Last Updated: November 10, 2009
The University of Oklahoma in Norman, Okla., has 160 vehicles that run on alternative fuels, including five low-speed electric vehicles. Two of the electric vehicles are used for on-campus mail delivery. OU also operates 43 electric utility vehicles and golf carts on campus sidewalks and paths that are used by maintenance and physical plant staff.
Beth Gatewood, OU assistant administrator of printing, mailing and document production, said the low-speed electric vehicles save the time and expense of refueling and are ready to go after recharging outside her building. "Besides being fun and quiet," Gatewood said, "we can get in all the small places on campus we need to squeeze through."
Central Oklahoma Clean Cities stakeholders since 1995, the University of Oklahoma Transportation and Parking Services, which includes Fleet Services operations and Cleveland Area Rapid Transit (CART), fuels 53 flex-fuel sedans and SUVs with E85, 41 heavy duty trucks and CART buses with B20, and 15 heavy duty and light-duty passenger vehicles and shuttle buses with CNG at its new Transportation Operations Center, a multi-fuel, state-of-the-art fueling, maintenance and operations facility. The center has four fast-fill CNG hoses at 3600 psi, and eight slow-fill CNG hoses in addition to four pumps for biodiesel and ethanol.
The university also has three hybrid electric passenger cars in its fleet that fuel at the facility which also dispenses gasoline and ultra low sulfur diesel.
At the official opening of the Transportation Operations Center in March 2009, OU President David Boren said the university is committed to the environment and the new Transportation Operations Center is a symbol of that commitment. Boren has made it university policy if an alternative fuel vehicle is available for the type of vehicle needed, the university will purchase the AFV.
OU Fleet Services plans to add five CNG buses to the CART fleet with 2009 federal stimulus money and will purchase and convert two new Chevrolet Impalas with assistance from an award from the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments' 2009 Public Fleet Conversion Grants program. ACOG's Public Fleet Conversion Grants? program is administered through its Clean Cities program office.
Last Updated: November 05, 2009
The New York City Department of Sanitation, the nation's largest municipal refuse fleet, is making great strides in using clean, alternative fuels. Among the array of vehicles is the hybrid hydraulic garbage truck, the only one in the country in its weight class. The agency is also testing hybrid electric and natural gas powered refuse trucks.
NYC's 2,000 other diesel refuse trucks run on renewable B5 biodiesel as do 450 of their street sweepers. Another 25 are fueled by compressed natural gas, and the alt-fuel list continues with hundreds of light duty gasoline-electric hybrids used by field supervisors along with 6 all-electric GEMs that move around the repair shop.
Collecting 22 million pounds of garbage a day using vehicles that are less dependent on petroleum is how NYC's Department of Sanitation is keeping it "clean and green" in the Big Apple. View the MotorWeek video of this story.
Last Updated: October 27, 2009
Chattanooga, Tennessee, sits between a river and a mountain, and the downtown corridor stretches about two miles north to south and between 6 and 10 blocks east to west. The corridor includes the museum district along the riverfront, the business district, and the main shopping district. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) was formed as part of a city renaissance program and CARTA decided to switch to electric shuttle buses to transport residents and tourists.
The fleet of 15 22-foot electric shuttle buses run at 5-minute intervals and the ride is free. CARTA transit authorities estimate that the vehicles have covered more than 2.5 million miles saving an estimated 86 tons of pollutants. CARTA also financed and built parking structures at both ends of the route to intercept automobile traffic before it reached the downtown corridor.
Former Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater acknowledged that Chattanooga's innovations in streamlining the connections between automobiles and transit, and introduction of electric buses and other alternative-fueled vehicles as a major contributor in "reducing traffic congestion, protecting the environment, enhancing mobility and revitalizing communities." For more information, contact CARTA.
Last Updated: October 08, 2009
Electric vehicles are currently performing a wide variety of off-road functions at warehouses and airports. eTug , LLC has built two electric baggage tractor models that can tow as many as five loaded baggage carts from the terminal to airplane loading gates. eTugs are currently being operated by airlines and ground handling companies at six different airports and more are being evaluated.
The eTug DC-20 model can tow up to 20,000 lbs. and operates on direct DC drive. The eTug AC-30 model has a 30,000-lb. capacity, operates on AC current, and like the DC-20 model, can be charged at a standard 110v outlet or a fast charge station. Regenerative braking, on-board battery charger, backup alarm and rear inching switch are standard on both models.
According to Neil Bennett, president of eTug LLC, "Even if companies are under mandates to switch to environmentally friendly operation, it's hard for companies to spend money during difficult economic times. Our machines operate on zero emissions and offer savings from the first day of operation that directly affect the bottom line. Electric charging costs nine cents for an hour of operation while a gas or diesel tug costs in the three- to four-dollar range for the same hour of operation." Leasing is another option, costing $900 per month compared to $2,200 or more in operating costs of a gasoline vehicle.
"Environmental compliance and reduced fuel costs are available in the off-road sector," Bennett said. "Electric vehicles offer versatility and function at a low cost per unit. Contact Neil Bennett for more information about eTug applications.
Last Updated: June 01, 2009
Diversity on campus has a new meaning in Chicago. The University of Illinois-Chicago's (UIC) transportation system for innercampus and commuter transport includes a variety of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). The fleet includes 12 light-duty hybrids, 37 flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs), 26 vehicles that operate on B20, two compressed natural gas (CNG) cargo vans, and a CNG Crown Victoria. In addition, nine CNG Blue Bird buses transport an average of 2,000 people daily around the campus. All in all, AFVs represent 36% of their fleet.
With the help of two Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grants received through the efforts of the Chicago Area Clean Cities coalition, the university installed CNG infrastructure. "We now have two slow-fill dispensing units and we have added two quick-fill CNG units," says Pablo Acevedo, associate director of facilities management at UIC. The university's program extends its reach even farther by allowing vehicles owned by the City of Chicago to fill up at the UIC facility.
Acevedo explains that there are pluses and minuses to his CNG vehicles. "Parts and maintenance are more costly for the CNG vehicles than for regular diesel vehicles. It's also important to get the right kind of training for our mechanics who work on the CNG vehicles." On the plus side, the AFVs use less expensive fuel and reduce pollution caused by burning diesel.
The CNG and FFVs are purchased based on mandated levels dictated by the state and alternative fuel provider section of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. The CNG-powered vehicles were first purchased in 1997. "The decision back then was based on cost savings and environmental concerns," Acevedo says. "Those are the same reasons we continue to add CNG vehicles to our fleet."
There's always room for more advanced vehicles--and UIC is interested in the all-electric, commercial Ford Transit Connect van, which is expected to have a range of 100 miles per charge and a top speed of 70 miles per hour.
"UIC's commitment to its alternative fuel program and its involvement in the coalition make it an exemplary fleet in the Chicago area," says Chicago Clean Cities Coordinator Samantha Bingham. "We are happy to assist UIC as well as other coalition members with everything from technical assistance to identifying funding."
Last Updated: March 18, 2009
The Chicago and Seattle city governments use the electric Segway Personal Transporter to boost worker efficiency, cut petroleum consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The City of Chicago, one of the technology's earliest adopters, owns 77 Segways. The police and aviation departments use them to patrol large areas such as parks and O?Hare International Airport. For police officers, the Segway provides the mobility and speed of a motorized vehicle while maintaining the friendliness of a walking beat. ?You can drive and still interact with the citizens,? says one Chicago police officer. City medical personnel and litter collectors also use Segways.
The City of Seattle operates 18 Segways. Utility department employees use them to check water meters, eliminating the need for cars on some residential routes. The Parks Department uses Segways to patrol parks and move between buildings. A city fire inspector, who had developed knee problems from walking his route in a concrete football stadium was able to remain on the job by choosing a Segway over a gasoline-powered golf cart and, as a bonus, prevented further joint problems. Parking Enforcement Officers are using Segways to patrol several downtown neighborhoods. Employees can also check out a Segway from Seattle?s motor pool to travel to nearby meetings.
Feedback from Segway users has been positive. Seattle fleet engineer Matt Rathke says he regularly receives Segway training requests. The Segway's all-electric operation eliminates gasoline use and emissions in both cities, and the fleets report saving money on fuel and maintenance. Chicago estimates that a Segway's annual maintenance costs are 20 times lower than a car.For more information, contact Eileen Joyce, Public Information Officer, Fleet Management, at eileenjoyce@cityofchicago.org, and Matt Rathke, Seattle Fleet Management, at matt.rathke@seattle.gov.
Last Updated: August 22, 2007
Located near Eureka, California, the Redwood National and State Parks are currently using a variety of alternative fuels in its fleet. They are using biodiesel (B20) to operate 32 heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) used for park maintenance. The park also uses five light-duty electric vehicles and two Toyota Prius hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) for light maintenance and park transportation. In addition, the park has an electric tractor vehicle used to haul cleaning supplies to the restrooms, pick up and transport garbage, and to perform routine maintenance work. "The electric tractor is quieter than a conventional vehicle, and it does not disturb the wildlife as much," says Roads and Trails Supervisor Richard Mayle.Redwood National and State Parks currently has an onsite biodiesel (B20) refueling station. "Biodiesel is inconsistent because it usually takes a few weeks to get a shipment to our remote location. Sometimes the fuel arrives in a few days and other times it takes a couple of weeks," says Mayle. "Biodiesel also costs a little bit more than conventional fossil fuel diesel, but we have noticed that biodiesel is cleaner and seems better for the environment."
For additional information, visit the Redwood National and State Parks Web site or contact Richard Mayle at richard_mayle@nps.gov.
Last Updated: August 22, 2007
In June 2002, the Greater New Haven Transit District (GNHTD) in Connecticut began operating four Ebus -22-foot, fully electric trolley replica vehicles. Powered by nickel cadmium (flooded) batteries, the trolleys emit zero emissions and can transport a maximum of 22 passengers. Two of the trolleys operate seven hours a day, six days a week on a downtown New Haven circular route. One trolley also runs an additional two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening, carrying people from various business buildings to parking lots.
The trolleys are each nearing 40,000 miles of operation and have an operational readiness rate that's greater than 90%. Using the electric trolleys instead of conventional diesel buses "improves the air quality in an area that is out of compliance with ozone and particulate matter, as well as decreases dependence on foreign petroleum," says Donna Carter, GNHTD executive director. "We are very pleased to be able to keep these trolleys, which were built to run in sunny California, on the streets of chilly New Haven in the dead of winter." GNHTD estimates that, so far, the trolley fleet has displaced 10,000 gallons of petroleum diesel fuel. Route expansions and refinements are currently being explored to offer better connections between local rail service, work locations, and tourist sites in the downtown area. The City of New Haven and the Greater New Haven Transit District are working together to secure funding for expansion of its alternative fuel vehicle fleet to serve the growing need for increased public transit options downtown.
For more information, visit the New Haven Transit District Web site or contact Donna Carter, Greater New Haven Transit District.
Last Updated: August 22, 2007
In 2001, the Port of Seattle Aviation Division adopted a fleet vehicle purchase policy that required the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), whenever feasible and practical, to replace conventional petroleum vehicles. The Seattle Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport's fleet is currently composed of 60 compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles, including 16 buses and 41 light-duty vehicles (LDVs)--all of which display the slogan "Doing our share for cleaner air naturally." Sea-Tac's fleet also includes seven propane LDVs, nine hybrid LDVs and 91 ground support units that operate on electricity. In 2005, the Sea-Tac Airport received the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Excellence Award in recognition of the implementation of air quality programs such as the fleet vehicle purchase policy.
The Port required airport taxi and shuttle services to switch to CNG vehicles. Shuttle Express currently has 27 CNG shuttle vans serving the airport. Shuttle Express operates more than 33% of its total trip mileage using the CNG vans. The Seattle-Tacoma International Taxi Association operates all of its 166 taxi cab fleet with CNG-fueled Ford Crown Victorias. The Port of Seattle's Air Quality Web site reports that the CNG fleet is expected to produce 149 fewer tons of carbon monoxide and 24 fewer tons of oxides of nitrogen each year compared to conventional vehicles.
The Port partnered with Clean Energy to install, operate, and maintain a full-service CNG fueling station at Sea-Tac, which is open to the public and operates 24 hours a day. Sea-Tac currently has plans to add an additional public CNG fueling station, as well as increase the number of CNG buses in its fleet.
For more information, contact Russ Simonson, senior environmental program manager, Port of Seattle, Aviation Division, at simonson.r@portseattle.org.