November 2008, Work Truck - Feature
New Work Engines of Tomorrow
By Dan Kratz
Hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel cell propulsion has been considered a solution of the future to reduce dependence on petroleum-based fuels. Continued technology gains are needed before hydrogen can be placed into commercial service applications. However, ongoing pilot programs in urban bus and refuse operations are providing positive results.
Hybrid. Currently, available hybrid options for commercial truck fleets can be affordable. CV Energy Vision claims a fleet saving $10,000-$18,000 annually on operational costs and taking advantage of grants and tax credits can recover the incremental cost of purchasing a natural gas truck within one year.
One should expect to see new models introduced every year as the demand for hybrids and alternative-fuel vehicles increases. Also becoming more prevalent are corporate environmental and branding concerns requiring fleet managers to consider hybrid and alternative fuels for their fleet operations.
Selecting vehicle specifications that meet both environmental and business targets requires a comprehensive knowledge base of hybrid alternatives and where to look for resources. Manufacturers, fleet management companies, upfitters, and dealers can help companies with resources to investigate all available options. When considering hybrid vehicles, fleets should set benchmarks for their current vehicles and use analytics to measure the results once the hybrids are placed in service.
In the near future, alternative fuels such as biomethane and hydrogen fuel cells offer the promise of reducing our dependence on petroleum-based products from off-shore sources. Renewable domestic fuels will promote stabilization of fuel availability and prices. The timeline for universal acceptance of these alternatives is yet to be determined. However, both private companies and public agencies are providing the leadership and funding to develop hybrid vehicles and producing alternative fuels.
Building both short- and long-term plans are crucial. To implement hybrids in a fleet operation, fleet managers should consider all vehicle types, establish a company policy for environmental responsibility, set fleet goals for vehicle miles per gallon, and consider telematics for such cost-cutting measures as route optimization and reduced idling times.
As commercial fleets accept hybrids and alternative fuels, we will improve our enviroment and increase U.S. energy independence from petroleum products. When considering hybrid vehicles or alternative fuels, strategic planning is crucial to ensure vehicle selections meet both environmental and business performance goals. WT
About the Author:
Dan Kratz is truck operations manager at GE Capital Solutions Fleet Services. He may be reached at daniel.kratz@ge.com
Tags: biodiesel,
biomethane,
electric vehicle,
emissions,
Freightliner,
hybrid,
hydrogen,
Natural Gas,
UPS,
work trucks,
WorkStar