Q: What do private fleets need to understand about the economics of conversion before exploring such a move? Are there metrics or benchmarks they need to meet before determining this is right for them?
A: Regardless of which fuel you choose, NGVs (natural gas vehicles) have a significant capital cost compared with diesel-powered vehicles. The incremental cost needs to be paid back through lower fuel costs. Each fleet must look at how much fuel it burns per vehicle to determine if the savings will cover the incremental cost of the vehicles in an acceptable timeframe. Some heavy-duty fleets simply don't use enough fuel per vehicle to meet their own investment hurdle rates. They will have a difficult time making the switch.
Friday, February 6, 2015
The Benefits And Challenges Of Natural Gas Conversion
Here's an interview with Erik Neandross who "has constructed conversion programs for some of the nation's largest private fleets, as well as for the city of Los Angeles."
Thursday, February 5, 2015
LNG Taxed 70% More Per Diesel Gallon Equivalent Than Diesel
Mike Whitlatch, VP of Global Energy and Procurement at UPS, points out the inequity of the LNG federal tax rate.
The federal excise tax on both diesel fuel and LNG – which is determined by volume – is 24.3 cents per gallon. Yet, a gallon of LNG produces only 58% of the energy produced from a gallon of diesel.
In short, LNG is effectively taxed at 170% of the rate of diesel fuel on an energy-equivalent basis. That means LNG is being taxed an additional 17 cents per equivalent gallon more than diesel fuel.
In addition to the higher original cost of natural gas-powered alternative fuel vehicles when compared to a conventional diesel truck, a 12% Federal Excise Tax for heavy-duty trucks is applied to the total purchase price of the vehicle.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
January Question Of The Month
Question of the Month: How can I search for, update, and add new alternative fueling station information using the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Station Locator?
Answer: The Alternative Fueling Station Locator is the most used tool on the AFDC and was recently improved to include new options that may change the way users search for and update station information. You can now filter search results by several fuel-specific fields, such as connector type for electric vehicle charging and fill pressure for natural gas fueling. Read on for more details and information on how to update an existing station or add a new station to the Station Locator.
Searching for Alternative Fueling Stations
Previously, Station Locator users could select "more search options" to look for stations with a certain status/access type (e.g., existing, planned, or private), owner type, payment methods, and electric charger types (e.g., Level 2, DC fast charge). The Station Locator now allows users to search filter by fuel-specific fields corresponding to each alternative fuel. First, select a specific fuel type from the "All Fuels" drop-down menu, and then click on "more search options" to choose from the following filters:
Updating Station Information
Once you have located a station of interest, click on the station pinpoint on the map and select "More details" for even more information about the station. If you would like to report updates to the station, such as additional fuel types available, click on "Report a change" in the top right corner of the station details page. Users will receive an email confirmation after reporting updates, and the submission goes directly to the Clean Cities Technical Response Service (TRS) for review and verification. Anyone reporting an update should expect the TRS to contact you or a station point of contact before the changes will appear on the Station Locator.
Adding New Fueling Stations
If you have searched the Station Locator, including private and planned stations, and would like to report one that is not listed, use the New Station Submission form. You can navigate to this form by clicking "Submit New Station" in the top right corner of the Station Locator map. Please provide as much detail as possible in the submission form, and use the "Comments" section as needed to include additional information. As with the station update process mentioned above, you will receive an automated email confirmation and the TRS will likely contact you to verify information before adding the station to the Station Locator.
Alternatively, you may submit new or updated station information by emailing the TRS directly at technicalresponse@icfi.com. If you have several new stations or updates to submit, this method is preferred, as the TRS can provide you with an Excel spreadsheet template.
For more information on how fueling stations are maintained and updated in the Station Locator, see the AFDC About the Alternative Fueling Station Data page.
Answer: The Alternative Fueling Station Locator is the most used tool on the AFDC and was recently improved to include new options that may change the way users search for and update station information. You can now filter search results by several fuel-specific fields, such as connector type for electric vehicle charging and fill pressure for natural gas fueling. Read on for more details and information on how to update an existing station or add a new station to the Station Locator.
Searching for Alternative Fueling Stations
Previously, Station Locator users could select "more search options" to look for stations with a certain status/access type (e.g., existing, planned, or private), owner type, payment methods, and electric charger types (e.g., Level 2, DC fast charge). The Station Locator now allows users to search filter by fuel-specific fields corresponding to each alternative fuel. First, select a specific fuel type from the "All Fuels" drop-down menu, and then click on "more search options" to choose from the following filters:
- Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
- Fill type – the type of dispensing capability available at the station (e.g., fast-fill, time-fill)
- Vehicle accessibility – the maximum vehicle size that can physically access the CNG fueling station (e.g., light-, medium-, heavy-duty vehicles)
- Fill pressure – the pounds per square inch (PSI) pressure available at the station (e.g., 2400, 3000, 3600)
- Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
- Charger type – the type of electric chargers available at the station (e.g., Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast, Legacy chargers)
- Connectors and outlets – the type of outlets (e.g., NEMA 14-50, NEMA 5-15, NEMA 5-20) and connectors (e.g., J1772, CHAdeMO, J1772 Combo, Tesla) available for charging
- Networks – the name of the EVSE network
- Ethanol (E85)
- Mid-level blend availability – stations that provide mid-level ethanol blends, such as E30
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
- Vehicle accessibility – the maximum vehicle size that can physically access the LNG fueling station (e.g., light-, medium-, heavy-duty vehicles)
- Propane (LPG)
- Vehicle-specific service – stations that cater to propane vehicles by offering a vehicle fuel-specific price and accept credit cards
Updating Station Information
Once you have located a station of interest, click on the station pinpoint on the map and select "More details" for even more information about the station. If you would like to report updates to the station, such as additional fuel types available, click on "Report a change" in the top right corner of the station details page. Users will receive an email confirmation after reporting updates, and the submission goes directly to the Clean Cities Technical Response Service (TRS) for review and verification. Anyone reporting an update should expect the TRS to contact you or a station point of contact before the changes will appear on the Station Locator.
Adding New Fueling Stations
If you have searched the Station Locator, including private and planned stations, and would like to report one that is not listed, use the New Station Submission form. You can navigate to this form by clicking "Submit New Station" in the top right corner of the Station Locator map. Please provide as much detail as possible in the submission form, and use the "Comments" section as needed to include additional information. As with the station update process mentioned above, you will receive an automated email confirmation and the TRS will likely contact you to verify information before adding the station to the Station Locator.
Alternatively, you may submit new or updated station information by emailing the TRS directly at technicalresponse@icfi.com. If you have several new stations or updates to submit, this method is preferred, as the TRS can provide you with an Excel spreadsheet template.
For more information on how fueling stations are maintained and updated in the Station Locator, see the AFDC About the Alternative Fueling Station Data page.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Alternative Fuel and Conventional Vehicle Air Pollutant Emissions
Andrew Burnham, from Argonne National Laboratory, led this webinar and discussed issues related to the air pollutant emissions from alternative fuel and advanced vehicles. This webinar discussed how various AFVs differ from conventional vehicles and how this has changed due to recent regulations.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Question Of The Month: What are some of the major electric vehicle supply equipment networks?
Question of the Month: What are some of the major electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) networks, and how can plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) drivers access their stations? What are the costs associated with each network?
Answer: Most PEV charging occurs at home, but for those who have a need to charge at a public location, it's important to understand available charging networks. While EVSE networks and charging infrastructure are frequently evolving, a sampling of the major networks currently includes AeroVironment, Blink, ChargePoint, GE WattStation Connect, Greenlots SKY, NRG eVgo, SemaConnect, and Tesla. Each network has a unique model, with the most common approaches being monthly subscriptions, pay-as-you-go (i.e., pay per charge), and free (free to charge and no subscription fee required).
To determine which charging networks have EVSE along your regular routes and close to your frequent destinations, use the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Station Locator and the Plan a Route function. Select a station, click "more details," and refer to the "electric charging network" field. Other networks currently represented in the Station Locator include EV Connect, EVSE LLC WebNet, GRIDbot, OpConnect, RechargeAccess, and Shorepower. Please note that many public EVSE are not networked and do not require specific access cards.
EVSE Networks
For detailed information on a range of charging networks, see below. As mentioned above, this is meant to show the diversity among EVSE networks, particularly those represented in the Station Locator, and is not a comprehensive listing.
AeroVironment
Blink (Car Charging Group)
ChargePoint
GE WattStation Connect
Greenlots SKY
NRG eVgo
SemaConnect
Tesla Supercharger
The table below provides an overview of the access type and costs associated with each network.
Multi-Network Access
Some companies have teamed up to facilitate access to multiple charging networks with one access/payment card. Nissan LEAF drivers, for example, can enroll in the EZ-Charge program and use EVSE on the AeroVironment, Blink, ChargePoint, Greenlots, and NRG eVgo networks in certain markets.
Answer: Most PEV charging occurs at home, but for those who have a need to charge at a public location, it's important to understand available charging networks. While EVSE networks and charging infrastructure are frequently evolving, a sampling of the major networks currently includes AeroVironment, Blink, ChargePoint, GE WattStation Connect, Greenlots SKY, NRG eVgo, SemaConnect, and Tesla. Each network has a unique model, with the most common approaches being monthly subscriptions, pay-as-you-go (i.e., pay per charge), and free (free to charge and no subscription fee required).
To determine which charging networks have EVSE along your regular routes and close to your frequent destinations, use the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Station Locator and the Plan a Route function. Select a station, click "more details," and refer to the "electric charging network" field. Other networks currently represented in the Station Locator include EV Connect, EVSE LLC WebNet, GRIDbot, OpConnect, RechargeAccess, and Shorepower. Please note that many public EVSE are not networked and do not require specific access cards.
EVSE Networks
For detailed information on a range of charging networks, see below. As mentioned above, this is meant to show the diversity among EVSE networks, particularly those represented in the Station Locator, and is not a comprehensive listing.
AeroVironment
- Access: Monthly subscription, pay-as-you-go. Unlimited monthly access is provided for a monthly rate, or you may pay-as-you-go. To subscribe, call the company or fill out a form online. You will receive a key fob in the mail, which is needed to initiate a charging session. A one-time activation fee of $15 is required for new subscribers.
- Contact: 888-332-2148, evscs@avinc.com
Blink (Car Charging Group)
- Access: Pay-as-you-go. Start by registering a credit card with a Blink account. There are no required annual or monthly membership fees, and no minimum credit card balance. Once registered, you will receive an "InCard" and can initiate a charge using the card. Guests can also initiate a charge with Blink's mobile application.
- Contact: 888-998-2546, support@blinknetwork.com
ChargePoint
- Access: Pay-as-you-go, free. Sign up for free by submitting your credit card information via the website. You will receive an access card in the mail. If you initiate a session at a networked station that requires a fee, ChargePoint will assess an initial deposit of $25. Stations can be activated by using the ChargePoint card or your registered credit card. Users who do not have a ChargePoint card can use the EVSE by calling the number provided below, which is also listed on the EVSE.
- Contact: 888-758-4389, support@chargepoint.com
GE WattStation Connect
- Access: Pay-as-you-go. To start charging with WattSation Connect, register and log in through the website. You will then be asked to link your account to PayPal for payment, and download the WattStation Connect mobile application.
- Contact: 855-443-3873, wattstation.support@ge.com
Greenlots SKY
- Access: Monthly subscription, pay-as-you-go. To start charging with the Greenlots SKY network, download the Greenlots mobile application, which will allow you to search for stations, view real-time status and pricing, and choose between a prepaid monthly subscription or pay-as-you-go.
- Contact: 888-751-8650, support@greenlots.com
NRG eVgo
- Access: Monthly subscription, pay-as-you-go. NRG eVgo provides multiple charging network plan options, including a monthly subscription and an option to pay-as-you-go. To subscribe, visit the website and sign up for a charging plan in your area.
- Contact: 855-509-5581, support@evgonetwork.com
SemaConnect
- Access: Pay-as-you-go. To sign up, log on to the SemaConnect website and open a new account with a $20 balance charged to a major credit card. You will receive a "SemaCharge Pass" radio-frequency identification (RFID) card that can be used to initiate charging at any SemaConnect location. SemaConnect also offers mobile payments via its smartphone application, toll-free number, or via a QR code scan.
- Contact: 800-663-5633
Tesla Supercharger
- Access: Free.Tesla Superchargers do not require an access card; Tesla Model S owners can drive up and plug in. The chargers are compatible with Model S vehicles equipped with the 85 or 60 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack that have been configured to use Superchargers. Note that other PEV models cannot access Tesla Superchargers.
- Contact: 877-79-TESLA
The table below provides an overview of the access type and costs associated with each network.
| Network Access | Cost | |
| AeroVironment | Monthly subscription; Pay-as-you-go | $19.99 per month $4.00-$7.50 per charge |
| Blink | Pay-as-you-go | $0.39-$0.79 per kWh OR $6.99-$9.99 per charge |
| ChargePoint | Pay-as-you-go; Free | $25 initial fee Cost per charge varies |
| GE WattStation Connect | Pay-as-you-go | Cost per charge varies | Monthly subscription; Pay-as-you-go | Subscription costs and cost per charge vary |
| NRG eVgo | Monthly subscription; Pay-as-you-go | Cost per charge varies by region |
| SemaConnect | Pay-as-you-go $20 initial fee | Cost per charge varies |
| Tesla | Free | N/A |
Multi-Network Access
Some companies have teamed up to facilitate access to multiple charging networks with one access/payment card. Nissan LEAF drivers, for example, can enroll in the EZ-Charge program and use EVSE on the AeroVironment, Blink, ChargePoint, Greenlots, and NRG eVgo networks in certain markets.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Fuels Fix Winter Edition
The winter edition of Fuels Fix is available now. Articles:
- City of Louisville's Electric downtown buses
- Adsorption is Future for NGVs
- Daycare Fleets Run Hybrid Electric
- Du Mond Ag Commits to Alt Fuels
- Alabama's Largest, Public CNG Station Opens
- Blue Star Gas Helps Utah Fleet Go Propane
- Wisconsin's Smart Fleet Program
- Ozinga awarded Clean Cities Clean Fuels Champion
- Republic Services Turns to CNG
- PA NG Resources Get a Boost
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