Forklift emissions data showcases propane’s edge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Toyota unveils EV series and 2050 carbon neutral goal

Toyota has become the latest global auto giant to announce sweeping plans to expand its line-up of electric vehicles (EVs) and decarbonize its operations over the coming decades.

The Japanese auto giant has been facing mounting criticism in recent years over its perceived failure to match the growing number of car manufacturers to announce ambitious EV plans, as it instead sought to build on its position as a leader in the hybrid market.

However, last week it announced the launch of Toyota bZ, its newly established series of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), as it unveiled a concept version of the Toyota bZ4X at the Auto Shanghai motor show.

The move came as the company also pledged to achieve “carbon neutrality” by 2050 as part of a new “home planet” strategy. “In the course of our global business activities, Toyota will promote electrification strategies that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions throughout the entire lifecycle of a vehicle, while consulting with governments on how to improve the environment for the promotion of electrification,” the company said in a statement. “In addition, we will review and disclose information to confirm our public policy engagement activities are consistent with the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement by the end of this year, and will strive to provide enhanced information disclosure so that as many stakeholders as possible can understand our activities.”

ExxonMobil, Global Clean Energy Expand Renewable Diesel Agreement

ExxonMobil and Global Clean Energy have expanded their five-year agreement to increase ExxonMobil’s purchase of renewable diesel up to 5 million barrels per year.

ExxonMobil will be the exclusive buyer of renewable diesel from Global Clean Energy’s biorefinery in Bakersfield, Calif., which is on schedule to begin production in early 2022. The renewable diesel leverages Global Clean Energy’s patented camelina crop, which can significantly reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“Our expanded agreement with Global Energy reinforces ExxonMobil’s longstanding efforts to support society’s ambitions for lower-emission fuels,” says Ian Carr, president of ExxonMobil Fuels and Lubricants Co. “Through our growing relationship, we remain focused on bringing renewable fuels to market that make meaningful contributions to help consumers reduce their emissions.”

Renewable Natural Gas Gains Momentum as Trucking Fuel

Progressively tougher clean air mandates and the increasing corporate focus on environmental sustainability could signal a larger role for natural gas — especially renewable natural gas — as a trucking fuel, experts said.

Although much of the industry’s conversation about alternative fuels has turned to electric-powered trucks in recent years, advocates for renewable natural gas, or RNG, point out that the fuel is capable of reaching net negative emissions of greenhouse gases by removing more carbon from the air than it creates.

RNG projects, unlike fossil fuel natural gas production, capture methane from existing food waste, animal manure, wastewater sludge and garbage, then repurpose it as a clean, green energy source, according to the Coalition for Renewable Natural Gas.