NACFE Fleets Saved Almost $900 Million in Fuel Costs

Posted by & filed under National.

The North American Council for Fuel Efficiency’s 2019 Annual Fleet Fuel Study found that overall fuel efficiency for Class 8 trucks in long-haul applications continues to improve, thanks to a host of new technologies and operational practices. However, the study also found that there is a “significant” performance gap between the numbers being posted by most fleets and the best-in-class performers on the fuel efficiency front.

The study encompassed Class 8 tractors (daycabs and sleepers) and trailers in regional and long-haul applications. Its primary goal was to study the fleets’ levels of adoption of 85 technologies and practices, and the results those drove in each organization.

All 85 technologies are currently available – not prototypes, validation test units, or pre-production units. This study focuses on technologies purchased and implemented onto a fleet’s trucks and trailers. In certain cases, fleets were asked if they had retrofitted any of the devices on their equipment, but this was done for context and is not included in the adoption data.

Fleets providing data for this 2019 study include Bison Transport, C&S, Cardinal Logistics, CFI, CR England, Crete, Frito-Lay, Hirschbach, Maverick, Mesilla Valley Transportation, NFI Industries, Nussbaum, Paper Transport, Prime, Schneider, United Parcel Service, and Werner. Over the years new fleets have joined the study while others stopped or failed to report for a year.

According to NACFE, the primary finding of the 2019 study is that the 21 fleets being evaluated are increasing their rate of adoption of these technologies, and that they are enjoying improved fuel economy as a result of these efforts. The overall adoption rate for the technologies studied in this report has grown from 17% in 2003 to 45% in 2018. Not all technologies could be applied to a single tractor-trailer, as some are clearly an either-or decision.

The report cited several technologies that NACFE fleets adopted in greater quantities during 2019. The technologies with the highest adoption rates were:

  • Predictive cruise control — 32% increase
  • Shift-to-neutral ATMs — 29% increase
  • Low rolling resistance tires — 21% increase
  • Aerodynamic wheel covers (tractors) — 66% increase
  • Engine start/stop for HVAC — 26% increase
  • FA-4 high efficiency engine oil — 531% increase
  • Use of hotels to reduce idle — 22% increase
  • Tire pressue inflation systems (tractors) — 168% increase
  • Trailer nose cones — 23%
  • Trailer gap reducers — 1,389% increase
  • Truck stop electriciation (snorkel type) — 29% increase
  • Solar panels (tractor) — 126% increase
  • Aerodynamic wheel covers (trailers) — 24% increase
  • Mechanical turbo compounding — 25% increase

Blink Working on DC Fast Charging Powered by Kinetic Energy

Posted by & filed under National.

Blink Charging Co. is partnering with Chakratec, an Israeli e-mobility company, to bring a DC fast charging solution to the U.S. that can be deployed virtually anywhere, regardless of the location’s existing power grid capabilities.

DC fast chargers provide the fastest electric vehicle (EV) charging speeds, making these high-power charging solutions available only in locations with sufficient grid power. Upgrading grid infrastructure is extremely costly. Even for cities that can afford the upgrade, the process can be convoluted: arduous approval processes and various regulatory and bureaucratic procedures tend to slow down the approval process.

The Blink and Chakratec project is expected to introduce cutting-edge DC fast charging technology to the U.S. that utilizes a kinetic energy storage system. This will enable high-power charging, serving many EVs daily without straining the grid, and avoiding increased “high demand” charges from utility companies. The proprietary technology is chemical-free, environmentally friendly and able to complete a full charging cycle within just 20 minutes, the companies say.

New NFPA 58 guidelines change autogas refueling process

Posted by & filed under National.

Changes to the autogas refueling process are on the horizon due to new NFPA 58 2020 guidelines.

The guidelines for the new year specify the propane industry adopt the K15 connection for all future autogas vehicles reinstated into service, purchased or converted after Jan. 1, 2020.

Unlike the outgoing ACME valve, which requires a threaded connection to the vehicle, the K15 allows for a much easier quick-connect to a vehicle for refueling. This type of connection reduces fugitive emissions during the autogas refueling process, making it more environmentally friendly and increasing driver safety, Alliance AutoGas (AAG) explains.

Fugitive emissions – or gases or vapors that are released due to leaks and other irregular releases of gases – often escape during the autogas refueling process. AAG says the average quick-connect K15 releases 76 percent less fugitive emissions when compared to the ACME connecter.

“We have seen a significant increase in autogas gallons used for fleets that have switched from the ACME to the quick-connect,” says Jessica Johnson, partner and projects liaison for AAG. “It creates a fueling experience that they are used to and is less intimidating because they don’t have to put on the protective equipment. Our customers are much more confident in their refueling, and can go about business as usual.”

The NFPA 58 code change is not retroactive to vehicles produced before Jan. 1, 2020, AAG explains. However, when a fleet receives a new propane vehicle or performs a conversion after Jan. 1, 2020, the K15 is a requirement for that vehicle.

To help fleets through this transition, adaptors are available, though adaptors are not considered a long-term solution. Any existing ACME equipped propane vehicle can quickly and easily be retrofitted to the new K15 refueling valve, which is the preferred solution for fleets because it allows them to benefit from the advancements in propane vehicle refueling, increasing their ease of operation and safety, AAG says.

“The quick-connect K15 is an exciting advancement in the autogas industry,” says David Kennedy, director of autogas design at AAG. “It provides an easier process compared to what was being used previously and is more environmentally friendly. We have had elderly drivers from our Alliance AutoGas customers struggle with lining the ACME connecter and getting it to thread in the past. Having the K15 allows drivers to refuel with greater ease.”

Trillium Completes Two CNG Stations at Love’s Sites

Posted by & filed under National.

Trillium, a provider of alternative fuel systems and renewable fuels, is adding two new public compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations to its network of California locations.

Trillium designed and built the CNG stations at two Love’s Travel Stops located in Lost Hills and Tehachapi, Calif. The stations will offer renewable natural gas (RNG) refueling capabilities to fleet customers. Produced entirely from organic waste streams, RNG is a low-carbon fuel and interchangeable with pipeline-quality natural gas.

The new CNG stations will feature two fast-fill dispensers and will be heavy-duty vehicle accessible. Slated to open in the first quarter of 2020, these two new stations will add to the network of more than 30 private and public Trillium locations located in California.

“We are excited to expand our network and bring access to RNG fueling to our many fleet customers operating in California’s Central Valley,” says JP Fjeld-Hansen, vice president of Trillium.

Microtransit Fleet Takes Delivery of First Two Electric Ford Transits

Posted by & filed under National.

Lightning Systems says it has delivered the first two units of an initial order of six Lightning Electric Ford Transit 350HD wheelchair-accessible passenger vans to Freebee, an operator of on-demand public transportation in south Florida.

Freebee serves local communities through municipal transportation contracts, using a microtransit model that provides passengers with free door-to-door rides.

“The Lightning Electric Transit 350HD passenger van is ideally suited to the emerging microtransit model,” says Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning Systems. “Our EV powertrain and battery solution is configured and installed to support features such as wheelchair lifts, aftermarket HVAC systems and third-party seating configurations. The combination of performance and range, as well as the passenger experience that comes from riding a battery-electric vehicle, all contribute to making it a great choice for door-to-door transit in urban and suburban environments.”

8 States Sign Statement to Accelerate Transition to Zero-Emission Trucks and Buses

Posted by & filed under National.

California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont joined with the District of Columbia to sign a statement of intent today to develop an action plan to accelerate the deployment of zero-emission trucks and buses.

The initiative is led by the Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

“Our states recognize that nearly all new motor vehicles need to be electric by 2050 to achieve the necessary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions,” the statement reads. “Therefore, transportation electrification is a key climate action strategy and a top air quality priority for our states.”

The next step is for the governors of those states to agree to a Memorandum of Understanding to form a strategy to accelerate the zero-emission truck market.

Cenergy Solutions Debuts ANG, Biogas Transportation and Storage Pods

Posted by & filed under National.

Cenergy Solutions is offering 8-foot and 10-foot adsorbent natural gas and biogas transportation and storage pods, designed to give fleet operators and refueling sites flexibility in moving and storing fuel.

The DOT-compliant pods can store natural gas and biogas at low and high pressures, depending on the application. The pods do not require high-pressure compressors and, in some cases, can be filled from a natural gas line into the pod without using a compressor at all. The ANG pods can also expel the gas much faster than high-pressure tanks due to a reduced cooling effect when emptying the gas stored at lower pressures.

Cenergy Solutions’ low- and high-pressure (250 psi to 3,600 psi) ANG pod can move up to 114,000 SCF of natural gas and biogas. They can be filled up to 3,600 psi, depending on the application.

FERC OKs pipeline tariff changes to aid Midwest propane needs

Posted by & filed under National.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) accepted two oil pipeline tariff amendments aimed at helping to move propane to the Midwest.

Propane demand in the Midwest has soared in recent weeks, as farmers faced an extremely wet harvest combined with an early blast of winter-like weather that required propane use for space heating.

Both ONEOK North System (ONEOK) and Enterprise TE Products Pipeline Co. (Enterprise TE) said they had received requests from shippers for the changes after the start of the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process initiated by FERC last month to alleviate propane pipeline constraints in Midwestern states.

FERC Chairman Neil Chatterjee announced the ADR process on Nov. 19, and the pertinent parties met on Nov. 25. Both companies filed their requests on Nov. 26, and FERC issued notices Nov. 27, with a shortened comment period that ended Dec. 4. FERC accepted the pipeline tariff changes on Dec. 5.

Neuron EV Debuts Battery-Electric TORQ Semi-Truck

Posted by & filed under National.

Startup automotive OEM Neuron EV has unveiled the Neuron EV TORQ, a battery-electric semi-truck.

TORQ is built on Neuron’s scalable chassis with interchangeable body components that easily attach and detach, enabling it to adjust functionality and expand cargo capacity.

The truck’s functional architecture also features an aerodynamic profile that has an integrated sleeper cabin, with a smooth and robust shell for silent operation.

Trans-Atlantic JV Details Battery-Electric and Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Truck Plans

Posted by & filed under National.

veco Trucks and its sister firm, FPT Industrial, along with Nikola Corp. discussed the scope of the joint venture and collaboration agreement under which they plan develop hydrogen fuel-cell and battery-electric trucks for the European market at a Dec. 3 press conference in Turin, Italy.

The jv agreement, inked in Septmber, is technically between Phoenix-based Nikola Motor Co. and CNH Industrial N.V. CNHI, based in the Netherlands, is the parent of Italy-based truck maker Iveco S.p.A. and powertrain supplier FPT Industrial. The deal includes a $250 million investment in Nikola by CNH.

In a Sept. 3 news release, the two partners stated that Nikola’s zero-emission heavy-duty trucks, powered by proprietary hydrogen fuel cell and battery technology, will be the first such vehicles to go into production. Further, they contended that Nikola’s “disruptive business model foresees an industry-first ‘all-in’ lease rate, which includes vehicle, service, maintenance and fuel costs, providing long-term total cost of ownership certainty at or below diesel costs.”

Under the agreement, Iveco and FPT Industrial will provide engineering and manufacturing expertise to help put into production Nikola’s fuel-cell and battery electric trucks: The Nikola One, a North American Class 8 sleeper truck; the Nikola Two, a North American Class 8 daycab; and the Nikola Tre, a European cabover heavy-duty truck.

At the Dec. 3 presser, the partners showed off a model of the battery electric Nikola Tre, which is based on the Iveco S-Way platform and integrates Nikola’s truck technology, controls, and infotainment system.

Testing of the Tre is expected to begin in mid-2020, the companies said, with a European public launch planned for the IAA 2020 commercial vehicle show in Hanover, Germany. Sales and aftersales support of the truck will be provided by Iveco’s European dealer network.

The Tre is “the first step on the path towards the Nikola fuel cell electric model (FCEV), which will be available to customers by 2023,” the partners also stated.

“This joint-venture with Nikola is testament to both partners technical expertise, which will result in tangible environmental benefits for Europe’s long-distance haulers,” CNH Industrial CEO Hubertus Mühlhauser said at the Turin event.

“This partnership is a win-win for everyone involved,” said Trevor Milton, Nikola Motors CEO.  “From the moment we launched the Nikola One in 2016, truck drivers and government officials have been asking for us to bring Nikola to Europe.