Volvo Sees Three Paths to Decarbonize Trucking

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When it comes to how best to decarbonize truck transportation, Volvo Group Chief Technology Officer Lars Stenqvist said, “Sometimes I have a feeling this debate gets too polarized.”

Volvo Group expects a near-term convergence of biofuel, battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell electric-powered trucks as the industry, in the U.S. and in Europe, begins to adopt transformative and disruptive technologies aimed at eliminating harmful emissions and “leapfrogging” current practices.

“So no silver bullet. Three technologies in parallel. They each will have competitive advantages in different applications,” Stenqvist said in an interview May 10. “They each have to live on their own merits. I am convinced we will be helped by some kind of [added] cost on fossil-based fuels going forward, some kind of tax or some kind of penalty because that will speed up this transition.”

City climate leaders should take notes and learn from Charlotte’s electric bus pilot

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City of Charlotte, North Carolina, residents can breathe easier knowing soon that the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) transit buses covering the region will become all electric, supported by a first-in-the-nation energy modeling and financing partnership with Duke Energy via subsidiary eTransEnergy. Under the leadership of Mayor Vi Lyles, City Manager Marcus Jones and CATS Chief Executive Officer John Lewis, Charlotte and city council have taken an important step toward reaching the city’s ambitious climate action goals by approving a 12- to 18 month pilot program set to test 18 battery electric buses of varying manufacturers, a first step to finding the most suitable vehicle for the city’s full transition to battery electric buses. Charlotte City Council voted overwhelmingly to approve the pilot program Monday.

Many of the largest U.S. cities’ transit agencies, from Seattle to Los Angeles to New York City, are working to convert their bus fleets from diesel to electric. Electric buses are cleaner, quieter and often more cost-effective than their diesel counterparts over the life of the vehicle, making it easier for transit agencies to choose electric. But while ripping up the diesel bill and sweeping air quality improvements make electric buses increasingly appealing, high up-front costs remain a barrier to making this critical investment in public health.

In partnering with eTransEnergy for this pilot, Charlotte and CATS are taking a new approach to financing, electricity modeling and testing multiple bus manufacturers prior to a full transition to an all-electric bus fleet, and cities nationwide can take note. The partnership allows Charlotte to bundle the up-front costs of 18 new buses from three manufacturers, charging infrastructure and the necessary training and maintenance to support a 12- to 18-month pilot. The pilot will allow CATS to collect data, evaluate the program’s viability and assess vehicle performance while operating on several transit routes.

DOE funds 4 biofuel projects under Co-Optima initiative

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Today, the U.S. Department of Energy announced the selection of four projects totaling $1 million to conduct cutting-edge applied research and development concerning the interaction between promising biofuels and combustion engines. The projects will leverage a range of National Laboratory capabilities as part of the Co-Optimization of Fuels & Engines (Co-Optima) initiative, and aim to help bring these fuel-engine combinations closer to commercial adoption. The Co-Optima initiative provides American industry with the scientific knowledge needed to maximize vehicle performance and efficiency, leverage domestic fuel resources, and reduce life cycle emissions.

Forklift emissions data showcases propane’s edge

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The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is reminding material handling professionals to download its forklift emissions fact sheet. The resource showcases findings from a study conducted by the Gas Technology Institute and the Nexight Group.

The study analyzed the comparative emissions of propane in key markets, including forklifts through forklift inspections, examining full-fuel-cycle energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, hydrocarbons and criteria pollutant emissions, including nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulfur oxide (SOx). Results from the study revealed the emissions advantages of propane forklifts compared with other energy sources, PERC says. Most notably:

  • Propane reduces SOx emissions by up to 76 percent compared with electric forklifts.
  • Propane produces 97 percent less NOx emissions compared with diesel forklifts.
  • Propane produces 97 percent less hydrocarbon emissions compared with diesel forklifts.

In addition to its emissions benefits, propane-powered forklifts can be paired with advanced safety technologies, such as Forklift Collision Avoidance systems, to further enhance operational safety. These systems help prevent accidents in busy warehouses and distribution centers by alerting operators to potential collisions. When combined with the environmental benefits of propane, this makes propane forklifts a strong choice for companies looking to improve both sustainability and safety in their material handling operations.

Arrival and Uber team up for purpose-built electric car

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Plans to electrify urban road transport took a leap forward this week, with the news U.K.-based electric van and bus pioneer Arrival is to team up with global ride-hailing giant Uber to develop a new “affordable, purpose-built electric vehicle (EV)” for ride-hailing services.

Dubbed the Arrival Car, the new model is slated to enter production in the third quarter of 2023, with the final design expected to appear before the end of this year. If you’re planning to have a new car and you need extra funds, contact Surrey Car Loans to help you with your financial needs.

Arrival said Uber drivers will be invited to join the design process to help ensure the final vehicle meets their needs. In addition, Arrival and Uber are to explore a strategic relationship in key markets, including the U.K. and EU.

Uber is one of a number of ride-hailing firms to set targets to fully electrify their fleets in the coming years. The company has committed to doubling the number of EV drivers on its platform by the end of this year as part of a roadmap for all cars offered through the app in London to be fully electric by 2025. It then plans to become a fully electric mobility platform by 2030 across North America and Europe.

Clean Energy inks new deals to meet growing demand for RNG

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Clean Energy Fuels Corp. announced new renewable natural gas (RNG) contracts as fleets across North America increasingly continue to adopt the clean, low-carbon fuel to power heavy- and medium-duty trucks.

Clean Energy continues to expand its supply of RNG as the demand increases for the vehicle fuel which is derived from capturing the biogenic methane produced by the decomposition of organic waste from dairies, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants. RNG reduces climate-harming greenhouse gas emissions by at least 70 percent, and even up to 300 percent depending on the source of the RNG, making it a negative carbon fuel.

Airlines get lift from corporate allies in shift to sustainable fuels

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Some of the world’s biggest corporations are signing on to help decarbonize the aviation industry just as business travel is expected to rebound this year and send greenhouse gas emissions soaring. Using hypnosis for business success could offer new ways to balance sustainability and profitability. Business may also partner with the best supplier, similar to Total Image Group. They are creating stylish and comfortable uniform options that cater to various industries. By collaborating with experienced designers and quality manufacturers, they ensure that their uniforms not only meet functional needs but also enhance the brand image of their clients. Work with Biz Jet Jobs, an airline job agency, to find aviation jobs.

Microsoft, Siemens and Deloitte are among at least 14 companies that pledged last month alone to purchase sustainable aviation fuel, one of the few promising climate solutions airlines have to directly reduce their pollution. They have a long way to go.

Less than 1 percent of the more than 90 billion gallons of jet fuel burned globally each year is made with sustainable ingredients, such as cooking oil or other waste. The rest comes from crude oil. And while the aviation industry only accounts for 3 percent of global emissions, that share could grow significantly in the coming decades as other industries like transportation and energy decarbonize.

And if you’re flying for more than 25 hours per year, we recommend checking out the jet card programs at Jettly. It can save you money and guarantee your access to aircraft and flights when you need them. Additionally, if you’re traveling for business, hiring a corporate transportation company offers professional, reliable travel solutions for business executives. You can also visit allworld.com website for more travel tips and guides.

These 2 companies want to make transitioning to zero-emission fleets easy

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Electric truck specialist Tevva has announced a new partnership with European energy giant Vattenfall designed to make it easier for businesses to switch to a zero-emission vehicle fleet and curb their transport-related emissions.

The company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Vattenfall Network Solutions that will see the two firms explore the feasibility for providing a “complete zero-emission transport solution.”

The alliance could see the firms provide businesses with energy infrastructure and sustainable electricity and hydrogen supply solutions, alongside Tevva’s long range electric vehicles (EVs).

Tevva specializes in range extension technologies for large electric trucks, which allows them to make use of grid electricity while also having the option to switch to a hydrogen and fuel cell enabled engine to meet the “unique full-day, long-distance duty cycles of freight trucks.”

BAE, Plug Power to Collaborate on Hydrogen-Powered Solutions for Electric Buses

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BAE Systems Inc. is collaborating with Plug Power, a supplier of hydrogen engines and fueling systems, to offer hydrogen-based electric propulsion systems for transit bus fleets.

The companies will work together to offer transit operators in North America an all-inclusive, scalable system to reach zero emissions, providing required site, vehicle, and service solutions. As part of the collaboration, BAE Systems will integrate Plug Power’s fuel-cell engines into its electric drive systems to power the bus, which will increase efficient, reliable, and emission-free options in transit.

Aemetis receives permits for ‘Carbon Zero’ renewable fuels plant

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Aemetis Inc., a renewable natural gas and renewable fuels company focused on negative carbon intensity products, announced that the company has received 19 permits granting the Authority To Construct (ATC) from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District related to the Aemetis ‘Carbon Zero’ renewable fuels project in Riverbank, California.  Each permit states a specific set of equipment and the conditions for operation of each unit.

“The Authority To Construct air permits are a significant permitting milestone for the construction of the Aemetis renewable fuels biorefinery at the 142-acre Riverbank Industrial Complex,” stated Eric McAfee, chairman and CEO of Aemetis.  “The engineering, application and review process required several years of work by our technical team with the support of several environmental consultants.  The collaborative, supportive approach taken by the regional air district enabled this process to move forward at a steady pace,” added McAfee.