Volvo unveils new all-electric garbage truck with up to 200 km of range

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The Swedish group Volvo Trucks announced that it will bring its electric trucks to the road as soon as this year and with the unveiling of a new truck today, they have already added two new electric trucks in their lineup in just a few weeks.

They unveiled “the Volvo FE Electric”, a truck “designed for heavier city distribution and refuse transport operations with gross weights of up to 27 tonnes.”

It follows ‘the Volvo FL Electric’, a 16-tonne truck that can be configured with different battery packs for a capacity between 100 and 300 kWh for a range of up to 300 km (186 miles), which was unveiled last month.

Advancing Careers in Veterinary Medicine: Opportunities in Specialized Animal Care

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For veterinarians looking to expand their expertise and deepen their impact in the field of animal care, specialized training programs offer an excellent path forward. These opportunities allow professionals to focus on specific areas of veterinary medicine, such as large animal care, dairy management, or advanced surgery, which can enhance both their knowledge and career prospects. Veterinarians who pursue specialized training are better equipped to address the unique challenges and demands of particular animal populations, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the animals under their care.

One such area where specialized training is highly beneficial is in the care of livestock, particularly dairy cattle. Working with large animals such as dairy cows requires a thorough understanding of their specific health needs, disease prevention, and production management. Vets who develop these skills can provide more effective, informed care that supports not only animal health but also the productivity and sustainability of dairy operations.

Why Specialization in Dairy Veterinary Medicine Matters

Veterinary medicine is a broad field, and while many practitioners offer general care for a variety of species, those who choose to specialize can make a significant difference in niche areas. Dairy cattle, for example, present unique health challenges that differ from other livestock or small animals. Their health is directly tied to their milk production, meaning veterinarians who work with dairy farms need to understand the complexities of both animal welfare and farm productivity.

Veterinarians specializing in dairy care develop a strong foundation in areas such as:

  • Nutrition Management: Ensuring that dairy cattle are fed a balanced diet that supports optimal milk production while preventing health issues like metabolic disorders.
  • Reproductive Health: Understanding reproductive cycles and improving herd fertility is key to sustaining milk production and farm efficiency.
  • Disease Prevention and Management: Dairy cattle are susceptible to diseases such as mastitis and lameness, which can severely impact milk production. Specialized knowledge allows veterinarians to better prevent, diagnose, and treat these issues.

The Role of Residency Programs in Enhancing Skills

For veterinarians seeking to develop this kind of expertise, residency programs offer an ideal platform. While it may not always be obvious, many of the most successful large animal veterinarians have benefited from structured programs that provide in-depth training in specific fields, such as dairy medicine. A Dairy Residency Program for veterinarians typically involves advanced clinical training and research, where veterinarians can gain hands-on experience with dairy cattle, learn the latest advancements in livestock care, and collaborate with experts in the field.

Residency programs in specialized fields like dairy medicine often include the following key components:

  • Clinical Practice: Residents work closely with large animal vets and farmers to treat dairy cattle and manage herd health, gaining practical experience in diagnostics, treatment, and farm management.
  • Research Opportunities: Veterinary residents may also engage in research projects that explore new approaches to animal care, disease prevention, and sustainability in dairy production.
  • Mentorship: Working alongside seasoned veterinarians, residents receive mentorship that helps them navigate complex cases and develop confidence in their specialized skills.

Improving the Future of Dairy Veterinary Medicine

Specialized training programs, such as those focusing on dairy veterinary medicine, have far-reaching benefits. Veterinarians who complete these programs not only advance their own careers but also contribute to the health and efficiency of dairy farms. By providing targeted, expert care, they help dairy operations remain productive and sustainable, while ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare.

Moreover, veterinarians with specialized training are well-positioned to become leaders in their field, whether that means guiding the next generation of vets, conducting cutting-edge research, or helping dairy farms adopt more sustainable practices. As the dairy industry continues to evolve, the role of specialized veterinarians will be crucial in ensuring the health of dairy cattle and the success of the farms that rely on them.

Veterinary medicine is a constantly evolving field, with specialized training programs offering veterinarians the chance to develop expertise in areas such as dairy cattle care. Programs like the Dairy residency program for veterinarians provide advanced clinical experience and research opportunities, equipping veterinarians with the skills needed to address the unique challenges faced by large animal populations. By participating in such training, veterinarians can play a vital role in improving animal health, farm productivity, and the future of dairy farming.

ACT Expo Providing Discount to Coalition Members

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The ACT Expo is providing a $50 discount to coalition members. The expo is the largest advanced transportation technology and clean fuels event in the county. Featured speakers for the 2018 conference include representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy, UPS, Frito Lay, and Penske Truck Leasing.

Click Here for Discount Information: https://www.actexpo.com/cleancities

Click Here for Act Expo Information: https://www.actexpo.com/

 

UPS Orders a Fleet of 50 All-Electric Delivery Trucks

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UPS has several ongoing electrification efforts to convert its massive fleet of delivery vehicles. They announced a new step in their partnership with Workhorse to build 50 all-electric delivery trucks. Workhorse is a Loveland, Ohio-based truck maker that has been developing several different electric powertrains and electric vehicle programs.

The company is working on its upcoming plug-in electric W-15 pickup truck and it recently unveiled an electric van geared toward delivery with drone for the last-mile.

They have also been working with UPS to convert their fleet and now they announced the deployment of 50 plug-in electric delivery trucks that they claim “will be comparable in acquisition cost to conventional-fueled trucks without any subsidies.”

Click Here for More Information: https://electrek.co/2018/02/22/ups-electric-delivery-trucks-workhorse/

 

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.

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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.