NGVAmerica News Week in Review: May 23, 2016
- Thomas Built Buses Launch Type C School Bus Featuring CWI 7 G Engine
- SCAQMD Approves $32.5 Million for Natural Gas Trucks
- Energy Security Group Releases New Energy Policy Report
- Westport Earns CARB Certificate for Ford Transit Connect and F-150 Trucks
- Hexagon Composites Makes SMARTSTORE CNG Transport Module Available in U.S.
- South Jersey Gas Deploys 100th CNG Fleet Vehicle
- American Natural Gas Acquires Two CNG Stations from Southwestern Energy
- Cummins Unveils SmartEfficiency Initiative Improvements for Transit Buses
- Tennessee Clean Fuels Recognizes Certified Green Fleet
- Eagle LNG Begins Construction of LNG Plant in West Jacksonville, Florida
Thomas Built Buses Launch Type C School Bus Featuring CWI ISB6.7 G Engine
May 19, 2016
Thomas Built Buses, along with Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation, announced the official launch of the Saf-T-Liner C2 CNG school bus. This Type C school bus will be the first to feature the Cummins Westport ISB6.7 G 6.7L CNG engine and Allison 2000 series transmission. The new bus is CARB-certified and exceeds EPA 2013 emissions requirements.
“Since we launched the Saf-T-Liner HDX CNG 20 years ago, we’ve seen how efficient and economical CNG can be for our customers,” said Caley Edgerly, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. “We are pleased to take our ever-popular C2 model and upfit it to be used with compressed natural gas for the many school districts which are looking for a lower-priced, cleaner and increasingly abundant fuel supply.”
Several school districts already have committed to being the among the first to purchase the new Saf-T-Liner C2 CNG school buses as they roll off the line, including North Kansas City School District and Blue Springs School District in Missouri. Orders are being received and production is expected to begin next month.
For more information about the Saf-T-Liner C2 CNG, customers may contact their local Thomas Built Buses dealer.
SCAQMD Approves $32.5 Million for Natural Gas Trucks
May 23, 2016
The South Coast Air Quality Management District board has approved more than $32 million in funding for natural gas trucks, including low NOx natural gas trucks, through the agency’s Goods Movement Program under California’s Proposition 1B statute. Prop 1B funding, which totals $52 million for all projects, is provided by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
More than $26 million will be used to support the deployment of 263 natural gas trucks powered by Cummins Westport’s new super-low NOx ISL-G Near Zero engine. Another $6 million will be used to deploy an additional 97 natural gas trucks.
| Technology | No. of Vehicles | Operational Deadline | Program Funds Requested |
| Small Fleet – Diesel Truck | 1 | 12/31/2016 | $60,000 |
| Natural Gas Trucks (Current Standards) |
97 |
1/1/2019 |
$6,280,000 |
| Low NOx Trucks (≤ 0.02 g/bhp-hr) | 263 | 7/1/2020 | $26,250,000 |
| Hybrid Trucks | 20 | 7/1/2020 | $2,300,000 |
| Zero Emission Trucks | 43 | 7/1/2020 | $8,600,000 |
| Zero Emission TRUs | 102 | 7/1/2020 | $5,100,000 |
| Infrastructure: | |||
| Electric Chargers | 30 | 7/1/2020 | $900,000 |
| TRU Electric Plugs | 713 | 1/1/2019 | $2,139,000 |
| Total | $51,629,000 | ||
Projects funded by Proposition 1B for the Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program must achieve early or extra emission reductions not otherwise required by rules or regulations. To date, CARB has granted close to $740 million to local agencies for various goods movement projects.
In September 2015, CARB approved new funding awards for the program, and a program announcement (#PA2016-02) for trucks, transport refrigeration units and related infrastructure closed in November 2015. The evaluation of small fleet applications was completed first and approved by the Board on March 4, 2016.
Energy Security Group Releases New Energy Policy Report
May 23, 3016
On May 19, Securing America’s Future Energy Security (SAFE) held a half day conference in Washington, DC and unveiled a new report detailing steps the country should take to bolster energy security. The report, titled “The National Strategy for Energy Security: The Innovation Revolution” focuses on efforts to reduce the transportation sectors reliance on petroleum fuels. The report is a project of the Energy Security Leadership Council, co-Chaired by Frederick W. Smith, Chairman, President and CEO of FedEx Corporation, and General James T. Conway, 34th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. The Council is an alliance of business and retired military leaders dedicated to mitigating the severe threat of oil dependence to America’s economic prosperity and national security.
A major theme of the half day event and the report is encouraging innovation to advance new technologies that reduce petroleum fuel consumption and improve transportation safety such as electric drive systems, smart vehicles and driverless vehicles. With respect to driverless cars the report provides a number of recommendations such as amending outdated federal safety rules and preempting state and local rules that impede acceptance of such vehicles.
NGVAmerica met with SAFE several weeks ago to discuss priorities for promoting the NGV marketplace. We are pleased to report that SAFE’s report includes a number of key policy recommendations for advancing natural gas as a transportation fuel, including incentives for heavy-duty trucks, extending the $0.50 fuel credit, creation of a grant system for CNG and LNG stations along high-priority corridors, and other concepts to grow the market. NGVAmerica will continue the dialogue with SAFE in the weeks ahead.
The SAFE report and summary are available here.
Westport Earns CARB Certificate for Ford Transit Connect and F-150 Trucks
May 18, 2016
Westport Innovations announced it has received certification from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the dedicated CNG Westport WiNG Power System used in the Ford Transit Cargo Van and Passenger Wagon, and the F-150 truck for model year 2016.
Both the Cargo Van and Passenger Wagon models of the dedicated CNG Transit 3.7L have been certified as Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in recognition of their emissions cutting abilities. This certification is valid for the Transit T-250 and T-350 cargo vans, and passenger wagons up to 10,000 gross vehicle weight. The certification qualifies these vehicles for high occupancy vehicle lane access in California, offering fleets improved productivity and cost savings.
“CARB is a very tough standard to meet but we now have a range of certified vehicles which are compliant in all 15 of the states that have adopted the CARB regulations,” said Paul Shaffer, Vice President and Managing Director of Westport Dallas. “The Transit and F-150 are both the best sellers in their class and serve everyone from super shuttle drivers to tradesmen.”
The F-150 features two in-bed tank package options, as well as an underbody option which provides greater flexibility and preserves bed space. Customers will need to submit their orders before the order book closes for the F-150 MY2016 on July 1.
Hexagon Composites Makes SMARTSTORE CNG Transport Module Available in U.S.
May 20, 2016
Hexagon Composites’ subsidiary Hexagon Lincoln has received approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate its newest Mobile Pipeline product in the United States. Hexagon says the enhanced SMARTSTORE module offers the highest CNG volume of a 20 ft. container, transporting up to 245,000 scf, with a total water volume of 23,175 L.
Containing larger cylinders than previous modules, SMARTSTORE achieves greater volume with fewer tanks and connections. Horizontal mounting of up to 15 MAGNUM tanks sized to the entire length of the module ensures easy access to plumbing and reduces maintenance costs. Its low weight and compact intermodal dimensions are well suited for transporting energy gases by road, rail and sea.
“USDOT approval allows North American customers to take advantage of lower capital expenditures for clients requiring a smaller footprint than our TITAN trailer,” says Frank Häberli, Vice President, Mobile Pipeline division. “We are pleased to provide off-pipeline customers a full range of competitive, lightweight, bulk-hauling options for clean-burning natural gas.”
The new SMARTSTORE was designed and tested in accordance with the United States Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Special Permit 14951, and reviewed by an independent inspection agency. It also has American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) approval for operation in Latin America, Asia and Africa. In Europe, the Company offers an ADR/TPED approved version.
South Jersey Gas Deploys 100th CNG Fleet Vehicle
May 19, 2016
South Jersey Gas recently celebrated a company milestone, introducing the 100th CNG fueled vehicle into its fleet. Jeffrey DuBois, president of South Jersey Gas, and members of the South Jersey Gas CNG team gathered to mark the occasion at the company’s Millville divisional office and public CNG fueling station.
South Jersey Gas is committed to expanding CNG fueling sites across southern New Jersey, with seven public fueling stations open now and plans to construct more this year. The utility has already converted more than 100 of its vehicles to CNG since 2011, and is committed to converting its entire fleet by 2020. Once the entire fleet is converted, the fleet will eliminate the use of approximately 457,000 gallons of gasoline per year.
American Natural Gas Acquires Two CNG Stations from Southwestern Energy
May 16, 2016
American Natural Gas (ANG) has acquired two public CNG fueling stations from an affiliate of Southwestern Energy Company in Conway and Damsacus, Arkansas. Service at both stations will continue uninterrupted as ownership and operations responsibilities shift to ANG.
“We’re looking forward to a seamless transition and long-term relationships as we continue to supply Southwestern Energy’s fleet, its loyal customers, and any new transportation companies interested in converting to CNG,” said Andrew West, CEO of ANG.
Both stations are active hubs for local municipal vehicles and regional return-to-base and long-haul trucking fleets. The Conway station is located just off I-40 and the Damascus station is located on Highway 65 South. The Conway station features two dual-hose dispensers and Damascus has three. Both stations are open 24 hours a day and feature self-service pumps with credit card capabilities and video surveillance.
Cummins Unveils SmartEfficiency Initiative Improvements for Transit Buses
May 17, 2016
Cummins has unveiled the SmartEfficiency initiative for transit buses. As part of the SmartEfficiency initiative, Cummins revealed a number of improvements, including the the ISL G Near Zero (NZ) NOx natural gas engine, the isolated engine coolant loop system, and a new SmartSupport service program.
The isolated coolant loop for transit buses using the ISL G natural gas powertrain improves reliability and reduces downtime. A water-to-water heat exchanger will be mounted on the ISL G, and will provide heat to the passenger compartments, as needed, while providing a self-contained coolant flow to the engine compartment area. This new approach reduces potential coolant leakage or air infiltration for better Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler reliability and durability. Installation of the isolated coolant loop becomes standard in transit buses beginning January 2017.
The Cummins Westport ISL G Near Zero (NZ) offers transit authorities an alternative product that is certified to optional near-zero emissions standards. The ISL G NZ is built off the current ISL G platform, but requires Closed Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) that prevents crankcase emissions, a larger maintenance-free Three-Way Catalyst (TWC), and a unique engine calibration. Together, these improvements will allow the ISL G NZ to certify to 0.02g/bhp-hr, or 90 percent below the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) NOx standards, and provide up to a 15 percent reduction in CO2 emissions. The ISL G NZ can power transit and shuttle buses weighing up to 66,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight.
In order to provide greater service and support for transit authorities, Cummins is currently piloting a new service program, called SmartSupport, where Cummins will proactively replace critical engine components to reduce unscheduled downtime.
“The proactive replacement schedule is based on the predicted life of the component,” said Kartik Ramanan, Cummins General Manager of Global Bus. “With the future integration of Connected Diagnostics, Cummins will be further equipped to keep the transit authority fleets operating, and replace critical components when needed.”
Tennessee Clean Fuels Recognizes Certified Green Fleet
May 17, 2016
Tennessee Clean Fuels (TCF) recently inducted the first eight fleets into the “Tennessee Green Fleets” Certification Program. The fleets were recognized at the University of Chattanooga during the 2nd annual Sustainable Transportation Awards & Forum, which is managed by the
Tennessee Departments of Environment & Conservation and Transportation. TCF collaborated with them on the event and assisted in setting up an alternative fuel vehicle showcase that included 20 vehicles powered by natural gas and other alternative fuels.
The Tennessee Green Fleets Certification Program was developed jointly by the Middle‐West and East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalitions. It is designed to use performance‐based metrics to analyze any fleet’s vehicle and fuel‐use data, and compare new actions they have taken to what their footprint would have looked like without those actions. The applicant fleets that receive certification can promote their fleet’s greening efforts and include that in its sustainability portfolio information.
Natural gas fleets from across the state that received certification include:
Waste Management, Antioch Operations – Waste Management has transitioned 68 of their 90 refuse trucks out of their Antioch operations center to CNG and over 80 percent of the fuel use there is CNG. They opened a “Clean‐n‐Green” CNG station to the public, which is the only public CNG station on the south side of Nashville for CNG vehicles.
UPS, Class‐8 Fleet – UPS operates 283 Class‐8 LNG trucks that are based out of Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis—over one‐third of all of their Class 8 vehicles in Tennessee. UPS not only educates about their “rolling laboratory” at national events. They have helped their local coalition with tours of their facilities in Knoxville.
Gibson County Utility District – The utility district built a public CNG station in small West‐Tennessee community of Trenton for all citizens (that includes the use of solar power) and have moved almost half of their 36‐vehicle fleet to CNG. Significant efforts to reach out into communities across the entire state of Tennessee to discuss how CNG is a great option for using cleaner, domestic fuels.
Scott Appalachian Industries – The company built a public CNG station in small East‐Tennessee community of Huntsville/Oneida for all citizens and have transitioned half of their fleet to CNG.
Eagle LNG Begins Construction of LNG Plant in West Jacksonville, Florida
May 17, 2016
Eagle LNG has begun the construction process for a natural gas liquefaction plant in West Jacksonville, Florida. The state-of-the-art facility is slated to be operational and LNG by early 2017. When completed, the facility will have a capacity of 200,000 gallons per day (87,000 gallons per day initially).
Beginning in early 2017, the plant will supply LNG to Crowley to be used in their new LNG-powered Commitment Class ships for U.S. mainland to Puerto Rico trade. The facility has production capacity beyond Crowley’s needs which will be available for sale to both domestic clients in the Southeast, and island customers looking for containerized LNG supply.
“This is a very important and welcome development for Crowley and for the Northeast Florida region as a whole,” said John Hourihan, Crowley senior vice president and general manager, Puerto Rico services. “Having reliable access to sufficient quantities of LNG will be essential to our operations as we introduce our new LNG powered Commitment-Class ConRo ships to the Puerto Rico market next year.”
The LNG plant features a 1-million gallon storage tank and an LNG truck loading system. The LNG plant is also designed to load LNG ISO containers for supply to nearby island markets. This is a distinct project from the previously announced Eagle LNG Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) export terminal located along the St. Johns River, in Jacksonville, which will continue to focus on export markets in the Caribbean and Atlantic Basin along with providing additional domestic LNG supply.
To support fueling ships, Eagle LNG is building a fuel depot dockside at the Talleyrand Marine Terminal on the St. Johns River. The marine terminal, which uses customized design technology, operates within a small footprint for bunkering operations.
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