PROPANE COUNCIL INTRODUCES ONLINE RESOURCE DATABASE FOR FLEETS, SERVICE TECHNICIANS

The Propane Education & Research Council created online learning resources with educational information about propane autogas for fleets and service technicians that are starting to return to work after recent shutdowns while navigating through new challenges.

“The pandemic has been a wakeup call and it has many fleets reevaluating their best practices and operational efficiencies, including their fuel choices,” said Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development at PERC. “For fleets that aren’t familiar with propane autogas, these resources are a great place to start to learn how the energy source can help reduce their costs and emissions. For fleets that already operate with propane autogas, these resources will help them smoothly get back to business.”

The pages feature several items with information about owning, maintaining, and operating propane autogas vehicles and the benefits of the fuel – including that propane autogas provides fleets with the most cost-effective solution to reducing harmful emissions.

The fleet-specific page includes information on refueling, emissions studies, customer testimonials, and educational videos. Fleet owners can even use PERC’s cost savings calculator to determine how much propane autogas could save them over time.

The maintenance page includes important information about garaging and maintenance facilities, how propane autogas maintenance compares to other fuels, and converting an existing gasoline vehicle to propane autogas.

U.S. Gain develops dairy RNG project in just 8 months

U.S. Gain, a leader in the development, procurement, and distribution of renewable natural gas (RNG), announces that after only eight months, their digester at S&S Jerseyland Dairy in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is now transforming animal waste into clean, low-carbon fuel for the transportation market.

“We’re pleased to add this project to our RNG development portfolio in such a short amount of time,” said Mike Koel, President of U.S. Gain. “As organizations continue to shift from fossil-based products to renewables, the demand for RNG as an alternative fuel and thermal energy continues to climb. We’re excited to be involved in so many dairy-based RNG development projects because of the multitude of benefits brought to rural and urban communities across the nation.”

The anaerobic digester at S&S Jerseyland Dairy has been operational since 2011, initially converting waste from the farm’s 4,000 herd of Jersey cows into renewable power. U.S. Gain purchased the farm’s digester in September 2019 and made the necessary upgrades for fuel production. Gas collected at the facility goes through a complex processing system that results in RNG composed of 99.5% methane. The facility recently obtained project certification from the California Air Resources Board, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Typically, projects like these take 12 to 18 months to bring online. “We are proud to announce its completion much sooner than anticipated,” Koel said.

In addition to sustainable energy efforts, initiatives like these also provide valuable opportunities for educational and professional development. These residencies offer hands-on experience in large-scale dairy operations, contributing to both animal health and environmental sustainability through innovative waste management practices.

DOE to Invest in Advancement of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell R&D

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has revealed its intention to invest up to $100 million over five years in two new DOE National Laboratory-led consortia to advance hydrogen and fuel cell technologies research and development (R&D). This funding is subject to appropriations.

“Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies have the potential to enable resiliency, energy security and economic growth across multiple sectors,” says Mark W. Menezes, undersecretary of energy.

“Through these ambitious new initiatives, the Trump administration continues its commitment to all-of-the-above energy solutions, providing a wide variety of clean energy options for both power generation and transportation,” he adds.

DOE to Invest in Advancement of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell R&D

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has revealed its intention to invest up to $100 million over five years in two new DOE National Laboratory-led consortia to advance hydrogen and fuel cell technologies research and development (R&D). This funding is subject to appropriations.

“Hydrogen and fuel cell technologies have the potential to enable resiliency, energy security and economic growth across multiple sectors,” says Mark W. Menezes, undersecretary of energy.

“Through these ambitious new initiatives, the Trump administration continues its commitment to all-of-the-above energy solutions, providing a wide variety of clean energy options for both power generation and transportation,” he adds.

One consortium will conduct R&D to achieve large-scale, affordable electrolyzers, which use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, and can be powered by various energy sources, including natural gas, nuclear and renewables. This R&D will complement and help support large industry deployment by enabling more durable, efficient and low-cost electrolyzers.

The other consortium will conduct R&D to accelerate the development of fuel cells for heavy-duty vehicle applications, including long-haul trucks. This initiative will set a five-year goal to prove the ability to have a fully competitive heavy-duty fuel cell truck that can meet all of the durability, cost and performance requirements of the trucking industry.

 

Start-Up Unveils New EV Truck at Former GM Ohio Auto Plant

WASHINGTON — Lordstown Motors Corp unveiled its future electric pickup truck at an event on Thursday as the startup seeks to begin producing vehicles at a former General Motors factory in northeastern Ohio.

Lordstown Motors, which hopes to start delivering the electric pickup to customers by January 2021, will face significant competition from other automakers.

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence was driven on stage in the pre-production Endurance vehicle on Thursday in the politically important state.

“After a heartbreaking day in 2019, to see this kind of a comeback – I hope you see it’s a testament to the confidence the people of this company have in the people of this community,” Pence said. “It’s a nice ride. I’m a truck guy.”

Also on Thursday, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co announced a strategic relationship with Lordstown Motors and said it would acquire new Endurance vehicles for its fleet. Automotive companies may partner with a rubber company such as the ones at https://www.gulfrubber.com.au/ for their rubber product needs.

Lordstown Chief Executive Steve Burns said the company would “beat everyone to market” with the first EV truck. Pence said Lordstown has presold 14,000 vehicles.

 

 

Lyft: 100% Electric Vehicles By 2030. CleanTechnica: Ya Think?

Lyft published the positive announcement last week that it would be 100% electric by 2030. Naturally, this is significantly uplifting news, since:

Not many companies have committed to 100% electric vehicles by 2030.
Lyft’s business is based around driving, which means this will result in an enormous reduction in air pollution and global heating emissions. (Presuming Lyft continues to grow or at least survives.)
The announcement should inspire other companies to make such commitments.
The announcement should raise broader consumer awareness around electric vehicles and stimulate more EV purchases.
The responses from some members of CleanTechnica senior staff while eating avocado and cheddar cheese wedges alongside our rooftop pool in the center of Los Altos Hills, California, was essentially whoop dee doo.

In other words, that’s an easy commitment to make. Electric cars have gotten enormously more cost-competitive in the past decade. Costs have fallen off a cliff. They are now more or less at the crossover point (depending on which specific vehicles you compare). Even if you expected slower cost drops in the coming decade, you should realize by now that no one in their right mind will be using a non-electric car for a high-mileage job in 2030. You may as well drive electric and burn cash behind the car as you go for a marketing boost, extra social media klout, and personal entertainment. Go to Client Verge Inc and try for free, no strings attached.

However, embracing the future of electric vehicles (EVs) also means adapting to new maintenance requirements specific to these advanced machines. Although EVs generally have fewer moving parts and require less frequent maintenance compared to traditional combustion engines, they still need specialized care to ensure optimal performance. Rush Automotive offers expert services tailored to the needs of electric vehicles, from battery health checks and software updates to efficient repair solutions. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your EV but also helps you maximize its performance and efficiency, keeping you ahead in the rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

In addition to advancements in vehicle technology, the automotive industry has also recognized the critical role of environmental control in manufacturing processes. One essential aspect is the need for precise humidity management. Excess moisture during the production of cars, especially when dealing with high-tech components, can lead to quality issues such as corrosion and material degradation.

This is where dehumidification in Automotive industry becomes a game-changer. By regulating humidity levels in production facilities, manufacturers can ensure a cleaner and more stable environment, which is crucial for the longevity and reliability of sensitive automotive parts.

The JFC Downtown Autopro will be glad to assist you, whether it’s ensuring smooth painting processes or safeguarding the integrity of vehicle batteries during assembly. Dehumidification plays an integral role in maintaining high standards of quality. In the long run, this attention to detail helps automakers deliver vehicles that are not only innovative but also durable, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand reputation.

Still, I’m the optimistic type, and I was very happy to see the announcement for the reasons espoused at the top.

 

Analysis: Range is a red herring and we don’t need a 500-mike EV

Range is glamorous. And big batteries have a wow factor that appeals both to luxury shoppers expecting excess and to tech-savvy people for the mind-boggling amount of energy packed neatly under the floor.

It’s easy to understand the mindset. The idea of a 400-, 500-, or 600-mile range in an electric vehicle appeals to the same side of the American car-buying psyche that needs four-wheel drive for one day a year, or a high towing rating for pulling a fantasy boat to the dock which then you will have to secure with boat supplies like this divinycell foam for sale.

But it’s worth pointing out—and emphasizing—that big batteries aren’t the greenest way to go electric. They might not even be the best way forward to get a lot of people into new boating inventions.

Efficiency is good and helps EVs go farther with less

First off, let’s not confuse the push for more efficient electric cars with the idea of simply packing in more battery capacity to go more miles. Greater efficiency and squeezing more miles out of a battery is a good thing. Tesla has it mastered, with the Model 3 and Model Y standing as market leaders in how they can do what matters: wring the most miles out of every kilowatt-hour of battery capacity on board.

As the International Energy Agency pointed out this month in an annual report on the EV market, battery cells will continue to make rapid progress in energy density (in kilowatt-hours per weight of your choice). As it noted, increasing the energy density of batteries won’t just reduce the costs of the cars but also will help reduce the battery manufacturing emissions and the life-cycle carbon impact of the cells.

Plug Power Stock Will Soar on Increasing Use of Hydrogen Fuel Cells

The days of the gasoline (or diesel) vehicle are numbered. Everyone seems to be in agreement on that. Gas-powered cars and trucks aren’t going to disappear tomorrow, but they will be replaced. The success of Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) reflects the growing popularity of electric cars. But there’s another story in our zero-emission future: hydrogen. As the race toward green vehicles heats up, Plug Power (NASDAQ:PLUG) is positioned to take advantage of its bet on hydrogen. And that means big upside for PLUG stock.

Here’s everything you need to know about this A-rated stock, and why its 136% gain over the past 12 months is just the start of its run.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell vs. Battery Electric Vehicles
Before getting into the details of Plug Power, it’s important to understand why the company’s hydrogen fuel cell technology is important.

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles use a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to generate power that charges a battery to provide the driving power. The waste is water. Hydrogen has 10 times the energy capacity of Lithium-ion batteries per pound. That means hydrogen fuel cell technology has a big advantage over battery powered electric cars like those made by Tesla. The vehicles are lighter, since they don’t need a huge battery. They have longer range. And while electric cars can take an hour or more to fully charge, refueling a hydrogen vehicle takes two to three minutes.

While hydrogen fuel cell technology presents compelling advantages over traditional battery-powered electric vehicles, like those produced by Tesla, the allure of customizing the interior of a Tesla Model 3 remains a prominent aspect of the ownership experience for many enthusiasts.

In this case, tesla model 3 interior accessories offer a myriad of options for drivers looking to personalize their driving environment with style and functionality. Whether it’s enhancing comfort with luxurious upholstery upgrades or optimizing organization with custom storage compartments, Tesla Model 3 owners can transform their vehicle’s interior to reflect their unique sense of style and practical requirements.

NACFE: Existing Technologies Can Reduce Fuel Usage by Nearly 30 Percent

Existing technologies can reduce fuel usage by nearly 30% for regional routes, creating immediate cost savings and air quality improvements, according to the Run on Less Regional Report, recently released by the North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE).

The report uses data from a demonstration drive with 10 trucking fleets and is the second in a series of tests showing that improving fuel efficiency is within reach for trucking fleets with off-the-shelf technologies. The report focuses on regional haul trucking, which is characterized by distances under 300 miles to and from a base, predictable routes and frequent returns to base, particularly overnight.

Fuel costs are the second-highest operating cost for fleets and while reducing fuel costs provides immediate savings, it also means less air pollution, creating cleaner skies, particularly for low-income communities, which are disproportionately located near highways and major thoroughfares.

The trucking industry has shown itself to be an essential resource, particularly to support health care, the food system and e-commerce, as COVID-19 has changed the face of work and life in our world.