Two Tax Breaks for Alternative Fuel Usage Extended Through 2017

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Two tax credits that affect fleets using alternative fuels have been extended. The Alternative Fuel Excise Credit and Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit are now retroactively extended through the end of 2017 — a year past the original expiration of December 21, 2016.

What does this mean for green fleet owners? Consider these credit examples:

  • For any fleet that purchased propane autogas in 2017, a tax credit of 36 cents per gallon is available.
  • A credit of $4,000 to $40,000 is available on the purchase of new qualified fuel cell motor vehicles in 2017. (The amount varies depending on vehicle weight.)
  • For fleets that installed non-hydrogen alt-fuel refueling infrastructure in 2017, the fueling equipment is eligible for a tax credit of 30 percent of the cost (not to exceed $30,000).

How do you file for credits? The Alternative Fuels Data Center says the Treasury Department will provide more details on the process on March 11. Claims may be submitted after Treasury issues guidance. Claims will be paid within 60 days after receipt.

While this legislation is a boon for alternative fuel users, we must take steps to keep these incentives in place for the long run. Contact your elected officials with your support for alternative fuel credits.

Click Here for More Information – http://tncleanfuels.org/2018/02/20/two-tax-breaks-alternative-fuel-usage-extended-2017/

RSVP TODAY!!! KCFC Member Meeting & Green Fleets Ceremony to be Held at Mid-America Trucking Show

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KCFC will be holding our next member meeting and our 2017 Green Fleets of the Bluegrass Awards Ceremony at the Mid-America Trucking Show March 23rd 9:00 am et – 12:00 pm et!! Not only will we be providing coalition updates, but we’ll be celebrating the accomplishments of Kentucky’s greenest fleets!!

The Mid-America Trucking Show is the largest Heavy-Duty Trucking Event in the world with over 1,000 exhibitors.

RSVP is required by February 15th. 

All attendees will be registered by KCFC for free admission to the Mid-America Trucking Show. After completing your RSVP for the meeting, KCFC will contact you for the mailing address which you’d like used for your badge for entrance to the trucking show.

Breakfast will be provided for attendees. Space is limited. Priority will be given to KCFC members and Green Fleets of the Bluegrass participants.

If you have any questions, please contact Executive Director Emily Carpenter.

RSVP Today

VW Settlement Electrify America Seeks Input on $500M Investment

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The VW Settlement Electrify America Program is requesting input for their next round of $500 million investment cycle. This is the second of four 30-month cycles which will culminate in a total investment of $2 billion over 10 years. This cycle will start in July 2019 and end in December 2021. Submissions can include but are not limited to suggestions for potential electric charger locations, state and local policies designed to increase Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) adoption, and education activities that communicate benefits of ZEVs.

The first cycle which began in 2017 is well underway. In the cycle, which will run through June 2019, Electrify America is working to establish a network that includes non-proprietary electric vehicle chargers (CCS, CHAdeMO and J1772 standards) at over 650 community-based sites and nearly 300 highway sites across the country.

Electrify America says all submissions must be received by March 1 to better ensure consideration in the Cycle 2 investment plans. For more information or to submit a comment/proposal, please visit Electrify America’s website.

Submit a Comment

Lextran was Kentucky’s First Fleet this Year to Submit Green Fleets Data

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Lextran was this year’s first fleet to submit their 2017 data for the Green Fleets of the Bluegrass Program!! They are a fantastic example of a Kentucky fleet investing in alternative fuel/advanced technology vehicles to decrease petroleum use and improve our air quality. Lextran’s fleet includes compressed natural gas powered buses as well as fully electric and hybrid electric buses!!

If you haven’t submitted your data, there is still time! The data submission deadline is January 26th. Fleets can submit their data via the online survey or email Emily Carpenter to request an excel version of the survey to complete.

Green Fleets of the Bluegrass is a voluntary fleet recognition program of the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition (KCFC). Green Fleets of the Bluegrass aims to improve the environmental performance of vehicle fleets across Kentucky by reducing petroleum fuel use. The program is structured to provide flexibility for diverse fleets across the Commonwealth to pursue best practices while achieving recognition for successes along the way.

Click Here for Program Information: https://kentuckycleanfuels.org/projects/greenfleets/

KCFC Featured in Fuels Fix Magazine

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The Winter 2018 edition of the Fuels Fix Magazine features the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition!! In introducing Emily Carpenter as Executive Director, the article highlights some of Kentucky’s most impressive sustainable transportation accomplishments. This includes the collective reduction of 11 million gasoline gallon equivalents and a reduction in greenhouse gas emitted by over 48,000 tons in 2016 by our Green Fleets of the Bluegrass!! The article contains a wonderful picture of some of our fleet representatives from the awards ceremony.

 

Click Here to View the Magazine: http://www.fuelsfix.com/

NC Clean Energy Technology Center Hosting First Responder Clean Transportation Demonstration Day

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NC Clean Energy Technology Center is hosting a free First Responder Clean Transportation Demonstration Day on February 28, 2018. The event will feature alternative fuel vehicles and clean transportation technology applications specific to law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency medical services. The event will include classroom instruction with real world case study results, hands on product static review, closed course ride and drive, and lunch.

Please use this link to access the event flyer for more information.

KCFC Welcomes New Executive Director

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Following 24 years of service and remarkable contributions to the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition (KCFC), Executive Director, Melissa Howell has retired. Emily Carpenter became the new Executive Director effective January 2018.

Carpenter has served the coalition since 2012. Beginning as an intern through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Workforce Development Program, it was her passion for the mission and vision of the KCFC that inspired her. Through years of dedicated service to KCFC’s goals, she has taken on countless challenges to further fleet environmental sustainability and the advancement of the alternative fuels/advanced transportation technology industry in Kentucky.

“The KCFC began with seven members with a mission in 1993, we have achieved national recognition and continuously served as the most qualified resource for this industry across Kentucky. Emily Carpenter will lead the KCFC through new adventures in technology with a renewed ‘energy’ to carry her,” noted Howell.

Carpenter has been responsible for writing grants, expanding current programs, and developing new projects. She has successfully authored grants and obtained awards on behalf of KCFC members. She was tasked with spearheading project development for KCFC which led to the establishment of the nation’s first comprehensive alternative fuel vehicle technician training program. Carpenter also revitalized KCFC’s Green Fleets program. In 2016, program fleets’ combined efforts led to the reduction of over 11 million gasoline gallon equivalents and a reduction in greenhouse gas emitted by over 48,000 tons.

A Kentucky native, Carpenter is a graduate of the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School with a master’s degree of Diplomacy and International Commerce with a focus on energy resources.

“It is an honor and a privilege to be the Kentucky Clean Fuels Coalition’s next Executive Director,” said Carpenter.

AEV Technologies Unveils Electric Truck

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AEV Technologies, Inc., designer and manufacturer of compact, emissions-free vehicles for urban commercial markets, unveiled its new assembled in the U.S.A., all-electric vehicle lineup at the world’s largest consumer electronics expo, CES Las Vegas, January 9 through 12.

For more information

XL Hybrids Gets Latest CARB Approval

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XL Hybrids has received approval for plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) Ford F-150 pickup trucks in the Golden State of California – an industry first.

According to XL Hybrids, among the many things the Board does is issue executive orders that allow for alternative-vehicle technologies – many of which can increase fuel economy – to be legally sold in California. For example, before HEV, PHEV, compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid propane (LPG) vehicles can be sold and operated in California, these technologies must be tested in laboratories and verified by CARB.

Link for more information

Hyundai’s New Fell-Cell SUV Has 307 Miles of Range

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Hyundai unveiled its all-new fuel cell EV (FCEV) SUV, the Nexo, which has an estimated range of 370 miles with a five minute fueling duration, and offers a host of new automated driving technologies.

The Nexo, which was unveiled at the 2018 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, will enter a market that includes other fuel cell vehicles such as the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell and Toyota Mirai, the automaker announced.

Nexo is Hyundai’s second-generation mass produced fuel cell electric vehicle, after Tucson FCEV, which the Nexo has 105 additional miles of range when compared, according to the automaker. The Nexo accelerates 20% faster than the Tucson FCEV, has 30% more range, more cabin space, a lighter weight, and improved hydrogen storage tanks, according to the automaker.

NEXO’s powertrain is also lighter and takes up less space compared to the Tucson FCEV.

Further still, the Nexo is capable of starting after being subject to overnight temperatures of -20 degrees Fahrenheit. It offers 291 lb.-ft of torque and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds.

The release of the Nexo is in line with Hyundai’s goal of introducing 18 eco-friendly models to global markets by 2025, the automaker announced at CES.

Link for more information