fleet industryTRANSCRIPT
A BOBIT PUBLICATION WWW.GREENFLEETMAGAZINE.COM MAY / JUNE 2011
VOL.1, NO. 1
ENCANA’S CNG FLEET p28 ● GM’S NEW LPG CUTAWAY VANS p30 ● ALL-NEW GREEN VEHICLE SHOWCASE p32
GRANTFUNDINGFUNDINGFOR CLEAN FOR CLEAN AIR VEHICLESAIR VEHICLES
HOW TO FINDHOW TO FIND
Calculate AFV Cost of Ownership
Refuse FleetsExpand CNG Use
Green Fleet ConferenceFollows ‘Green’ Theme
Cutting Costswith Propane Autogas
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AF0610fordrecycle.indd 2-3 5/6/10 12:08:42 PMGRN_992-1.indd 992GRN_992-1.indd 992 3/25/11 2:08:07 PM3/25/11 2:08:07 PM
fl eet.ford.com* Optional, available on select models. **EPA-estimated 17 city/25 hwy/20 combined mpg (Taurus SHO/MKS); 16 city/22 hwy/18 combined mpg (Flex/MKT), EcoBoost AWD.
GREENER.At Ford Fleet, we believe in getting the most out of green technology. We’re continually working to improve vehicle performance while decreasing negative environmental impact. Our proprietary EcoBoost™ engine* can do just that for your fl eet. It combines turbocharging and direct-injection technologies to provide the performance of a V8 with the fuel economy of a V6.** Our ultimate goal is to go beyond producing a more powerful and greener fl eet — to ensuring every mile your fl eet drives barely leaves an impression at all. Ford Fleet. Get More.
FFLE00252_D186360_Spd_R03.indd 1 5/3/10 1:59 PM
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CONTENTS6 How to Find Available Money for Your FleetA record amount of grant and incentive funding for clean air vehicles is available, but fl eet
managers must be able to identify and successfully seek out these funding sources.
12 How Much Green Does It Take to Go Green? Preparing & Understanding AFV Lifecycle CostsBy comparing the TCO of diesel, E-85, CNG, hybrid, and electric vehicle options with
similar gasoline-fueled vehicles, fl eet managers can determine the total cost of integrating
alt-fuel vehicles into the fl eet.
16 How Infi nity Insurance Created a Green Fleet PolicyAn eff ective “fl eet-greening” policy requires planning and research. Fleet Operations
Supervisor Chuck Kukal describes the basic steps he used in developing a green fl eet policy
for Infi nity Insurance Company.
20 Natural Gas a Hit with Refuse FleetsReduced fuel prices, maintenance costs, and harmful emissions are just some reasons
refuse fl eets are increasing their compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle purchases.
24 Green Fleet Conference Living Up to Its Name Conference attendees and exhibitors won’t be the only ones showing off their
environmentally friendly images at the 2011 Green Fleet Conference. Th e “green” theme
will be spread throughout the event.
26 Ferrellgas Cuts Costs Using Propane AutogasAlmost one-third of Ferrellgas’ nearly 4,000 vehicles are propane-powered. Th e units
are signifi cantly less costly to operate and generate 60-70 percent less smog-producing
hydrocarbons than their gasoline counterparts.
28 Encana to Convert Majority of Fleet to CNGEncana operates a fl eet of 700 vehicles in the U.S. Th e company is dovetailing its eff orts to
build new natural gas fueling stations with its process of converting its fl eet to CNG.
30 GM to Offer Single-Source LPG Option for Chevrolet & GMC Cutaway VansTh e automaker expects to ship the liquefi ed petroleum gas (LPG) cutaway vans by fourth
quarter 2011.
4 Industry News
32 Green Vehicle Showcase
38 Transit Showcase
40 Editorial
departments
16
30
6
GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 20112
features
M A Y / J U N E 2 0 1 1 ● V O L U M E 1 ● N U M B E R 1
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CONTENTS
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Frito-Lay Adds Propane to Fleet DALLAS – Frito-Lay has partnered with ROUSH CleanTech to develop
a liquid propane autogas (LPG) conversion system for Ford E-350 dual
rear-wheel cutaway chassis vehicles. According to Joe Gold, fl eet asset and
engineering manager at Frito-Lay North America, the company sees the potential to convert up
to 2,000 of Frito-Lay’s gasoline-powered vehicles to propane autogas across the U.S. within the
next several years.
Th e E-350 dual rear-wheel cutaway demonstration vehicle with this system will be based on
the Ford 5.4L, two-valve V-8 engine and planned for fi rst quarter 2011 production, according to
Frito-Lay and ROUSH.
When compared to the emissions baseline of typical gasoline vehicles, the system will cut
engine-out emissions for NOx by 50 percent and particulate matter by 25 percent. Each propane
autogas Ford E-350 vehicle is expected to displace almost 1,667 gallons of gasoline per year.
Annually, a fl eet of 1,225 vehicles would displace 2 million gallons of gasoline each year and 20
million gallons over a 10-year lifetime, according to ROUSH.
Minneapolis Implements Green Fleet Policy MINNEAPOLIS – On March 7, the Minneapolis City
Council approved a Green Fleet Policy more than a year
in the making. Th e policy aims to reduce and inventory
fl eet vehicle emissions, optimize fl eet size, and ensure
low-emission vehicle procurement.
John Scharffb illig, director of Fleet Services, and the
Fleet Services team wrote the policy. Th e City operates
about 2,000 units, about 1,300 of which are on-road
vehicles. Scharffb illig said about 550 units of the vehicle
fl eet already utilize some form of alternative fuel.
Th e policy states that the City will establish and
maintain a vehicle inventory list, which will be used for
greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction initiatives and emissions monitoring.
Th e policy is just the latest in Minneapolis’ green eff orts. From 2008 to 2010, the City lowered
fl eet fuel consumption by 6 percent, reduced the fl eet by 75 vehicles since 2008, purchased 324
alt-fuel vehicles since 2008, and switched many departments to a car sharing program for City
business.
More details on the Minneapolis Green Fleet Policy are available in the online Web Xclusive
story at www.gfl eet.com/magazine. Under the Magazine header, click on “Web Xclusive.”
Proposed Fuel Economy and GHG Standards to be Announced by SeptemberWASHINGTON – Th e U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the U.S. Environmental Protec-
tion Agency (EPA), and the State of California are working on a single timeframe, with a deadline
of Sept. 1, for proposing fuel economy and greenhouse gas (GHG) standards for 2017-2025
model-year cars and light-duty trucks.
According to the EPA, proposing the new standards on the same timeframe signals continued
collaboration that could lead to an extension of the current National Clean Car Program.
In April 2010, DOT and EPA established GHG emission and fuel economy standards for 2012-
2016 model-year light-duty cars and trucks. In fall 2010, California accepted compliance with
these federal GHG standards as meeting similar state standards adopted in 2004, resulting in the
fi rst coordinated national program.
Th e standards require these vehicles to meet an estimated combined average emissions level of
250 grams of carbon dioxide per mile in model-year 2016, which is equivalent to 35.5 miles per
gallon.
CHEYENNE, WY – The State of Wyoming has channeled $200,000 from the general fund to convert vehicles in the State’s Department of Transportation and Department of Administration and Information to run on natural gas. The State legislature passed House Bill 235, which directs State agency directors to change their fl eets to run on natural gas, or a combination of natural gas and another form of fuel, either via retrofi t or through purchasing new vehicles by July 1, 2012.
LOS ANGELES – Automobile Club of Southern California has re-ceived 20 smart fortwo electric drive cars as part of a research project it is conducting to test the utility and benefi ts of electric vehicles (EVs). Auto Club intends to test these vehicles in light-duty roadside, insur-ance, and consumer activities.According to the Auto Club, the smart fortwo EVs will be driven by employees in roadside assistance, automotive services and insur-ance claims fl eets, the Automotive Research Center, and publications and public affairs groups. It plans to publish results of this study in its Westways member magazine.Auto Club said it also plans to spon-sor a hydrogen vehicle fueling station at Cal State Los Angeles, which the company said will open in the spring.
WYOMING STATE FLEETS GET GREEN LIGHT TO IMPLEMENT NATURAL GAS
AUTO CLUB TESTING EVS
INDUSTRY NEWS
GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 20114
The City of Minneapolis currently operates 383 fl ex-fuel vehicles.
Auto Club is testing 20 smart fortwo EVs in its fl eet. It plans to publish the results.
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Daimler Trucks Builds 1,000th Hybrid-Electric VehicleMT. HOLLY, NC – Daimler Trucks North
America (DTNA) marked the produc-
tion of its 1,000th hybrid-electric vehicle
— a Freightliner Business Class M2 106
Hybrid truck — with a celebration at its
Mt. Holly, N.C. plant.
Th e Freightliner Business Class M2 106
Hybrid provides the same features of the
Freightliner Business Class M2, such as
improved visibility and maneuverability,
with the added effi ciency and environment-
friendly features of hybrid power. Th e
Business Class M2 106 Hybrid can also
be easily confi gured for a wide variety of
bodies for diff erent applications, such as
beverage, dump, government, landscape, towing, utility vehicles, and emergency.
In addition to the Business Class M2 106 Hybrid, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation
(FCCC), a subsidiary of DTNA, manufactures hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) chassis, hydraulic
hybrid vehicle (HHV) chassis, and all-electric chassis for walk-in vans.
All DTNA hybrid products are equipped with EPA 2010-compliant engines utilizing selective
catalytic reduction (SCR) technology and the Eaton Hybrid Electric Drivetrain System, a parallel
hybrid system that enables the truck to operate using the diesel engine alone or in combination
with the hybrid-electric motor.
ROUSH Launches Ford F-450 & F-550 PropaneAutogas Fuel System INDIANAPOLIS – ROUSH CleanTech announced its newest liquid propane autogas product of-
fering at the 2011 National Truck Equipment Association’s Work Truck Show at the Indianapolis
Convention Center in March.
Th e new 6.8L V-10 propane autogas-powered Ford F-550 super duty chassis cab is designed to
suit a wide range of uses including dump, landscape, fl atbed, construction, waste, utility, freight,
and more. A prototype of the vehicle was on display at the show.
Th e propane autogas fuel system will be available for 2012 and later models of the Ford F-450
and F-550 truck series, and is expected to ship beginning in October. Th e system, equipped with a
5-speed automatic transmission, will work on all cab and wheelbase confi gurations, as well as 4x2
or 4x4 vehicles.
ROUSH CleanTech is still fi nal-
izing the details on tank capacity
and options. It plans to off er up to
three tank confi gurations for the
Ford F-450 and F-550 propane
autogas fuel system — an in-bed
tank and two under-bed tanks.
Th e fuel tank choices will be able
to be combined to conform to
various body confi gurations and to
meet the range requirements of
their customers, another fi rst for
ROUSH CleanTech.
INDUSTRY NEWS
MAY / JUNE 2011 ■ GREEN FLEET 5
Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) marked the production of its 1,000th hybrid-electric vehicle with a celebration at its Mt. Holly, N.C. plant. The 1,000th vehicle — a Freightliner Business Class M2 106 Hybrid truck — is manufactured at the Mt. Holly location.
The propane autogas fuel system will be available for 2012 and later models of the Ford F-450 and F-550 truck series.
www.greenfl eetmagazine.com
Editor and PublisherEd Bobit
Vice PresidentGroup Publisher, Auto GroupSherb Brown
Editor and Associate PublisherMike Antich(310) 533-2467
Managing EditorLauren Fletcher(310) 533-2415
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Associate EditorThi Dao(310) 533-2544
Web EditorGreg Basich(310) 533-2572
Field EditorsBob Cavalli, Al Cavalli
Production DirectorKelly Bracken
Production ManagerBrian Peach(310) 533-2548
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Subscription Inquiries(888) [email protected]
National Sales ManagerSherb Brown(310) 533-2451
District Advertising Managers
Regional Sales ManagerEric Bearly(310) [email protected]
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Great LakesRobert Brown Jr.1000 W. University Dr., Ste. 209Rochester, MI 48307(248) 601-2005 • Fax (248) [email protected]
Sales & Marketing CoordinatorTracey Tremblay
ChairmanEdward J. Bobit
CEOTy F. Bobit
CFORichard E. Johnson
Editorial ConsultantHoward Rauch
Business and Editorial Offi ceBobit Business Media3520 Challenger St.Torrance, CA 90503-1640Fax: (310) 533-2503Printed in U.S.A.
Autom
otive Fleet
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GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 20116
A record amount of grant and incentive funding for clean air vehicles is available, but fl eet managers must be able to identify and successfully seek out these funding sources.
With the surge of interest in green-
house gas emissions, carbon foot-
prints, and mitigating the environmen-
tal impacts of fl eet operations, the use of
alternative-fuel and advanced technolo-
gy vehicles, such as hybrid-electric (HEV)
and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV), has
become much more prevalent. In fact, for
some fl eet operations (such as those falling
under EPAct regulations), the purchase of
alternative-fuel vehicles (AFVs) in specif-
ic percentages is mandated by the federal
government. Recent surveys have also con-
fi rmed that fl eets are voluntarily purchasing
clean air alternative fuel and advanced tech-
nology vehicles in record quantities.
Unfortunately, with very few exceptions,
such as fl ex-fuel vehicles (FFVs) capable
of operating on gasoline or E-85 ethanol,
alternative-fuel and advanced technolo-
gy vehicles require a larger capital outlay
to procure. Simply put, clean air vehicles
cost more than their gasoline-powered
counterparts.
Determining how to pay for these typi-
cally more expensive clean air vehicles has
also consistently been identifi ed as a grow-
ing concern for fl eet managers overseeing
cash-strapped fl eet operations. But there is
a silver lining contained within the current
economic cloud. Despite the fl oundering
economy and budget woes in general, a re-
cord amount of grant and incentive fund-
ing for clean air vehicles has also been made
available. For example, in 2009 the federal
Department of Energy (DOE) made near-
ly $300 million of American Reinvestment
and Recovery Act (ARRA) funding avail-
able through the Clean Cities program.
Th is single grant funding opportunity is
responsible for putting more than 9,000
alternative-fuel and energy-effi cient vehi-
cles on the road and establishing 542 refu-
eling stations across the country.
Become Familiar with the ProcessNow more than ever, it is essential for
fl eet managers to be able to identify and
successfully seek out all available funding
sources for vehicle acquisitions. It can be
challenging to remain abreast of
all current clean air vehicle grant
funding opportunities, but with
a little eff ort and some networking,
the undertaking may be greatly simplifi ed.
Th e objective is to become aware of emerg-
ing grant funding opportunities early in the
process in order to have time to produce a
quality proposal. A good strategy is to fo-
cus only on those grants that will defi nitely
benefi t your organization and also off er a
reasonable opportunity for success. In or-
der to do all of this effi ciently, fl eet man-
agers must become familiar with grants
in general.
Th ere are two main types of grant fund-
ing awarded: competitive and formulaic. A
competitive grant is a grant for which mul-
tiple applications are solicited, which then
compete against each other for award. Typ-
ically, competitive grants will have specif-
ic criteria that allow proposals to be com-
pared to each other and evaluated in order
to select the most qualifi ed application(s)
for the award.
Formulaic grants, also known as block
grants, are not competitively evaluated but
are distributed proportionally amongst ap-
plicants based upon an established formu-
How to FindAvailable Money Available Money for Your Fleetfor Your Fleet
A number of funding opportunities are
available for fl eets seeking to add clean
vehicles to their operations. A few sourc-
es include:
● Federal grant funding through
agencies such as the U.S. Department
of Energy, U.S. Department of
Transportation, and the Environmental
Protection Agency.
● State grant funding through State
Energy Offi ces.
● Local grant funding through
Metropolitan Planning Organizations
and Pollution Control Districts.
By Richard Battersby
AT A GLANCE PH
OTO
: ©IS
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OTO
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ATI
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MAY / JUNE 2011 ■ GREEN FLEET 7
la or criteria. Under a
formulaic grant pro-
gram, all qualifi ed
applicants receive
a percentage of the
total award. A com-
monly used criterion for award
of formulaic grants is popu-
lation size.
Fleets have historically con-
centrated on applying for compet-
itive grants, but there has been a trend
lately of fl eets accessing formulaic/block
grant funds awarded to their community.
While the lion’s share of fl eet grant fund-
ing will be provided through competitive
grants, a savvy fl eet manager will also learn
about any formulaic/block grants coming
into their organization to be ready when
opportunities arise to take advantage of
them. Th is article will focus on competi-
tive grant funding sources.
Finding FundsTh ere are three main categories of funding
sources for clean air and advanced technol-
ogy vehicles: federal, state, and local.
Federal Grant Funding. When it comes
to grant opportunities, the federal govern-
ment is by far and away the largest and most
consistent source of funding. Th is holds true
for alternative-fuel and advanced technol-
ogy vehicles, fuel, and infrastructure proj-
ects. Many federal agencies off er funding
opportunities, but the majority of funding
for clean air vehicle and transportation re-
lated projects comes from a handful of fed-
eral agencies.
Th e Department of Energy (DOE), De-
partment of Transportation (DOT), Envi-
ronmental Protection Agency (EPA), and
United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) all off er ongoing funding oppor-
tunities for clean air vehicle and transpor-
tation projects. Each of these agencies has
information on their clean air vehicle fund-
ing opportunities available on their respec-
tive Web pages.
DOE (www.energy.gov): Provides clean
air vehicle and fuels grants from programs
and offi ces such as Clean Cities, Vehicle
Technologies Program, State Energy Pro-
gram, Energy Effi ciency and Conservation
Block Grant Program, etc.
DOT (www.dot.gov): Provides grant
funding for lowering vehicle emissions and
reducing greenhouse gas emissions through
programs and offi ces such as the Federal
Transit Administration (FTA), the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA), and the
Transportation, Community, and System
Preservation Program (TCSP). Of partic-
ular note is the Congestion Mitigation and
Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) pro-
gram administered by the FTA and FHWA
through state DOTs and Metropolitan Trans-
portation Organizations (MPO).
EPA (www.epa.gov): Provides clean air
vehicle grant funding through its National
Clean Diesel Campaign and Diesel Emis-
sions Reduction Act (DERA) programs.
Th ese are typically oriented toward heavy-
duty and off -road diesel equipment proj-
ects. Th e EPA also provides innovative fi -
nancing options to fl eet customers through
its SmartWay Clean Diesel Finance pro-
gram. Th e EPA may have additional fund-
ing and incentive options at the state or re-
gional level.
USDA (www.usda.gov): While not his-
torically considered a source of vehicle or
transportation funding, the USDA has re-
cently become a consistent source of cer-
tain types of clean air vehicle and fuel grant
funding. Th e USDA provides funding op-
portunities for agriculture-related trans-
portation projects such as those involving
biofuels. Biofuels include ethanol, biodie-
sel, and biogas, including biomethane. Bi-
omethane is natural gas derived from organic
sources such as cow manure or decompos-
ing landfi ll waste materials.
State Grant Funding. Th e federal govern-
ment may reign supreme as the champion
source for clean air vehicle grant funding,
but many states have developed aggressive
grant funding programs over the past few
years. While each state has diff erent grant
funding sources, the designated State En-
ergy Offi ce (SEO) is typically the largest
clean air vehicle grant funding source in
each state. To make it easy to identify each
state’s SEO, the National Association of
State Energy Offi cials (NASEO) publishes
a directory of State Energy Offi ces online.
Th e federal DOE’s Alternative Fuels and
Advanced Vehicles Data Center (AFDC)
also publishes a Web-based map that allows
users to click on any state in the country
to get information on alternative and clean
air vehicle incentives and funding sources.
Th ere is a multitude of state-level funding
programs for clean air vehicle and transpor-
tation projects, but visiting these two web-
sites will provide the starting points for any
fl eet manager interested state- level fund-
ing programs. (See sidebar “Locate Infor-
mation on the Web” on page 12 for links
to websites mentioned.)
Keep in mind some states may have for-
mal incentive and funding programs es-
tablished in addition to the SEO. An ex-
ample is found in the State of California,
where the Energy Commission is the des-
ignated SEO, but the Air Resources Board
is also an established and consistent source
of clean air and advanced technology ve-
hicle funding.
And fi nally, at the state level there may
also be additional EPA funding activity from
individual EPA regions. Beyond the nation-
wide EPA clean vehicle funding programs,
EPA off ers regional and targeted funding
opportunities through its 10 regional of-
fi ces. Th e best bet to ensure that no fund-
ing opportunities are missed is to monitor
EPA funding opportunities through your
local EPA region.
Local Grant Funding. Local grant fund-
ing sources typically off er the widest vari-
ety of funding opportunities and normally
enjoy streamlined application and review
processes when compared to the state and
federal funding programs. Local agen-
cies usually off er less complex and more
straightforward reporting requirements.
Consequently, many fl eets choose to apply
Available Money for Your Fleet
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for clean air vehicle funding only from lo-
cal agencies. Th is makes sense from a prac-
tical standpoint because the local agency
staff tends to live and work in your com-
munity and can be more inclined to sup-
port and fund your projects. However, each
locality will have varying numbers of grant
funding sources, and the funding may be
made available at much smaller levels than
from state or federal sources.
Th e two primary clean air vehicle and
transportation project funding sources at
the local level are Metropolitan Planning
Organizations (MPO) and Pollution Con-
trol Districts. MPOs are federally mandated
transportation policy-making organizations.
MPOs will be found in any urbanized area
with a population base greater than 50,000
residents. Federal funding for transporta-
tion projects and programs are channeled
through these organizations to the local area.
An easy way to identify an MPO is to visit
the website directory published by the As-
sociation of Metropolitan Planning Orga-
nizations (AMPO). At the AMPO website,
each state’s respective MPO is identifi ed,
neatly organized, and contact information
is provided. (See “Locate Information on
the Web” sidebar.)
In addition to falling under the jurisdic-
tion of an MPO, many localities will also
have a designated Pollution Control entity.
Th e names range widely, from titles such
as Pollution Control Agency, Air Pollution
District, or even Air Quality Management
District, but the intent and purpose are sim-
ilar. Th ese local Pollution Control entities
are consistent sources of clean air vehicle
funding. Th e best way to identify your lo-
cal Pollution Control authority is to do an
Internet search or query state level agen-
cies. For example, in California, the Air
Resources Board maintains a local air dis-
trict directory that identifi es the various Air
Quality Management Districts and Pollu-
tion Control Districts and the territories
for which they are responsible.
Additional Funding Sources. In addi-
tion to the standard federal, state, and lo-
cal funding sources, clean air vehicle and
transportation projects may also be eligi-
ble for funding from other less tradition-
al sources such as corporate philanthropic
initiatives, and entities dealing in carbon/
pollution off sets.
Meaning literally “as near as possible,”
cy-pres grant funding is becoming more
prevalent these days. Th ese funds are de-
rived from legal settlements such as class
action lawsuits where it may not be feasible
or practical to distribute the settlements to
the class members. Cy-pres funding made
available for clean air projects typically comes
from cases where a party has been found li-
able for damages to the environment, such
as an oil or chemical spill. Beyond the dam-
COVER STORY
GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 20118
AF0311audi.indd 1 2/18/11 8:47:58 AM
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides clean air vehicle and fuel grants through programs such as Clean Cities, created by the DOE in 1994 to assist fl eets and other interested parties in reducing, replacing, and eliminating petroleum consumption at the local level. More than 90 Clean Cities Coalitions exist nationwide, ready to provide assistance on possible funding opportunities.
SOU
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U.S
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GRNFLT0511_grants.indd 8GRNFLT0511_grants.indd 8 3/25/11 3:05:19 PM3/25/11 3:05:19 PM
Contact [email protected] for more information.
*EPA estimates 42mpg hwy/ 30mpg city for the 2011 Audi A3 TDI clean diesel with automatic transmission, and 25mpg hwy/ 17mpg city for the 2011 Audi Q7 TDI clean diesel with automatic transmission. Your mileage will vary. **CO2 emissions claim based on comparison to gasoline engine. “Audi,” “Q7,” “A3,” “Truth in Engineering,” the Audi Singleframe grille design, and the four rings and Audi emblems are registered trademarks of AUDI AG. “TDI” is a registered trademark of Volkswagen AG. ©2011 Audi of America, Inc.
The Audi Q7 TDI®The Audi A3 TDI®
As you well know, the decisions you make say everything about you and your company. Take Audi
TDI clean diesel, for example. It says a lot of things (all positive, of course). Like how smart you
are. Just look at the astonishing fuel-efficiency numbers for both the A3 TDI (42 mpg hwy) and
Q7 TDI (25 mpg hwy)*. Not to mention the uncompromising power and torque both possess.
And of course, maybe most important, it says how progressively minded you are. Both the A3 TDI
and Q7 TDI deliver 20% fewer emissions than gasoline engines.** So as far as decisions go, this
will make quite a statement. audiusa.com/tdi
AF0311audi.indd 1 2/18/11 8:47:58 AMGRNFLT0511_grants.indd 9GRNFLT0511_grants.indd 9 3/25/11 3:05:21 PM3/25/11 3:05:21 PM
ages caused to those directly aff ected by the
actual act, the government sometimes also
recovers punitive damages from the plain-
tiff . Th e punitive damage award may then
be made available for projects that can help
off set damage to the environment. Th ese
are the most diffi cult types of grants to be-
come aware of because the source and fre-
quency cannot be predicted.
Many corporations and private parties
are interested in preserving the environ-
ment and may also off er funding for clean
air vehicle projects. Th ese sources are typ-
ically very interested in maintaining and
promoting their image as “good” corpo-
rate citizens. You may be surprised at the
scope and magnitude of funding available
from these sources. Some examples of re-
cent corporate clean air vehicle philanthrop-
ic opportunities include AAA’s Greenlight
Initiative and Google’s RechargeIT and
Google.org programs.
While not yet mainstream, a growing in-
dustry of businesses sell carbon and pol-
lution off sets to fl eets and consumers. Th e
business model is built around the concept
that organizations or individuals desiring
to reduce their carbon impact on the envi-
ronment may purchase off sets to cancel out
their carbon use. Th e money used to pur-
chase these off sets is then made available
to fund carbon reduction projects. While
fl eet-specifi c projects have not yet become
commonplace under this practice, it is def-
initely a burgeoning industry with unlimit-
ed growth opportunities. It would be wise
to monitor fast-moving companies in this
industry such as TerraPass and Carbon-
fund.org to see if and when opportunities
for funding of clean air vehicle and fuels
projects develop in your area.
Stay InformedAs discussed, several types of grant fund-
ing are available from a multitude of dif-
ferent sources. Remaining apprised of and
informed on clean air vehicle funding op-
portunities can be intimidating and con-
fusing to even the most experienced fl eet
manager due to the dizzying array of fund-
ing sources. However, simple techniques can
be employed to stay informed of 90 percent
of the grant opportunities out there.
By connecting with just a handful of
organizations, a fl eet manager can avoid
having to identify and monitor each of the
individual organizations off ering specifi c
clean air vehicle funding and incentives. In
fact, with a small amount of participation
and signing up for e-mail notifi cations,
electronic newsletters, and RSS feeds to
some of the organizations discussed, it is
possible to have notices of the vast majority
of funding opportunities conveniently
delivered via e-mail.
Th e federal DOE is well aware of the
challenges faced by fl eets seeking to explore
alternative-fuel and advanced technology
vehicle options. To assist fl eets and other in-
terested parties in reducing, replacing, and
eliminating petroleum consumption at the
local level, DOE created the Clean Cities
program in 1994. Th is organization is di-
rectly in the forefront of the alternative fuel
and advanced technology industry. With
more than 90 coalitions nationwide, there
COVER STORY
GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201110
LOCATE INFORMATION ON THE WEBAn abundance of resources for fi nding available grants and funding is available on-
line. The following are just a few websites to explore:
● Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center (State Incentives and Laws): www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/laws/state
● Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO Directory): www.ampo.org/directory
● Bureau of Transportation Statistics: www.bts.gov/external_links/ government/metropolitan_planning_organizations.html
● Clean Cities Coalitions: www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/coalitions.html
● Federal Business Opportunities: www.fbo.gov
● Grants.gov: www.grants.gov
● National Association of State Energy Offi cials: www.naseo.org/ members/states
● Recovery.gov: www.recovery.gov/Opportunities/Pages/Grants.aspx
● U.S. Department of Energy (Funding Opportunities): www.energy.gov/ recovery/funding.htm
The Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov) offers regional and targeted funding op-portunities through its 10 regional offi ces. The best bet to ensure no funding opportunities are missed is to monitor EPA funding opportunities through your local EPA region.
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EN
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ON
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GRNFLT0511_grants.indd 10GRNFLT0511_grants.indd 10 3/25/11 3:05:21 PM3/25/11 3:05:21 PM
is likely a local Clean Cities Coalition near-
by that may be tapped for assistance. Clean
Cities provides updated information of ve-
hicle, fuel, and infrastructure options as well
as any possible funding opportunities that
may become available. Most Coalitions off er
an e-mail subscription service. Some Co-
alitions, such as the East Bay Clean Cities
Coalition, have detailed clean air vehicle
funding Web pages. Th is particular coali-
tion separately identifi es each federal, state,
and local funding source available in its re-
gion and makes this information available
in a single location.
Each agency typically publishes advance
notice of upcoming funding opportunities
and also posts the solicitations on their re-
spective websites. Most grant-providing
agencies also conduct grant workshops
or webinars designed to inform interested
parties and potential applicants about the
grant opportunity and also to assist with
preparation of proposals where permis-
sible. If a grant-providing agency holds a
workshop or seminar, rest assured it will be
the best source of information available on
that particular grant. It is also important to
become familiar with the specifi c staff re-
sponsible for the incentive programs with-
in these organizations as these individuals
will have some of the most pertinent and
current information on the grants and in-
centives available. It is helpful to develop
these local agency contacts not just as re-
sources for questions related to their spe-
cifi c proposals, but also for assistance with
larger issues such as identifying likely part-
ners for joint proposals, providing support-
ing data for proposals, or even reviewing
a proposal that is being submitted to an-
other agency.
With numerous alternative-fuel vehi-
cles and fuels, as well as hybrid, plug-in hy-
brid, and other advanced technology clean
air vehicles on the market today, a corre-
lating funding source is bound to exist or
be in the works. While the grant funding
or incentives may not completely off set the
entire incremental cost versus purchasing
a standard vehicle, the sting of purchas-
ing higher-priced clean air vehicles may
be alleviated by pursuing grant funding
and incentives.
Th e numerous types and sources of clean
air vehicle grant funding can at fi rst seem in-
timidating or bewildering, but rest assured
there is plenty of advice and guidance out
there to assist fl eet managers through the
purchase of new and unfamiliar technol-
ogy. Th e guidelines presented here should
provide the basic resources needed to get
any fl eet manager started down the path
toward submitting a winning clean air ve-
hicle grant proposal.
About the AuthorRichard Battersby is di-rector of fl eet services at the University of Cal-ifornia Davis. He can be reached at [email protected].
When it comes to alternative fuels, propane is far and away the best alternative.More than 14 million vehicles worldwide run on propane autogas, and momentum behind this powerful, clean-burning fuel is beginning to build here in the U.S. as well. To help you better understand the economic and environmental benefits available to fleets that use autogas, we’ve launched www.ferrellautogas.com.
Call us today to learn how easy it is to incorporate propane-powered vehicles into your fleet.
855-4-AUTOGAS
MAY / JUNE 2011 ■ GREEN FLEET 11
GRNFLT0511_grants.indd 11GRNFLT0511_grants.indd 11 3/25/11 3:05:22 PM3/25/11 3:05:22 PM
GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201112
By comparing the TCO of diesel, E-85, CNG, hybrid, and electric vehicle options with similar gasoline-fueled vehicles, fl eet managers can determine the total cost of integrat-ing alt-fuel vehicles into the fl eet.
Whether it’s due to concern for the
environment, America’s reliance
on foreign oil, corporate mandates, or any
other reason, it is important for those in the
fl eet industry to understand and consider
alternative-fuel vehicles (AFVs) as a poten-
tial fl eet vehicle. As with any business deci-
sion, the fi nancial impact needs to be part
of the decision process. To help with that
process, Vincentric evaluated the lifecycle
costs of the more commonly used alt-fuel
choices, including E-85 (85- percent etha-
nol, 15-percent gasoline), hybrid, diesel,
compressed natural gas (CNG), and main-
stream electric vehicles. Th ese were eval-
uated with a comparable set of gasoline-
powered vehicles. All comparisons assume
20,000 miles per year over three years. Th e
results may be surprising.
E-85 May Mean Higher Fuel Costs
E-85 has been an available alternative
for those concerned about America’s de-
pendence on foreign oil. It is produced do-
mestically from corn and other crops. An
additional advantage is the reduced amount
of greenhouse gas emissions it produces
compared to conventional fuels. Recent
pricing for E-85 across the U.S. was $2.80
per gallon versus the cost of regular grade
gasoline of $3.427 per gallon.
E-85, however, is not without its disad-
vantages. A key drawback to E-85 is that
ethanol contains less energy per volume
than gasoline, resulting in reduced fuel
economy for fl exible fuel vehicles com-
pared to their gasoline counterparts. In
addition, some are concerned that use of a
How Much Green Does It Take to Go Green?Preparing & Understanding AFV Lifecycle Costs
A look at total lifecycle cost for various
alternative-fuel vehicles fi nds:
● E-85 vehicles may have higher
lifecycle cost due to higher fuel prices.
● With a middling TCO, a hybrid vehicle
may be ideal for some fl eet applications.
● Despite the higher cost of diesel fuel,
a comparison of vehicles show diesel
results in lower lifecycle cost.
● CNG has higher TCO even factoring in
lower fuel costs and tax incentives.
● A large federal tax credit lowers the
TCO of an electric vehicle.
By David Wurster
E-85 VERSUS GASOLINE (CHEVROLET SILVERADO)Vehicle Description 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS (Crew Cab 2WD)Engine 4.8L V-8 SFI 16-valve Flex Vortec VVT OHV (L20)MPG City/Hwy 14/19 10/14Fuel Type Regular E-85Vincentric Fleet Price $26,729 $26,729Depreciation $12,304 $12,304Fees and Taxes $1,882 $1,882Finance $2,977 $2,977Fuel $13,630 $17,035Insurance $3,398 $3,398Maintenance $1,637 $1,637Opportunity Costs $305 $332Repairs $817 $817Total Cost of Ownership $36,950 $40,382C
ha
rt 1
The Chevrolet Silverado’s fuel costs were signifi cantly higher when running on E-85 versus running on gasoline (nearly $4,000 over three years). Although E-85 fueling costs are lower, re-duced fuel economy led to higher fuel costs.
PHOTO: ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/TPOPOVA
AT A GLANCE
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MAY / JUNE 2011 ■ GREEN FLEET 13
food source as fuel is not appropriate.
In the comparison in Chart 1, the 2011
Chevrolet Silverado’s fuel costs were sig-
nifi cantly higher when running on E-85
versus running on gasoline, resulting in
an overall lifecycle cost that was about 10
percent higher for the E-85 vehicle.
Hybrid TCO Hovers in the Middle
Th e top-selling hybrid vehicle in the
U.S., the Toyota Prius, has been sold in this
country since 2000. By most accounts, if its
form and function meet the needs of the
fl eet, it’s an excellent vehicle. At 51 miles
per gallon, it has impressive fuel economy.
However, as fl eet managers know, fuel is
only one component of total cost of own-
ership (TCO). Whether or not the hybrid
is a better fi nancial choice depends large-
ly on what it is compared to. Keeping this
comparison in the Toyota family, Chart 2
looks at lifecycle costs for the Prius versus
both the Corolla and Camry.
In spite of having a Vincentric fl eet price
more than $6,000 greater than the Corol-
la, the TCO for the Prius is only $1,700
greater. Although its superior fuel econo-
my helped close the TCO gap, the Corol-
la still has 7-percent TCO advantage over
the Prius. On the other hand, in compar-
ing the Prius with the Camry, it is shown
that in spite of the Prius having a higher
acquisition price, its TCO is actually 7 per-
cent less than the Camry.
Although Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and
Ford hybrids no longer receive tax cred-
it, hybrid customers can still receive tax
credits for purchasing hybrids from other
brands. Oft entimes, these credits can help
make the hybrid a fi nancial winner.
More Expensive Diesel Fuel Still Results in Lower Vehicle TCO
Clean diesels have been gaining popu-
larity among some consumers thanks to
off erings from Audi, BMW, Volkswagen,
and Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, the U.S.
government has been helping this market
segment by providing generous tax cred-
its to diesel buyers.
The new clean diesels have much to
offer: They hold their value better than
gas vehicles, have good track records for
durability, and burn cleaner than pre-
vious generation diesels. When these
benefits are combined with tax credits,
we’d expect their popularity to soar, but
at this point, that would be an overstate-
ment. The major obstacles are incorrect
perceptions of clean diesels as dirty and
foul-smelling, and more importantly,
the price of diesel fuel in the U.S. Recent
prices peg diesel fuel at $3.776 per gal-
lon versus $3.427 per gallon for regular
grade gasoline. However, the key is to
identify the difference in overall lifecy-
cle cost of diesel compared to a similar
non-diesel vehicle. (See Chart 3.)
In spite of a higher Vincentric fleet
price, the Mercedes-Benz E350 die-
sel vehicle has a 10-percent lower TCO
than the gasoline-powered E350. This
is primarily due to the stronger residu-
al values for the E350 diesel, resulting
in lower depreciation, better fuel econ-
omy that offsets the higher-priced die-
sel fuel, and a $1,550 tax credit from the
federal government.
CNG Has Higher TCO Despite Lower Fuel Costs & Tax Incentives
CNG is an attractive alternative fuel
because it is abundant in the U.S. and
generates fewer air pollutants and green-
house gases than gasoline. Th erefore, it
has the benefi t of reducing U.S. oil im-
ports, and it is environmentally friendlier
than gasoline.
HYBRID VERSUS GASOLINE (TOYOTA MODELS)
Vehicle Description2011 Toyota Prius II
(4D Hatchback)2011 Toyota Corolla
LE (4D Sedan)2011 Toyota Camry LE
(4D Sedan)
Engine
1.8L Inline 4-cyl EFI DOHC 16-valve
Hybrid ETCS-i VVT-i (2ZR-FXE)
1.8L Inline 4-cyl EFI DOHC
16-valve Dual VVT-i
2.5L Inline 4-cyl EFI DOHC 16-valve
Dual VVT-i
MPG City/Hwy 51/48 26/34 22/32Fuel Type Gas Gas GasVincentric Fleet Price $22,127 $15,793 $20,386 Depreciation $11,827 $8,793 $10,986Fees and Taxes $1,538 $1,144 $1,434Finance $2,465 $1,759 $2,271Fuel $3,938 $6,716 $7,629Insurance $3,361 $3,331 $3,070Maintenance $1,816 $1,449 $1,504Opportunity Costs $184 $182 $209Repairs $720 $720 $720Total Cost of Ownership $25,849 $24,094 $27,823C
ha
rt 2
DIESEL VERSUS GASOLINE (MERCEDES-BENZ 350)
Vehicle Description2011 Mercedes-Benz E Class
E350 (4D Luxury Sedan)2011 Mercedes-Benz E Class
Diesel E350 (4D Luxury Sedan CDI)
Engine3.5L V-6 SFI DOHC 24-valve
Naturally Aspirated
3.0L V-6 Direct injection DOHC 24-valve Turbocharged
Intercooled DieselMPG City/Hwy 17/24 24/33Fuel Type Gas DieselVincentric Fleet Price $44,817 $46,212 Depreciation $21,617 $20,612Fees and Taxes $2,964 $1,500Finance $4,992 $5,147Fuel $10,894 $7,941Insurance $4,650 $4,662Maintenance $3,973 $3,973Opportunity Costs $383 $359Repairs $552 $599Total Cost of Ownership $50,025 $44,793C
ha
rt 3
The total cost of ownership (TCO) for a Toyota Prius hybrid is less than that of the Camry, but the Corolla’s lower acquisition cost caused it to have the lowest TCO of the three vehicles.
Despite a higher purchase cost, the Mercedes-Benz 350 diesel vehicle has a 10-percent lower total cost of ownership than the gasoline-powered 350.
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GRN0511gps_insight.indd 1 3/23/11 2:52:28 PM
higher. Much of the diff erence is made
up in its lower fuel expense, as CNG,
at $1.93 per gasoline gallon equivalent
(GGE), is a less expensive fuel than gas-
oline. Additionally, the Civic GX ben-
efi ts from a large $4,000 tax credit. In
spite of this, the gasoline-powered Civic
LX still has a 7-percent lower TCO than
the Civic GX.
Tax Credit Lowers Electric Vehicle TCO
Th e Chevrolet Volt and other electric-
powered vehicles have generated more in-
terest in alternative-fuel vehicles than this
industry has seen in a long time. As has
been well documented, the Volt extends
its range with a gas-powered generator
providing the advantages of a pure elec-
tric vehicle while eliminating the “range
anxiety” drivers may feel with pure elec-
tric vehicles. A comparison of the Volt’s
lifecycle cost with the Chevrolet Mali-
bu found some surprising results (See
Chart 5).
Th e Vincentric Fleet Price for the Volt
is nearly double that of the Malibu; how-
ever, its TCO is actually lower than the
Malibu. Th ese savings are primarily due
to a $7,500 tax credit off ered by the U.S.
government and tremendous savings in
fuel costs. Another notable factor asso-
ciated with the Volt is the potential desire
to purchase a charging station. Th e charg-
ing station can dramatically speed up the
charging process for electric vehicles, but
it comes at an additional cost for the unit
and installation, which would also need
to be included in a vehicle’s total lifecy-
cle cost analysis.
AFV Options Will IncreaseTh ere is no shortage of choices in to-
day’s market for alternative-fuel vehicles,
and in the coming years, the choices will
become even greater. Most major manu-
facturers have electrifi ed vehicles in their
product pipeline and are testing other al-
ternatives. By performing a lifecycle cost
analysis on these current and future ve-
hicles, fl eet managers will understand the
expected cost impact of these AFVs and
can then determine if the environmen-
tal benefi ts, public relations benefi ts, and
other factors warrant the price diff eren-
tial for an AFV.
Th e main consideration of any fl eet
manager is to obtain the right vehicle for
right application. Aft er all, a high mileage,
low emissions vehicle that doesn’t get the
job done is seldom — if ever — a good in-
vestment.
About the AuthorDavid Wurster is the president of Vincentric LLC, an automotive data compilation and analysis fi rm. He can be reached at [email protected].
AFV LIFECYCLE
GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201114
Th e downside is that the vehicle’s CNG
storage tank takes up a considerable amount
of room, reducing the cargo and cabin
space oft en important to fl eet buyers. Ad-
ditionally, with only about 900 CNG fi lling
stations across the country, it’s not always
convenient to fuel these vehicles.
What is the fi nancial impact of the
choice to move to CNG? Th e data in Chart
4 looks at the only mass-produced CNG
passenger vehicle, the Honda Civic GX,
and compares it to the gas-powered Hon-
da Civic LX.
Although the CNG vehicle starts out
with one strike against it due to a Vin-
centric fl eet price about $7,000 higher
than the Civic LX, its TCO is only $2,000
CNG VERSUS GASOLINE (HONDA CIVIC)
Vehicle Description2010 Honda Civic LX
(4D Sedan)2010 Honda Civic CNG GX
(4D Sedan)Engine 1.8L Inline 4-cyl MPI SOHC
16-valve i-VTEC1.8L Inline 4-cyl MFI SOHC
16-valve CNG i-VTECMPG City/Hwy 25 24Fuel Type Gas CNGVincentric Fleet Price $17,041 $24,323 Depreciation $9,991 $16,623Fees and Taxes $1,220 ($2,330)Finance $1,899 $2,709Fuel $6,738 $4,315Insurance $3,241 $3,842Maintenance $1,558 $1,426Opportunity Costs $189 $203Repairs $720 $727Total Cost of Ownership $25,556 $27,515C
ha
rt 4
ELECTRIC VERSUS GASOLINE (CHEVROLET MODELS)
Vehicle Description2011 Chevrolet Volt
(4D Hatchback)2011 Chevrolet Malibu LT
(4D Sedan)
Engine 1.0L2.4L Inline 4-cyl MFI DOHC
16-valve ECOTEC VVT (LE5)
MPG City/Hwy Electric 95/90 Gasoline 35/40
22/33
Fuel Type Gas/Electric GasVincentric Fleet Price $39,388 $21,443 Depreciation $21,838 $12,943 Fees and Taxes -$4,895 $1,497 Finance $4,387 $2,388 Fuel $2,076 $7,546 Insurance $3,450 $3,452Maintenance $1,893 $1,831 Opportunity Costs $242 $220 Repairs $720 $762Total Cost of Ownership $29,712 $30,639Cost Per Mile $0.4952 $0.5107C
ha
rt 5
The Honda Civic GX, which runs on CNG, has about a $2,000 higher total operating cost than the gasoline-powered Civic LX, mostly due to its much higher acquisition cost.
While the acquisition cost of a Chevrolet Volt is nearly double that of the Chevrolet Malibu, its TCO is shown to be lower (without considering possible charging station costs).
GRNFLT0511_lifecycle.indd 14GRNFLT0511_lifecycle.indd 14 3/25/11 2:13:14 PM3/25/11 2:13:14 PM
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GRN0511gps_insight.indd 1 3/23/11 2:52:28 PMGRNFLT0511_lifecycle.indd 15GRNFLT0511_lifecycle.indd 15 3/25/11 2:13:16 PM3/25/11 2:13:16 PM
GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201116
An effective “fl eet-greening” policy requires planning and research. Fleet Opera-tions Supervisor Chuck Kukal describes the basic steps he used in developing a green fl eet policy for Infi nity Insur-ance Company.
Like all successful fl eet policies, devel-
oping an eff ective green fl eet policy
requires planning, analysis, communica-
tion, implementation, and evaluation. A
critical understanding is that a “one-size-
fi ts-all” approach to greening a fl eet is not
the best fi t for most. A green fl eet policy
is as individual as the company fl eet, cus-
tomized to corporate needs, functions,
and culture.
Five years ago, Chuck Kukal
built a green fl eet policy for In-
fi nity Insurance Company. Kukal,
fl eet operations supervisor for the
Birmingham, Ala.-based compa-
ny, created a workable and eff ec-
tive policy to green the company’s
fl eet in fi ve basic steps.
Integrating with Corporate Goals
Th e Infi nity Insurance fl eet totals 427
vehicles, primarily Jeep Compass models
provided to the company’s adjustors, busi-
ness development and marketing person-
nel, and special investigative units.
Kukal emphasized the fl eet’s green
policy “must be seen in the light of
its overall Corporate Green Initia-
tives.” Th e green fl eet policy does
not stand alone, but is an important
factor in a corporate culture of en-
vironmental responsibility and sus-
tainability established in 2006 and
backed by top executive support and
endorsement.
Infi nity’s Corporate Green Initiatives
include a comprehensive recycling pro-
gram in which employees recycle paper,
plastic, cardboard, aluminum cans, cell
phones, and toner cartridges at all com-
pany locations.
Electricity-consuming lighting is di-
minished with reduced lighting wattag-
es and motion switches in Infi nity offi ces.
Many company processes are now paper-
less, and its new 35,000-square-foot call
center in McAllen, Texas, with 236 em-
ployees, is fully LEED certifi ed.
“We actively partner with vendors in
our purchasing department who off er re-
cycled products and also have corporate
goals that incorporate environmentally
friendly initiatives,” noted Kukal.
Within this overall corporate commitment
to sustainability, Kukal took the following
steps to develop a green fl eet policy.
1 CREATE A GREEN FLEET MISSION STATEMENT
Develop a fl eet mission statement that
recognizes the need to implement policy
and action toward achieving corporate
green goals and initiatives.
Th e Infi nity Insurance fl eet mission state-
ment declares, “Recognizing its global re-
sponsibility, Infi nity Insurance Company
is always seeking better ways of conserv-
ing our natural resources and improving
Created a Green Fleet Policy
Developing a green fl eet policy includes the following steps:
● Create a green fl eet mission statement.
● Develop tactics to achieve goals.
● Quantify goals.
● Communicate.
● Record progress and evaluate
By Cindy Brauer
KUKAL
The Infi nity Insurance fl eet totals 427 vehicles, primarily Jeep Compass models provided to the company’s adjustors, business development and marketing personnel, and special investiga-tive units. A green fl eet policy has been in place for the past fi ve years.
AT A GLANCE
How Infinity Insurance
GRNFLT0511_policy.indd 16GRNFLT0511_policy.indd 16 3/25/11 2:13:45 PM3/25/11 2:13:45 PM
MAY / JUNE 2011 ■ GREEN FLEET 17
Your top resource for alternative fuel trends, green
technology innovations, environmental regulation
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Go towww.GreenFleetMagazine.com
and subscribe today!
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POLICY
GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201118
our environment by reducing the green-
house gasses of our fl eet.”
Th e statement continues, “Our priori-
ty has been to provide a vehicle that will
not only accomplish our corporate goals,
but also provide a vehicle that gets better
miles per gallon.”
2 DEVELOP TACTICS TO ACHIEVE GOALS
To achieve policy-stated goals, iden-
tify and implement a broad array of tac-
tics, such as:
● Review the vehicle selector to
carefully match vehicle model
and size to function.
● Choose an EPA SmartWay-
certifi ed vehicle.
● Whenever possible, select four-
cylinder versus six-cylinder
vehicles.
● Research fuel type, considering
alternative fuels, such as propane,
natural gas, or biodiesel.
● Determine the feasibility of
utilizing pool cars.
● Investigate the value of telematics to
reduce fuel consumption and idle
time, and improve driver behavior.
Infi nity Insurance employs Donlen’s
GreenDriver program to train
employees in smart driving skills.
● Recognize and reward drivers with
accident-free records and those who
have completed driver training
programs.
● Consider carbon off sets. Infi nity
Insurance has partnered with the
Environmental Defense Fund and
CarbonFund.org to purchase off set
credits in renewable and energy-
saving projects to render its fl eet
climate-neutral.
3 QUANTIFY Calculate fl eet greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions. With a baseline measure, emis-
sions can be managed. Attainable GHG-
reduction goals and eff ective strategies can
be determined and implemented.
4 COMMUNICATEDeploy all available resources to pub-
licize, internally and externally, the green
fl eet policy, its goals, and implementation.
Use the corporate website and Intranet, blog
announcements, newsletters, and commu-
nity activities to heighten awareness and
spread the word. For example, the back of
each Infi nity Insurance Jeep Compass dis-
plays a “Climate Neutral” sticker.
Whenever appropriate in these materials,
highlight all green initiative partnerships.
5 RECORD PROGRESS AND EVALUATEBenchmarking progress also helps achieve
green fl eet policy goals. Keep statistics and
data on GHG reductions, improved mpgs,
recycling amounts, and green initiative
results. Tracking progress can pinpoint
areas that need refi ning or updating.
Keeping Efforts TransparentKukal noted, “Transparency is the ‘buzz-
word,’ and everyone from stakeholders, in-
vestors, the EPA, and vendors want to know
what you are doing in your company and
with your fl eet to be green.”
Th e Infi nity Insurance green fl eet poli-
cy has produced signifi cant results. Since
2006, fl eet mpg has increased from 16 to
more than 23, Kukal reported. GHG are re-
duced from 5,223 metric tons to 2,223 due
to lower fuel use and better fuel mileage.
Fuel consumption has dropped by 115,033
gallons, saving $225,000.
With new local, state, and federal govern-
ment guidelines and regulations likely, “Now
is the time to get our ‘ducks in a row’ by plan-
ning for what is ahead,” Kukal said.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) SmartWay Trans-port Partnership program is a valuable resource for green fl eet
policy development. The SmartWay brand identifi es products and services that reduce transportation-related emissions. The pro-gram’s website —www.www.epa.gov/smartway — offers a va-riety of useful tools and information, including the Green Vehicle Guide to compare vehicle emissions and fuel economy. The site provides details on specifi c steps to reduce emissions, fuel use, and improves a fl eet’s overall mpg.
Tony Maietta, an EPA environmental protection specialist, suggested several green fl eet policy guidelines, particularly with truck fl eets.
“A successful green fl eet policy comprehensively covers vehi-cles, fuel, and driver habits. A green fl eet will utilize the newest, cleanest, on-road diesel vehicles,” said Maietta.
He noted that with EPA’s emission standards for 2007 and 2010 model-years, today’s trucks are the cleanest on the road.
Older vehicles can be retrofi tted with pollution reduction de-vices such as diesel oxidation catalysts and particulate matter fi lters that help minimize pollution while maximizing the vehi-cle life, said Maietta.
In addition, idle reduction devices such as auxiliary power units,
direct-fi red heaters, and battery air con-ditioning systems allow a driver to shut off the main engine while enjoying creature comforts during rest or queuing periods. Cab and trailer aerodynamics and low-rolling resistance tires can improve fuel economy on long hauls, saving fuel costs and emissions. Fleet-wide and location-based idle pol-icies can be instituted to avoid needless and expensive fuel con-sumption, added Maietta.
He recommended fl eet managers choose a path that improves their fl eet’s environmental footprint and reduces unnecessary fuel use, but also makes sense for the company. “Each company has unique needs and operations, so some approaches may not work as well as others. For example, a company whose trucks perform primarily long-haul activities may benefi t more from idle reduction devices as their drivers rest each night,” said Maietta.
Through the EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership, the agen-cy has gained valuable insight into how fl eets across the country are improving their environmental footprint using recommended techniques, Maietta pointed out. “We have tools that allow a fl eet manager to get a baseline of their current operations and then can provide emissions and fuel savings calculations to show the ben-efi t of taking specifi c actions on your fl eet.”
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GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201120
Reduced fuel prices, main-tenance costs, and harmful emissions are just some rea-sons refuse fl eets are increas-ing their compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle purchases.
Proponents cite numerous fl eet appli-
cations for natural gas, including use
in refuse or collection fl eets. Many refuse
truck fl eets are currently powered by com-
pressed natural gas (CNG), and as emis-
sions standards become more stringent, al-
ternative fuels have become increasingly
popular.
Clean Energy, a provider of natural gas
fuel for transportation, lists lower fuel costs,
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
emissions standards compliance, improved
air quality, quieter streets, and increased U.S.
energy independence as benefi ts of using
natural gas-powered refuse trucks.
Emissions Regulations Induce Fleets to Switch from Diesel
Emissions mandates play a signifi cant
role in refuse fl eets deciding to switch to
natural gas.
Waste Management (WM), a Houston-
based provider of waste management ser-
vices, began incorporating natural gas into
its collection fl eet more than a decade ago.
Th e company operates a collection fl eet of
18,000 units, about 1,000 of which run on
natural gas, according to Eric Woods, vice
president of fl eet and logistics.
Th e company began using both CNG and
liquefi ed natural gas (LNG) vehicles mainly
in California due to stricter environmental
regulations. WM decided CNG was a bet-
ter fi t for its fl eet application and is moving
forward with CNG vehicle purchases. With
a corporate sustainability goal of re-
ducing emissions by 15 percent and
improving fuel effi ciency by 15 per-
cent by 2020 from a 2007 baseline,
WM is not only purchasing 500 CNG
replacement vehicles this year (out
of an approximate 750 total collec-
tion vehicle purchases), but is also
looking to more than double its fueling in-
frastructure across its national fl eet.
Th e company utilizes 17 fueling stations,
13 of which are in California. According to
Woods, WM is currently looking to install
20 additional stations throughout the coun-
try, more than 15 of which will be outside
the West Coast. Woods expects these sta-
tions to be completed within the next 12
months. Th e fueling stations will be locat-
ed in areas where at least 75 trucks oper-
ate, although most targeted areas have more
than 100 trucks in operation.
Woods noted that “2010 was a landmark
year for diesel.” Emissions regulations re-
sulted in the installation of heavy catalyt-
ic converters and costly DPF fi lters and
urea injection. He estimated new technol-
ogy added an additional 3,000 lbs.
per vehicle, decreasing payload. In
addition, acquisition cost has in-
creased by up to $50,000 per vehi-
cle over the past six years.
Woods said the emissions profi le
of WM’s natural gas trucks, using the
SmartWay model for its road speed,
are lower than the 2010 mandates.
Lowering Fuel & Maintenance Expenses
CleanScapes, a Seattle-based solid waste
collection agency, utilizes 42 CNG-fueled
collection vehicles out of a fl eet of approxi-
mately 100, according to John Taylor, gov-
Natural Gas a Hit With Refuse Fleets
Fleets cited the following benefi ts of fu-eling refuse vehicles with natural gas:
● Lower emissions.
● Simpler operation and maintenance.
● Signifi cantly reduced fuel costs.
● Reduced dependence on foreign oil.
By Thi Dao
About 1,000 Waste Management collection trucks currently run on CNG, and the company is purchasing 500 additional CNG trucks this year.
WOODS
AT A GLANCE
GRNFLT0511_refuse.indd 20GRNFLT0511_refuse.indd 20 3/25/11 2:14:26 PM3/25/11 2:14:26 PM
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Ford introduces the Taurus
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The first Jeep Wrangler
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Price of a gallon of gas 89¢
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GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201122
Going Green
AF0411greenfleet_conf.indd 1 3/22/11 11:46:34 AM
REFUSE FLEETS
ernment aff airs manager. While the compa-
ny performs services for various cities, “Our
CNG fl eet is dedicated to residential collec-
tion in the City of Seattle,” he said.
Th e company has a fueling facility on
site with a 40-truck slow-fi ll fueling line. It
can also fast-fi ll individual trucks as need-
ed. While exact costs were not available,
Taylor reported “CNG fuel is signifi cantly
less expensive than diesel, [and] the price
is less volatile.”
Woods at WM said the company bud-
gets $1.25 per diesel gallon equivalent for
CNG, which is much higher than actual fuel
costs. He said the company pays as little as
40 cents per gallon in some locations. With
a March 7 U.S. Energy Information Admin-
istration (EIA) diesel cost estimate of $3.87
per gallon average across the nation (up 97
cents per gallon from a year ago), the cost
diff erence is signifi cant. Urea costs can also
be avoided with CNG, he said. “Th e eco-
nomics get more favorable by the day, and
that’s without regulations or tax benefi ts,”
Woods explained.
Additionally, CNG refuse fl eets are seeing
decreased maintenance costs. “Maintenance
on CNG is less costly, and they are easier and
much cleaner to maintain,” Taylor said.
Woods attributes this to a simpler engine
that doesn’t need add-ons for emissions con-
trol. “Maintenance is less complex because
we don’t have the complexity of DPF (die-
sel particulate fi lter), EGR (exhaust gas re-
circulation), and urea-based selective cat-
alytic reduction systems,” he said. He said
it’s also easier for operators because they
don’t have to worry about regeneration as
they would with diesel trucks.
Seeing a Return on InvestmentTh ere’s no denying CNG vehicle acquisition
cost is higher. However, both CleanScapes
and WM have seen a return on investment
(ROI) with their CNG refuse fl eets.
“While the initial outlay for vehicles
is more expensive than diesel trucks,
these costs are off set by lower and more
predicable fuel costs,” Taylor said. Low-
er maintenance costs have also contrib-
uted to the ROI.
WM’s plans to increase its CNG fl eet
and infrastructure clearly prove it thinks
CNG is economically feasible. Woods said
in the past, the cost diff erence between
CNG and diesel collection trucks ran about
$90,000. Add-ons to diesel engines have
increased vehicle cost, lowering cost dif-
ference to about $30,000. Taking into con-
sideration maintenance and fuel costs, he
estimated payback for vehicle acquisition
is less than two years, and less than three
years if he includes infrastructure costs,
under WM’s current plan of deploying
CNG in areas with large fl eets.
Temporary disruption of fuel supply is
a concern for some fl eets deciding wheth-
er to switch to CNG, but having a CNG
fl eet neighbor nearby can prove to be ad-
vantageous.
“CleanScapes is currently assisting
Pierce County (Wash.) Transit with fu-
eling their CNG buses,” Taylor said. Th e
transit agency’s fueling station “was lost
to a fi re on Feb. 28, and CleanScapes is as-
sisting them with fueling until the facility
is repaired.”
DOES ELECTRIC POWER HAVE AN APPLICATION IN REFUSE
FLEETS?
Battery solutions provider Dow Kokam and vehicle manufacturer PVI an-
nounced in December 2010 a partner-ship to test the fi rst-ever fully electric refuse trucks, expected to offer the same performance levels as conventional util-ity vehicles.
The trucks are designed to achieve 70 km (43.5 miles) per hour at full pay-load and will have 100-percent starting torque. Benefi ts cited include reduced noise pollution and no idling during in-active periods. The 26-ton trucks are expected to eliminate 130 tons of CO2 per truck per year, according to the companies.
The fi rst deployment will be just out-side Paris, France, and the companies expect a fl eet of 11 vehicles operating daily by the end of 2011.
In the U.S., the City of Chicago has expressed interest in battery-electric collection vehicles.
CleanScapes operates 42 CNG-fueled collec-tion vehicles dedicated to residential collection in the City of Seattle. It has an on-site fueling facility with a 40-truck slow-fi ll fueling line.
GRNFLT0511_refuse.indd 22GRNFLT0511_refuse.indd 22 3/25/11 2:14:29 PM3/25/11 2:14:29 PM
With Fuel Costs on the Rise, Just Makes More Cents!Going GreenGoing Green
October 3-4, 2011Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center
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GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201124
Conference attendees and exhibitors won’t be the only ones showing off their envi-ronmentally friendly images at the 2011 Green Fleet Con-ference. The “green” theme will be spread throughout the event.
The 2011 Green Fleet Conference,
scheduled for Oct. 3-4 at the Gay-
lord Texan Resort & Convention Center
in Grapevine, Texas, promises to be the
“greenest” it’s ever been. From marketing
and promotions to materials used on-site,
show organizers have been ramping up ef-
forts to be more environmentally friend-
ly, according to Irene Gruen, event mar-
keting manager for Bobit Business Media
(BBM).
“We are working to have a really rele-
vant show. Last year was extremely well-
received. Since then, we’ve spent time
rethinking our planning. When you’re
thinking green, you have to make chang-
es to the operational process on so many
levels, and we have focused our eff orts to
accomplish that,” Gruen said.
Th e third annual conference in 2010
achieved record attendance, bringing
together approximately 450 fl eet professionals
from both the private and public sectors.
Attendees gathered for information-packed
conference sessions, many of which were
standing-room only.
Th e 2010 Green Fleet Conference was
sponsored in part by TerraPass, a carbon
off set provider and the event’s fi rst-ever
carbon-balanced sponsor. TerraPass con-
ducted a calculation of the carbon foot-
print for the conference, based on trav-
el to San Diego from attendee locations,
hotel nights, and on-site energy usage. Af-
ter gathering and calculating the fi gures,
TerraPass retired 100 metric tons of car-
bon off sets for the Green Fleet Conference
— the equivalent of removing a fl eet of 22
vehicles (averaging 10,000 miles annual-
ly) off the road.
“We hope to improve the calculation
for 2011 with our green eff orts,” Gruen
added.
All About LocationChoosing the right venue was the start
to improving green eff orts for this year’s
event.
Th e Gaylord Texan is an ecological hotel,
featuring four and a half acres of indoor
gardens that refl ect its commitment to
taking care of the environment, which is
also demonstrated by several environmental
accolades.
In May 2008, the Gaylord Texan received
the Sylvania Ecologic Certifi cation Award
for transitioning at least 75 percent of all its
lighting to environmentally friendly prod-
ucts — more than 7,500 lamps in all.
Th e Gaylord Texan was also recognized by
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) in 2008 with a Membership Award
in the EPA’s National Partnership for Envi-
ronmental Priorities (NPEP). With its ef-
forts to reduce mercury throughout the fa-
cility by implementing low-mercury light
bulbs, Gaylord Texan became the fi rst hotel
in a fi ve-state area to join the NPEP.
Th e hotel is currently working to attain
“Silver” certifi cation from the U.S. Green
The 2011 Green Fleet Conference has
ramped up its efforts to stick to an envi-
ronmentally friendly theme, including:
● Choosing an ecological venue
recognized by the EPA.
● Cutting back on paper mailings,
promotions, and on-site handouts.
● Using silverware for meals instead
of disposable items.
By Grace L. Suizo
General and breakout sessions at the 2010 Green Fleet Conference attracted large crowds. Seats fi lled fast, leaving “standing room only” for late arrivers.
Green Fleet Conference
Living Upto Its Name
AT A GLANCE
GRNFLT0511_conference.indd 24GRNFLT0511_conference.indd 24 3/25/11 2:16:15 PM3/25/11 2:16:15 PM
MAY / JUNE 2011 ■ GREEN FLEET 25
Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) pro-
gram. In addition, the Gaylord Texan strives
to conserve water and minimize use of air
conditioning.
Staying Lean & GreenFrom start to fi nish, the 2011 Green
Fleet Conference should exceed its green
quotient from previous years.
Areas being improved include:
● Marketing. Marketing and promo-
tions for the event will be distributed pri-
marily via electronic means versus direct
mail. “Fortunately, technology allows for
this type of communication,” Gruen said,
adding anything mailed will be on eco-
friendly paper. Attendees who aren’t al-
ready signed up from last year can opt in
for e-mail updates regarding the confer-
ence. Updates will also be available in the
weekly Green Fleet eNewsletter.
● Handouts. Paper handouts distribut-
ed at the show will be limited. Flash drives
of presentations will be available.
On top of its own eco-conscious ef-
forts, the Gaylord Texan will be also be
able to accommodate BBM’s initiatives to
ensure all aspects of the event stick to its
green theme.
● Meals. All meals will be served with
china and silverware to reduce the use of
conventional disposable materials such
as paper and Styrofoam. In addition, the
hotel has a “market-inspired” philosophy
in menu planning, including organic and
sustainable foods bought locally. All Gay-
lord hotel properties also work with local
food banks to donate excess prepared food
to local soup kitchens, further helping to
reduce waste.
● Recycling. Recycling services will be
available during the event, with the hotel
providing recycling bins for glass, plastic,
and aluminum waste. In addition, card-
board, newspaper, slick paper, and white pa-
per from back-of-house areas and the con-
vention center exhibit hall are all recycled.
● Fuel/transportation. “With fuel costs
on the rise, the main focus will be on using
less fuel in general. We are fi nding ways to
cope,” Gruen said, noting the conference
venue is “like its own city,” reducing the
need for attendees to travel off -site during
the two-day event. “Th is year’s sessions will
focus on reducing fuel use in general, in ad-
dition to alternative fuels. Soft ware, tech-
nologies, and practices exist that support
fuel reduction eff orts and those will be dis-
cussed and exhibited at the event.” Exhibi-
tors will include a number of alternative-
fuel suppliers, with representatives from
the diesel, propane, and natural gas in-
dustries on-site.
Additional information on the 2011
Green Fleet Conference, its speakers
and sessions, as well as registration and
travel information, can be found online at
www.GreenFleetConference.com or by
calling (800) 576-8788.
CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS
Presentation proposals for the 2011 Green Fleet Conference are currently being accepted.
Proposal submissions should follow these guidelines:
● An abstract of 100-200 words. ● A brief biography of the presenter oreach panel member (50-100 words). ● Presenter contact information. ● Presentations must be completely
unbiased and brand/product neutral.Please submit your presentations to
Adriana Michaels by April 18. E-mail: [email protected].
BOBIT BUSINESS MEDIA GREEN EFFORTSBobit Business Media (BBM), founded in 1961 with the launch of Automotive Fleet,
is doing its share to maintain a “green” working environment. Finding new and inno-vative ways to reduce its carbon footprint is always a priority for BBM.
● Recycling. BBM recycles paper (5,000 lbs. per month); cans and bottles (40 lbs. per month); and toner cartridges and batteries. ● Window tinting. Reduces energy loss by 75 percent.● Variable speed control on HVAC Units. Saves 7500 kWh per month.● Retrofi tting old T-12 fl ourescents to new T-8S. Saves 3,400 kWh per month.● Effi cient boiler/heater. Saves 3,000 therms per month.● Minimizing printer resources. Partnered with printer to develop a “green” game plan, saving paper, ink, and energy. BBM now uses soy ink.● Digital editions. The annual Business Driver issue and several special supplements are now distributed digitally, also reducing paper and ink.
The Gaylord Texan is an eco-logical hotel, fea-turing four and a half acres of indoor gardens. The hotel has received several accolades for its eco-conscious practices.
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GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201126
Almost one-third of Ferrellgas’ nearly 4,000 vehicles are propane-powered. The units are signifi cantly less costly to operate and generate 60-70 percent less
smog-producing hydrocarbons than their gasoline counterparts.
At Ferrellgas, conserving and
protecting natural re-
sources is more than some-
thing the company just talks
about. It’s the way they do
business. With one of the
biggest propane-operated
fl eets in the United States,
Ferrellgas has tremendous
experience with alternative-
fuel vehicles (AFVs).
As a national retail pro-
pane company, Ferrellgas serves
approximately 1 million customers in all
50 states, the District of Columbia, and
Puerto Rico. Being a propane provider for
more than 70 years, Ferrellgas has unique
insight into the benefi ts of propane auto-
gas, and leveraging that knowledge allows
the company to maximize its propane-op-
erated vehicle fl eet.
Robin Lewis, vice president of
Procurement, Fleet, and Asset Management
at Ferrellgas, develops and executes a variety
of comprehensive corporate purchasing
and fl eet strategies for the company’s nearly
4,000 vehicles. She also provides eff ective
resource planning and ensures assets are
accounted for and provide desired returns,
all while maximizing utilization.
“We are an eco-conscious com-
pany,” Lewis said. “Like many, we’re
concerned about the environment
and seek to proactively comply
with EPA and CARB regulations,
not because we’re told to but be-
cause we believe it’s better to do
what’s right.”
Headquartered in Overland, Kan.,
Ferrellgas operates a wide range of Class
2-7 AFVs, including Ford, Chevrolet, GMC,
and Impco bifuel vehicles. Th e company
is most excited about new opportunities
in buying Ford and ROUSH CleanTech
dedicated systems.
Th e company’s sales force drives
propane-powered vehicles in an
eff ort to show prospective clients
that these types of vehicles have no
loss of power. Drivers and service
workers also drive alt-fuel vehicles
to perform their duties.
FerrellgasCuts Costs Using Propane Autogas
Using propane-powered vehicles has
helped Ferrellgas:
● Reduce its environmental impact.
● Lower fuel consumption.
● Maximize fuel economy.
● Cut operating costs.
By Cheryl Knight
AT A GLANCE
LEWIS
Ferrellgas currently operates nearly 30 F-250 models and looks to add the F-550 as soon as it’s readily available.
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MAY / JUNE 2011 ■ GREEN FLEET 27
Reducing Environmental Impact
Propane autogas powers more
than 15 million vehicles in more than
40 countries. Th is type of fuel pro-
vides fl eet managers with a cost-
eff ective, clean, safe, and reliable al-
ternative fuel. Plus, more than 90 percent
of all propane used in the United States is
produced domestically, reducing the coun-
try’s dependence on foreign fuel.
“For us, there is an economic advantage
to using propane autogas, and not just be-
cause we are a propane company,” Lew-
is said, pointing out that the cost to upfi t
trucks to utilize propane autogas is quick-
ly off set by fuel reduction savings. “We
believe propane off ers signifi cant advan-
tages — infrastructure costs are dramat-
ically lower than other options, and we
can set up a propane-dispensing station
for a fraction of the cost when compared
to other alt-fuels.”
Lewis is extremely excited about current
advances in propane technologies. “Today’s
technology allows us to become better stew-
ards of our environment and also allows us
to take advantage of a low-cost and widely
available fuel source,” she said.
One vehicle Lewis will continue to add
to Ferrellgas’ propane-operated fl eet is the
ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane-injected
(LPI) Ford F-250 pickup truck. Th e com-
pany currently operates nearly 30 F-250
models and looks to add the F-550 as soon
as it’s readily available.
“ROUSH is a respected name from a
performance perspective,” Lewis said. “And
incorporating these vehicles into our fl eet
has virtually no impact from a time per-
spective, and the upfi t costs associated
with conversion are quickly off set by re-
duced fuel cost.”
Lewis also pointed out these particular
ROUSH CleanTech vehicles completely
meet EPA and CARB requirements, and
that the manufacturer’s warranty provides
extra peace of mind.
Th e most important element to keep in
mind when implementing, assessing, and
maintaining an alt-vehicle fl eet is to look
at all options, fi nd the best fi t, and ensure
the program’s sustainability, according to
Lewis. “Fleet managers don’t want to be
short-term thinkers, so they need to push
these initiatives even when gas prices come
back in line. Th ey also want to make sure
it’s something the company fully stands
behind,” she said.
For those looking for more informa-
tion on propane and its advantages, Lewis
recommended visiting www.ferrellautogas.
com, a comprehensive new website devel-
oped by Ferrellgas earlier this year.
Reducing Fuel ConsumptionFerrellgas is currently fi nalizing a com-
prehensive fl eet approach that seeks to fur-
ther maximize results on several fronts.
In addition to using alt-fuel vehicles, the
fl eet team is working hard to ensure prop-
er utilization and that the right trucks are
on the road.
“Th e more effi cient we become, the few-
er miles we drive,” Lewis pointed out. “We
are also focusing on ensuring good driving
habits and safety because it signifi cantly im-
pacts our fuel economy,” she said.
The company is also using different
technologies to decrease its environ-
mental impact, such as the implemen-
tation of propane injection systems and
APUs, which have also helped offset fuel
consumption.
Moving forward, the Ferrellgas fl eet
is looking to buy additional propane-
powered vehicles whenever and wherever
possible.
“From our perspective, the future is very
bright for propane autogas,” Lewis said.
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GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201128
Encana operates a fl eet of 700 vehicles in the U.S. The com-pany is dovetailing its efforts to build new natural gas fueling stations with its process of converting its fl eet to CNG.
A s with many companies in the en-
ergy sector, Encana is converting
its fl eet of light-duty vehicles to run on
its preferred fuel source, in this case nat-
ural gas. Th e company is considered one
of North America’s leading natural gas
producers.
In the United States, Encana operates a
fl eet of 700 vehicles, primarily light-duty
¾ -ton trucks, which it uses for the main-
tenance of its facilities, such as well pads,
tank batteries, and compressors used in
extraction and production.
Green Fleet spoke with David Hill, vice
president of operations for Encana’s Nat-
ural Gas Economy division, about the
company’s plans to convert its fl eet to
bi-fuel CNG vehicles and its progress to-
ward this goal.
“We have converted about 60 vehicles
in our fl eet. Our goal is to be at 200 by the
end of 2011,” Hill said. “I think our in-
tent is to convert as many vehicles as pos-
sible. Over the next three years, we plan
to convert the majority of our fl eet over.
I can’t say 100 percent, because there are
some areas that are so remote that there
is no infrastructure. Because of limita-
tions on infrastructure, we’re going with
bi-fuel vehicles.”
To deal with the infrastructure issue, the
company is dovetailing its eff orts to build
new natural gas fueling stations with its ef-
forts to convert its fl eet to CNG.
“Here in Denver, we have several public
stations available to our fl eet. We are work-
ing where we have existing infrastructure.
Encana’s approach has been three-fold to
support fueling station development,” Hill
said. “First, we support stations with our
fl eet volume. Second, we support them
with the contribution of capital. Finally, if
no one steps forward [in an area without
a station], we build one.”
Th e strategy for this conversion is slow,
but steady. “We’re not prematurely miling-
out our vehicles,” he said “As they reach the
end of their lease, we replace them with a
new vehicle that is targeted for CNG con-
version.”
Converting VehiclesTh e company is primarily using ¾ -ton
pickup trucks such as the Chevrolet 2500,
Ford F-250, and Ram 2500 in its fl eet and
targets these vehicles for conversion.
“On a ¾ -ton extended cab, we typically
install a CNG bi-fuel kit with a 20-gallon
equivalent tank for CNG. We leave the gas-
oline system intact and put [the CNG tank]
on the bed against the cab,” Hill said.
He added that the company uses kits
from IMPCO Technologies due to prod-
uct reliability and availability.
According to Hill, the company’s driv-
ers typically travel 100 miles per day, six
days per week. Th e duty cycle for these
vehicles is around 25,000 miles per year.
“Our employees’ vehicles consume 10-
12 gallons of natural gas per day,” he said.
“Each probably consumes about 2,000 gal-
lons per year.”
To address a lack of vehicle selection,
Encana is working directly with the auto-
makers to bring more CNG-powered ve-
hicles to the marketplace.
“GM announced their CNG van late last
year,” Hill said. “We’re hoping that a cou-
ple of [the OEMs] will bring to market a
bi-fuel ¾ -ton pickup. We want to see them
bring an OEM-supported vehicle directly
to the market in 2012.”
Hill said that although the company is
EncanaEncanato Convert Majority of Fleet to CNGto Convert Majority of Fleet to CNG
Encana plans to convert 200 vehicles to
CNG by the end of 2011. Steps include:
• Obtaining CARB-certifi ed kits. Encana
uses a CNG bi-fuel kit with a 20-gallon
equivalent tank on its ¾ -ton extended
cab trucks.
• A driver training program for operating
its CNG-fueled vehicles.
• An employee award program for reduc-
ing petroleum usage.
By Greg Basich
AT A GLANCE
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MAY / JUNE 2011 ■ GREEN FLEET 29
in the process of converting its vehicles, it
encounters the same challenges that many
others run into, specifi cally the lag time be-
tween late-model vehicle release dates and
conversion kit approval.
“Some of the frustrations we have when
converting our fl eet is the same challenge
that anybody has,” Hill said. “Th ere is no
vehicle anybody can buy — I have to use
a conversion kit. For those kits, we’re in
2011, and there are no certifi ed kits for
the 2011 model-year even though we’ve
bought 2011 model-year vehicles.
“It’s quite a process,” Hill said. “Kit man-
ufacturers have to jump through a lot of
hoops to get one certifi ed. We’d like them
to go faster and get them out there, but
that’s been one of the hurdles.”
Hill said the vehicles the company has
converted are still early in their lifecycles,
but Encana hasn’t encountered problems
or complaints from personnel using the ve-
hicles. He said the fi rst converted vehicles
have reached nearly 36,000 miles.
When asked about how dealing with
multiple fuel types will impact fl eet man-
agement, Hill said he believes there is a new
reality today for fl eet managers.
“Th e new reality is that we need
multiple fuels, which is a challenge
for fl eet managers, for diff erent duty
cycles,” Hill said. “We’re a natural gas
company and even for us, change is
diffi cult,” Hill said.
Training Mechanics and Drivers
Part of dealing with this new reality is
training mechanics and drivers. Th e fi rst
challenge the company has encountered
with regard to CNG vehicles is many tech-
nicians are not familiar with CNG fueling
systems. “Th at’s an area of need, increasing
training of mechanics on gaseous fuel sys-
tems. Th ere are plenty of certifi ed courses
out there,” Hill said.
Beyond training on CNG fueling sys-
tems, the company instituted a number of
policies to get its fl eet drivers up to speed
on these vehicles.
“We have protocols in place, which we
call Management of Change,” Hill explained.
“Any time we change a process, we go through
the Management of Change process. Our
drivers receive training on the fuel system
and are educated about where to get fuel.
Employees can check out and drive natu-
ral gas vehicles overnight. Th ey have to go
through a training program about natural
gas that explains how it works, how to refu-
el, and how to answer questions from con-
sumers. Th at’s been quite successful, and
we’re working on other programs, for ex-
ample an employee benefi ts program, to en-
courage adoption. Some of our peer com-
panies have employee incentive programs
to adopt natural gas vehicles.”
Hill said the company is working on
an award program that involves gift cards
and company recognition for drivers dis-
placing the most petroleum. “We
want to incentivize good practices
and good behavior, doing the right
thing for the company and environ-
ment,” Hill said “Drivers can qual-
ify as many times as they earn it. It
becomes a badge of honor.”
Beyond Encana, the company
said a number of other energy companies
involved in the natural gas market are in-
terested in converting vehicles to run on
natural gas.
“We’re proud of what we’re doing but
also of what others are doing,” Hill said.
“Some other companies are leaders out
there. It’s really our peer companies that
are progressive, companies like Apache,
Chesapeake, Newfi eld Energy, Anadarko,
Noble Energy, Williams Energy, etc. Th ose
companies are taking similar approaches
with their fl eets, converting their vehicles,
and are directly or indirectly supporting
us. We’re working together through ANGA
(the American Natural Gas Alliance). Th ey
have an NGV task group. We have been
working with the Natural Gas Vehicle As-
sociation and the American Natural Gas
Association. Th e key thing is to advocate
and talk about it, but we ought to walk the
talk ourselves.”
Encana’s converted trucks are early in their lifecycles. The fi rst group of vehicles the company converted has reached nearly 36,000 miles.
According to David Hill, vice president of op-erations for Encana’s Natural Gas Econo-my division, the company is converting ¾ -ton pickup trucks to CNG, such as Chevrolet 2500, Ford F-250, and Ram 2500 models.
HILL
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GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201130
The automaker expects to ship the liquefi ed petroleum gas (LPG) cutaway vans by fourth quarter 2011.
General Motors will off er a single-
source liquefi ed petroleum gas (LPG)
option for the 2012 Chevrolet Express and
GMC Savana 159-inch wheelbase cut-
away vans, making GM the only au-
tomaker to off er LPG, compressed
natural gas (CNG), E-85 ethanol,
and B-20 biodiesel alternative- fuel
options for U.S. customers, ac-
cording to GM.
Expected to ship fourth
quarter 2011, the vans are built
with a hardened Vortec 6.0L en-
gine that includes hardened ex-
haust valves with hardened intake
and exhaust valve seats. Th e engine
features a dedicated fuel delivery sys-
tem with unique engine controller cal-
ibrations for LPG.
Fueling Infrastructure Expected to Grow
“LPG infrastructure has progressed
rapidly, so it’s easier for our customers to
refuel in convenient locations across the
country,” according to Brian Small, gen-
eral manager, GM Fleet and Commercial
Operations. “When our customers order
the LPG option, they’re getting a sensible
fuel alternative, with the convenience of a
one-stop ordering process.”
U.S. customers will have the opportu-
nity to choose from more than 2,600 LPG
fueling stations across the country, a num-
ber that is expected to grow, according to
GM. Th e LPG fuel storage systems avail-
able include a four-tank version with a 50
useable gasoline gallon equivalent capacity
and a three-tank version with a 31 useable
gasoline gallon equivalent capacity.
Fuel tanks are manufactured by Sleegers
in Canada to last 10 years and feature an
all-steel, manifolded construction. All
underbody tanks will have substantial
shielding to protect against road debris,
curbing, and exhaust and external heat
sources. Th e fuel gauge is calibrated to
accurately measure LPG level.
When the remaining fuel range reach-
es 30 to 40 miles, a low fuel warning au-
tomatically displays in the driver infor-
mation center, just as it would with the
standard gasoline-fueled van.
GM Partners with Other Manufacturers
For the production process, GM part-
nered with Knapheide Manufacturing
Co. as its Tier 1 manufacturer for the
LPG systems. The under-hood fuel sys-
tems are provided by CleanFUEL USA
and Bi-Phase Technologies, both work-
ing closely with GM engineering on
engine calibration. The van will meet
all Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and California Air Resources
Board (CARB) emission certification
requirements.
Van production will begin at GM’s
Wentzville, Mo., plant and continue at
Knapheide’s nearby St. Peters, Mo., facil-
ity, where they will undergo fuel storage
and delivery system installation. Once
completed, the new cutaway vans will
then be sent to the upfi tter of the cus-
tomer’s choice for body installation and
fi nal certifi cation.
Customers have the option to convert
their cutaways to a variety of commercial,
school bus, shuttle bus, and box truck re-
quirements.
“Th rough GM’s unique manufacturing
process, our fl eet customers know they’re
getting quality, reliability, and convenience,”
said Joyce Mattman, director, commercial
product and specialty vehicles.
Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana
LPG cutaway vans will be covered by GM’s
three-year, 36,000-mile new vehicle limited
warranty and fi ve-year, 100,000-mile lim-
ited powertrain warranty.
GM to Offer Single-Source LPG Option for Chevrolet & GMC Cutaway Vans
Customers can con-vert the cutaway into a variety of commer-
cial requirements. Pictured is the 2011
Chevrolet Express cutaway with a cargo
application.
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AF0
5-39
.10
AT BOBIT BUSINESS MEDIA, WE’RE KEEPING THINGS
You can feel confi dent that within our magazines, websites and trade shows, Bobit Business Media is doing our share to maintain a “green” working environment.
As individuals and as a company, we are dedicated to maintaining green initiatives and strive to be good
citizens of this planet. Finding new and innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint is always a priority for Bobit Business Media.
AT BOBIT BUSINESS MEDIA, WE RE KEEPIN
Here are a few of the ways we’re keeping GREEN:
RECYCLED PAPER PROGRAM: • 5,000 lbs
per month
RECYCLED CANS & BOTTLES PROGRAM: • 40 lbs per month
WINDOW TINTING: reduces energy loss • by 75%
VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL ON HVAC • UNITS: 7500 kWh saved per month
RETROFITTING OLD T-12 FLUORESCENTS TO • NEW T-8S: 3400 kWh saved per month
EFFICIENT BOILER/HEATER: • 3000 thermssaved per month
PARTNERING WITH OUR PRINTER: developed • a “green” game plan, saving paper,
ink and energy
RECYCLED TONER CARTRIDGES AND • BATTERIES PROGRAM
AND OUR• ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Digital EditionsAF0
5AF0
539-39.1010
HHeerree aarree aa ffeeww ooff tthheeee wwwwaayyssss p gwe’re keeping GRREEEN:
RECYCLED PAPER PROGRAM: • 55,0000 llbsper month
RECYCLED CANS & BOTTLES PPROOGRAMM: • 40 lbs per month
WINDOW TINTING: reduces eeneergy losss • by 75%
VARIABLE SPEED CONTROLL ONN HVAC•UNITS: 7500 kWh savedd per month
RETROFITTING OLD T-12 FFLUOORESCENTTS TO •NEW T-8S: 3400 kWh ssavedd per monnth
EFFICIENT BOILER/HEATEER:• 30000 theermssaved per month
PARTNERING WITH OUOUR PRINNTER: develloped•a “green” gameme plan,, saving papper,
ink and energyyene
RECYCLRECYCL ONER CARTRIDCLED TO IDGES AND • BATTE GRAMERIES PROGRAM
AND OOUR• ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENNDLYY
Digitital Editions
We care about the environment and are setting a positive example.
GRN0511recycle.indd 1 3/25/11 8:48:00 AMGRNFLT0511_LPG.indd 31GRNFLT0511_LPG.indd 31 3/25/11 2:18:32 PM3/25/11 2:18:32 PM
VEHICLE SHOWCASE GREEN
D
2011 AUDI A3 TDI CLEAN DIESEL
With the potent combination of direct diesel injection and turbocharging, the 2.0L TDI clean diesel engine delivers 236 lb.-ft. of torque and produces 140 hp. The power and performance is complemented with EPA-estimated 30 mpg city and 42 mpg highway ratings. Producing 30-per-cent fewer CO2 emissions than a compa-rable gasoline engine, the 2.0L TDI clean diesel also meets or exceeds the 50 state emissions requirements.
According to Audi, the A3 TDI clean diesel offers well-known diesel technol-ogy and higher residual value than its gasoline-powered peers, making it an excellent alternative to conventional hybrid vehicles. Further, the company noted there are no “unknown costs” as-
D
FORD SUPER DUTYSuper Duty is a leader in the truck
Class 2-5 segment with class-exclusive technologies such as live-drive PTO & factory-installed fi fth-wheel/gooseneck hitches, best-in-class towing/payload capability, and class-leading fuel economy. For the 2011-MY, fuel economy has been improved up to 15 percent on the base 6.2L gasoline engine, up to 20 percent on the diesel engine pickups, and 24 percent on the diesel engine Chassis Cabs with the all-new 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel engine mated to the 6-speed TorqShift transmission.
The fuel economy increases for 2011-MY result in signifi cantly reduced levels of greenhouse gas/CO2 emissions emitted into the atmosphere. In addition to the fuel economy and emissions benefi ts, there is a continuous effort toward expanding the alternative-fuel offerings on the Super
GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201132
sociated with diesel power. Additionally, the Audi A3 TDI achieves 50-percent better fuel economy than a comparable gasoline engine. TDI delivers both class-leading effi ciency and power, making it the ideal effi cient, performance-oriented solution.
The Audi 2.0L turbocharged DOHC engine combines variable valve timing
(VVT), TFSI direct injection, and turbo-charging for more power and increased fuel economy. The 2.0L TFSI was the fi rst engine to combine gasoline direct injec-tion with turbocharging in large-scale production. Producing 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft. of torque, it has been the engine of choice for more than 1.3 million Audi driv-ers worldwide.
Duty. For the 2011-MY, the following offer-ings were introduced:
● 6.2L base gasoline engine offered on pickups and F-350 Chassis cabs is FFV/E-85 capable.
● Optional 6.8L CNG/LPG Prep engine offered on F-450 and F-550 Chassis cabs to
support CNG or LPG alternative-fuel upfi ts.● The all-new 6.7L Power Stroke Diesel
engine is B-20 capable (up to 20-percent biodiesel can be used).
For the 2012 model-year, a bi-fuel and dedicated CNG/LPG Prep Engine option will also be available on the 6.2L engine.
DIESEL
Twelve vehicles covering the gamut of fuel options can help fl eets improve fuel effi ciency, lower operating costs, and reduce dependence on foreign oil.
D
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VEHICLE SHOWCASEE
CODA AUTOMOTIVE CODA Automotive is a privately-held
company headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., that designs, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles and lithium-ion bat-tery systems purpose-built for transporta-tion and a range of utility applications.
It has focused on developing a safe, affordable battery system and other electric drive components that serve as the foundation for electric vehicles. The CODA sedan is a four-door, fi ve-passenger all-electric vehicle (EV) with more than 20 cubic feet of trunk space and fold-down seats. The car is powered by a best-in-class 34kWh lithium-ion battery system with active thermal management to provide a dependable, all-season range of up to 120 miles per charge (like all electric vehicles, range may vary). Charging is fast and easy with the 6.6kWh onboard charger, which provides about 20 miles of range per hour of charge time. From deple-tion, the CODA will charge in about six hours from a 220v outlet.
E
NISSAN LEAFThe all-electric, 2011 Nissan LEAF is a
zero-emission car designed specifi cally for a lithium-ion battery-powered chassis. The medium-size hatchback comfortably seats fi ve adults and has a range of 100 miles on one full charge.
The LEAF is powered by 48 laminated compact lithium-ion battery modules and a high-response 80kW AC synchronous motor that generates 107 hp and 207 lb.-ft. of torque. Unlike internal-combustion engine-equipped vehicles, the LEAF’s powertrain has no tailpipe and thus no emission of CO2 or other greenhouse gases while being driven. The front-wheel drive vehicle utilizes an all-new dedicated EV platform with batteries housed in the fl oor for optimum vehicle packaging and
MAY / JUNE 2011 ■ GREEN FLEET 33
Safety upgrades have been made for NAFTA markets, including component redesigns; pretensioners, and force-limited front seat belts; and material upgrades. The CODA has six air bags, anti-lock brakes, electronic-stability control, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling, and an 8-inch touch-screen navigation system with GPS. The vehicle is backed with a three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty and eight-year/100,000-mile limited battery warranty.
Anticipated options for the CODA
include seven external paint choices, seats with leather or an eco-friendly cloth, and four different wheels.
Over 100,000 miles of use, each CODA will result in an average CO2 savings of up to 21.8 tons relative to a 25 mpg internal combustion engine-based car, according to CODA. Combined, a 100-car fl eet will effectively eliminate the carbon equiva-lent of approximately 224,742 gallons of gasoline from being emitted into the atmosphere.
weight distribution. The LEAF rides on a 106.3-inch wheelbase, with a 175-inch overall length, 69.7-inch width, and 61-inch height.
The Nissan LEAF can be charged up to 80 percent of its full capacity in 30 minutes
when equipped with a quick charge port and using a DC fast charger. Charging through a 240v outlet is estimated to take approximately seven hours. The advanced lithium-ion battery pack carries a warranty of eight years or 100,000 miles.
ELECTRIC E
GRNFLT0511_showcase.indd 33GRNFLT0511_showcase.indd 33 3/25/11 2:19:02 PM3/25/11 2:19:02 PM
E
smart fortwo ELECTRIC DRIVE
The smart fortwo electric drive is a zero-emission vehicle. It is powered by a 30 kW magneto-electric motor and 16.5 kWh lithium-ion battery. Accord-ing to the U.S. EPA LA4 test cycle, the smart fortwo electric drive can travel up to 98 miles on a full charge. In com-bined city and highway driving, the U.S. EPA estimated the range on the smart fortwo electric drive to be 63 miles. Using a 220v outlet, it takes only three and a half hours to charge the battery from 20 to 80 percent of its capacity and about eight hours to reach full charge from a depleted battery.
For 2011, smart USA is strategically placing 250 smart fortwo electric drive vehicles across the United States with companies, municipalities, organiza-tions, and individuals interested in mak-ing a passionate statement on conser-vation and environmental awareness. smart USA delivered the fi rst smart
fortwo electric drive to a retail customer in the U.S. in January 2010. Series pro-duction on next-generation vehicles for retail sale through smart USA’s dealer network is expected in 2012.
The smart fortwo electric drive is a natural evolution of the smart brand
and amplifi es its environmental leader-ship. With an unparalleled eco-heritage, smart developed the electric drive as the next logical extension of the fortwo platform, which continues to be a trendsetter in addressing issues facing urban mobility and conservation.
E
THE 100-PERCENT ELECTRIC THINK CITY
THINK City is a 100-percent electric, zero-emission modern city car designed for fl eet customers and urban commuters who want to make a bold statement about protecting the environment and reducing dependency on imported oil.
Powered by an advanced lithium-ion battery and electric motor, THINK City is four times more energy-effi cient than a conventional vehicle and creates fewer greenhouse gas emissions in any operating scenario, according to the manufacturer.
THINK City makes switching to an all-electric car an easy choice. Not only is it easy to drive, park, and recharge, but it’s also inexpensive to fuel and main-tain. Recharging only costs about 2-3 cents per mile, or less than the cost of a gallon of gas, to recharge it from 0-100 percent state-of-charge (SOC). When the
car is plugged in on a 240v service, it will be fully charged in about eight hours.
THINK City has been put through ex-tensive testing and validation, including hundreds of computer simulations and
correlations, more than 50 sled tests, and more than 20 real crash tests. It meets all applicable U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and is EPA and CARB-certifi ed for sale throughout the U.S.
GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201134
GREEN VEHICLE SHOWCASE
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E
TOYOTA PRIUSToyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.,
unveiled the Prius family of vehicles at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. In addition to the current third-generation Prius and Prius Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV), the new Prius v midsize hybrid-electric vehicle and the Prius c Concept vehicle joined the hybrid brand. With the expansion of the Prius family, a new evolution of vehicles will further increase the acceptance of hybrids with the same core values of high fuel economy, low emissions, proven technology, and environmental stewardship.
The Prius midsize liftback has ac-counted for more than 955,000 sales in the U.S. since it was introduced in 2000. The third-generation Prius, which reached dealerships in June 2009, has continued the hybrid’s heritage of exceptional fuel economy and low emis-sions, while becoming the third-best
selling Toyota passenger car in the U.S. The Prius has also been a techno-
logical fl agship vehicle, offering new features to the Toyota brand, such as Touch Tracer Display, solar-powered ventilation, Smart Key System with
push- button start, Lane Keep Assist, an Advanced Parking Guidance System, and LED headlamps.
The Toyota Prius achieves an estimated EPA fuel economy of 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway/50 mpg combined.
MAY / JUNE 2011 ■ GREEN FLEET 35
GREEN VEHICLE SHOWCASE
GAS- POWEREDGP
CHEVROLET CRUZE ECO
The Chevrolet Cruze, which went on sale in January, delivers an EPA-estimated 42 mpg on the highway for its manual transmission models, with city fuel economy of 28 mpg.
“Chevrolet Cruze continues to redefi ne the compact segment, offering class-leading standard safety features, upscale amenities, as well as hybrid-like fuel economy without the price,” said Chuck Russell, vehicle line director. “The Cruze Eco is in a league of its own and will challenge perceptions of the effi ciency available in a more affordable non-hybrid.”
The Cruze Eco carries an MSRP of $18,895 (including destination charge).
To achieve its fuel economy, Cruze’s
engineers focused on aerodynamic perfor-mance, mass optimization, and powertrain enhancements. The refi nements in each area paid big dividends toward the car’s overall effi ciency, while providing engineers with valuable information to help enhance the effi ciency of future Chevrolet models.
“We left no stone unturned or piece of sheet metal un-weighed,” said Russell. “Our engineers were comprehensive and thorough when it came to evaluat-ing and modifying the aspects of the car’s performance that contribute to fuel economy.”
GP
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GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201136
GREEN VEHICLE SHOWCASE
GP
SUBARU LEGACY 2.5iAWD PZEV
The fi fth-generation Subaru Legacy was all-new for the 2010 model-year. The mid-size sedan was built on an all-new platform, featured a longer wheelbase, approximately 4 inches of extra rear seat legroom, and a new powertrain lineup featuring the Subaru Lineatronic CVT. Ev-ery Legacy is equipped as standard with symmetrical all-wheel drive and a perfor-mance- and safety-enhancing system.
The 2010 Legacy 2.5i models are powered by a revised 2.5L four-cylinder Boxer engine, mated to a new 6-speed manual transmission or the available new Lineartronic CVT. The CVT is standard in the Legacy 2.5i automatic models, where it is also equipped with a manual mode and steering wheel paddle shifters.
The 2.5L engine, available as PZEV-
certifi ed, was modifi ed for 2010 to improve performance, responsiveness, and fuel economy up to 31 mpg highway. The engine delivers 170 hp at 5,600 rpm and 170 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm. The i-Active Valve Lift System (AVLS) ensures
a broad torque curve and smooth response at all engine speeds, while also helping to improve fuel effi ciency. All Legacy models for 2011 feature a larger fuel tank, now 18.5 gallons versus 16.9 gallons in the previous model, to extend driving range.
GP
FIAT 500The new 2012 Fiat 500 was adapted for
American roads and offers engaging driv-ing dynamics, high quality, and advanced technology.
The Fiat 500 comes equipped with the new 1.4L engine with state-of-the-art MultiAir technology, invented and patented by Fiat. Three models, 14 exterior colors, and 14 unique seat color and mate-rial combinations will allow customers to confi gure “their own” Fiat 500 at www.fi a-tusa.com. Standard are a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and four years of unlimited roadside assistance.
This modern-generation Fiat 500 offers high levels of safety, fuel economy, quality, and advanced technology. The vehicle features an all-new fuel-effi cient 1.4L MultiAir engine with eco:Drive Application, state-of-the-art TomTom Navigation with BLUE&ME Handsfree Communication technology, and seven standard air bags. This package is further enhanced with new quality and refi nement adaptations for the U.S. market, including an all-new 6-speed
automatic transmission.Fiat’s new 1.4L engine with state-of-the-
art MultiAir technology powers the 2012 Fiat 500 and reduces emissions while im-proving fuel economy and power, providing 101 hp at 6,500 rpm and 98 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. When paired with the 5-speed manual transmission, the Fiat 500 delivers up to 38 mpg highway and 30 mpg city.
With the all-new 6-speed automatic transmission with Auto Stick, the new Fiat 500 delivers 27 mpg city/34 mpg highway.
Helping the new Fiat 500 achieve 10-per-cent greater fuel effi ciency and power while decreasing CO2 emissions up to 10 percent compared to engines without the system is the world’s fi rst Fully Variable Valve Actua-tion (FVVA) system on a production engine. Also known as MultiAir, this innovative intake valve system replaces a traditional overhead cam with four hydraulic solenoids for instantaneous air-fuel adjustment at any time in the engine cycle for maximum effi ciency and power.
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NG
KENWORTH T800 LNG TRUCK
The Kenworth T800 liquefi ed natural gas (LNG) truck is one of the leaders in the marketplace. The T800 LNG truck offers outstanding performance and effi ciency for port, heavy-duty freight, and vocational applications. Several hundred Kenworth T800 LNG trucks are in service. Most of those serve the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif.
Kenworth was the fi rst truck manu-facturer to offer an LNG fuel system as a factory-installed option. The T800 LNG truck offers an operating range of at least 300 to 500 miles and has a large dash-mounted display to monitor the LNG fuel level. Kenworth LNG vehicles use 95 percent liquefi ed natural gas and 5 percent diesel to power the vehicle.
The T800 LNG is equipped with the 15.0L Westport GX engine, which offers low emissions performance while main-
taining equal horsepower, torque, and effi ciency to diesel-fueled engines. The Westport GX engine is certifi ed to 2010 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards.
A typical Class 8 truck using the
cleaner burning LNG fuel may reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to an estimated 27 percent, compared to a diesel-fueled truck equipped with a 2010 emission-compliant engine. LNG fuel also may cost from $1 to $1.50 per gallon less than the equivalent diesel fuel.
MAY / JUNE 2011 ■ GREEN FLEET 37
GREEN VEHICLE SHOWCASE
P
ROUSH CLEANTECH LPG FORD E-450 DRW CUTAWAY
ROUSH CleanTech announced the availability of its liquid propane autogas fuel system for the 2010 and newer Ford E-450 DRW cutaway, equipped with the 6.8L V-10 gasoline engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. The system will work on the 158-inch and 176-inch wheel-base confi gurations.
Propane autogas has a number of advantages over gasoline when used as an automotive fuel. Fleet managers using propane autogas typically see operating costs drop by 40 percent or more, due to the lower cost of fuel and less frequent main-tenance requirements. Propane autogas reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 60 percent, greenhouse gas emissions by 24 percent, nitrogen oxide emissions by 20 percent, as well as particulate emissions
when compared to gasoline. More than 97 percent of the propane currently used in the U.S. comes from domestic supplies, making it a stable fuel source and reducing dependence on foreign oil.
The ROUSH CleanTech fuel system for the Ford E-450 DRW Cutaway is EPA and CARB certifi ed, maintains
the factory Ford warranty, and can be purchased as a Ford ship-thru system to install on new vehicles or as a retrofi t for vehicles already in service. Converting a Ford E-450 cutaway to run on propane autogas with a ROUSH CleanTech fuel system results in no loss of horsepower, torque, or towing capacity.
NATURAL GAS
PROPANE
NG
P
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San Diego, CA
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SHOWCASE TRANSIT
GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201138
GILLIG HYBRID ELECTRIC TRANSIT BUS
Hayward, Calif.-based Gillig LLC manufac-tures the Hybrid Electric transit bus, built on a stainless steel low-fl oor chassis in 29-foot, 35-foot, and 40-foot options. Made with a recyclable aluminum body structure, the bus comes with a Cummins ISB engine with par-ticulate fi lter, Allison EP40 drive system, and DINEX I/O multiplex electrical system.
Some advantages of hybrid buses include signifi cantly less fuel use and reduced emissions (98.4 percent cleaner than the buses they replace), and quieter operation, according to the company. For the stop-and-go duty cycle of transit applications, hybrid engines are effective because electric motors develop maximum torque at slow speeds and are suited for frequent quick starts. In addition, the drive system can recapture lost braking energy and store its electrical power in the batteries.
The hybrid bus blends power sources to
IC BUS HC HYBRID SERIES
The HC Hybrid Series by IC Bus, a Navistar company, is powered by a MaxxForce DT diesel engine in combination with a factory-installed Eaton Electric Parallel Drive hybrid system with lithium-ion battery pack and built with heavy-duty frame and axles. The HC Series hybrid-electric bus has 660-860 lb.-ft. torque capacity, as well as a 44kW electric motor located between the engine and the automated manual 6-speed trans-mission. It also features soft-ride parabolic front supension, air-ride rear suspension, and air brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and air dryer. The bus utilizes a Leece-Neville 270-amp alternator and features tilt steering and cruise control. Regenerative braking recharges batteries and leads to reduced braking and engine wear, according to the company.
The bus seats up to 41 passengers. With a 96-in. wide body, the bus body features
optimize effi ciency, and variable gear ratios help adapt it to both stop-and-go driving and high-speed operation, according to Gillig.
Gillig vehicles use standard-size tires that last longer, ensuring fewer tire carcasses go
to landfi lls, the company stated. Quick-change skirt panels enable less repair material to be used during damage repair.
The buses can also run on B-20 biodiesel.www.gillig.com
an all-steel inner cage structure as well as other steel features and includes a sound-deadening package. Bus exterior features include disc wheels, aluminum rub rail, side directional lights for vehicles 31-feet or longer, rust inhibitor, and full body un-dercoating.
According to IC Bus, the bus is able to reach up to a 32-percent improvement in fuel economy, up to 35-percent reduction in NOx emissions, and up to 85-percent reduction of particulate matter.
The diesel powertrain remains fully opera-tional in the event the hybrid drive unit goes offl ine. It is also approved for biodiesel fuel use. www.icbus.com
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June 6-8, 2011San Diego Convention Center
San Diego, CASan Diego, CASan Diego Convention CenterSan Diego Convention CenterSSSS
GF
X11
-38.
10
GOVERNMENT FLEETM A N A G I N G P U B L I C S E C T O R V E H I C L E S A N D E Q U I P M E N T W W W . G F L E E T . C O M
Lead Media Sponsor:
Come to Government Fleet Expo & Conference, the only national event catering solely to all levels
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For More Information or to Register, Visit
GF0111gfx_fp.indd 1 12/28/10 9:23:07 AM
SHOWCASE
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GREEN FLEET ■ MAY / JUNE 201140
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The U.S. fl eet industry can learn much
from its European counterparts. Ve-
hicle asset management in the European
Union (EU) is very sophisticated and, in
many cases, on the cutting edge of best
practices in fl eet management. I enjoy stay-
ing abreast of European asset management
trends, and my favorite publication is Fleet
Europe, which does an excellent job in cov-
ering the pan-European fl eet market. Th ere
are many similarities between the U.S. and
European fl eet markets. However, there are
also key diff erences. While green fl eet ini-
tiatives are common to both markets, the
concept originated with European fl eets.
One early reason sustainability was em-
braced by European fl eets is because the
EU was a signatory of the 1997 Kyoto Pro-
tocol, which set binding targets for reduc-
ing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Embracing Green Fleet Initiatives
As European corporations scrambled to
quantify their carbon footprints, it was dis-
covered that fl eet vehicles were oft en the
key contributors to corporate CO2 emis-
sions. Many European-headquartered
companies established benchmarks to re-
duce their carbon footprint. One example,
among many, is the Danish-headquartered
healthcare company Novo Nordisk, which
is using its calculated carbon footprint as
a baseline from which to reduce its future
fl eet emissions. Th e company set a goal in
2007 to reduce emissions by 5 percent per
year annually through 2012.
Another example is Schindler, a Swiss-
headquartered multinational operating
a worldwide fleet of more than 17,000
vehicles. Early on, Schindler discovered
its vehicle fleet was responsible for 64
percent of its global carbon footprint.
This realization prompted it to calculate
total cost of ownership (TCO) in an
entirely different way. As with all fleets,
Schindler had TCO targets to reduce the
cost of operating its fleet; however, it
modified its TCO calculations by adding
an “ecology target.” In addition to specific
reductions in CO2 emissions, Schindler
also targeted NOx emission reductions.
As a global fleet, Schindler implemented
a worldwide program to reduce fleet
CO2 emissions on a country-by-country
basis. Each country operation is given a
goal of 10-percent per-year reduction
for the next three years. The current
10-percent reduction program, which is
the minimum goal, will continue until
2013. As Schindler attains each goal, a
new target is set to lower annual carbon
emissions even further.
Assisting European fl eets in quantifying
their carbon footprint are European do-
mestic OEMs, which include GM, Ford,
and Toyota. All European OEMs publish
the grams of CO2 emitted by their vehicles
per kilometer in their spec guides. Fleets
factor this data in their acquisition deci-
sions and TCO calculations.
Another fl eet incorporating CO2 emis-
sions as a criterion in vehicle selector de-
cisions is Philips Electronics North Amer-
ica. “CO2 emissions must have independent
weight beyond fuel economy inclusions
within TCO,” said Gage Wagoner, senior
manager NA fl eet for Philips Electronics
North America.
Turning Point Fast Approach-ing with U.S. Fleets
Senior management at many U.S. com-
panies continue to support corporate sus-
tainability and green fl eet initiatives de-
spite the slow economy. Th e number of
fl eet managers who are measuring fl eet
emissions has soared — from 28 percent
in 2008 to 49 percent in 2010, according
to a study by PHH Arval.
Th ere are a many U.S. fl eets imple-
menting world-class sustainability pro-
grams, such as AT&T, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola,
Johnson & Johnson, FedEx, Johnson Con-
trols, and UPS, to name but a few. Global-
ly, one of the fl eet sustainability leaders is
Abbott, which over the past six years has
been striving to become a carbon-neutral
fl eet. Abbott has reduced emissions by us-
ing hybrids and more fuel-effi cient vehi-
cles. Abbott is the “poster child” illustrating
that going “green” can result in signifi cant
fl eet cost savings.
In the past, “green” was diffi cult to “pen-
cil out” when calculating vehicle lifecycle
costs, but those days appear to be ending.
Here’s what a fl eet manager of a U.S. For-
tune 50 company said: “Th e green initia-
tives (in the U.S.) are approaching a turn-
ing point. Past environmental progress
always needed to be cost neutral, or to en-
compass savings, in order to proceed. We
are rapidly approaching a point where the
roadblock of cost-neutral options may not
hold sway as they have in the past. A re-
duction in GHG may be its own reward.
We are not there yet, but I believe it is fast
approaching.”
To calculate the true cost of ownership,
you also need to calculate your fl eet’s en-
vironmental impact. Th e time has come
to incorporate a sustainability criterion
in lifecycle costing. Critics may view cost
reduction goals and sustainability goals
as contradictory targets. However, Euro-
pean fl eet managers will tell you a green
fl eet program lowers TCO by decreasing
fuel consumption.
Th ey’ve proven it works and have been
doing so for years.
Let me know what you think.
Time to Add a New Component in Calculating Total Cost of Ownership
GREEN TALK
MIKE ANTICH
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The Choice Is Clear — And Clean.Your fleet can get the same horsepower and torque performance as gasoline for 30% less in fuel costs –
and with 60% fewer emissions — thanks to ROUSH CleanTech Liquid Propane Injection fuel systems.
Propane autogas fuel systems by ROUSH CleanTech let you operate on a price-stable, North American-
sourced fuel with no engine modifications required. That means you’ll get all the benefits of propane
autogas, with no compromises in your vehicle’s factory warranty protection.
PERFORMANCE: IDENTICAL
VEHICLE WARRANTY: IDENTICAL
FUEL COSTS: 30% LESS
EMISSIONS: 60% LESS
PROPANE AUTOGAS VS. GASOLINE
800.59.ROUSH ROUSHcleantech.com
2007.5 – 2008 2009 – 2010 2009 – Newer 2009 – Newer 2009 – NewerFord F-150 Ford F-250 / F-350 Ford E-150 / E-250 / E-350 Ford E-350 DRW Cutaway Ford E-450 DRW Cutaway(5.4L V8) (5.4L V8) (5.4L V8) (5.4L V8) (6.8L V10)
UPFITS AVAILABLE
THE ZERO COMPROMISE ALTERNATIVE FUEL SOLUTION
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| 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE EPA-est. MPG 24 city/36 hwy.
| 2011 GMC YUKON HYBRID1
EPA-est. MPG 20 city/23 hwy.
THE CHALLENGE: MEETING COMPANY INITIATIVES
OUR SOLUTION: ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS CHOICES
Whether it’s meeting companywide environmental initiatives or government
standards, fleet managers face many challenges. GM offers a wide range of
solutions, including fuel-efficient vehicles, hybrids,1 biofuel vehicles2 and the
revolutionary Chevrolet Volt.3 Our environmental commitment goes beyond
vehicles—it includes how we operate our factories and offices around the
world. For more solutions, visit gmfleet.com.
1 Available to order at participating dealers.2 E85 is 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline. To see if there is an E85 station near you, visit gmfleet.com/afv.3 Available to order at participating dealers in CA, TX, MI, NY, NJ, CT and DC. Quantities limited.©2011 General Motors LLC
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