U.S. CAFE rule for large trucks

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Listed below are important industry documents, which have been discussed in Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Progress and AltFuels Advisor.

These come from a wide range of industry, government and academic sources and are free to registered users of the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Group website.




U.S. CAFE rule for large trucks and SUVs is under fire
Eleven states plan to file suit to force the Bush Administration to make regulations for SUVs and other trucks stiffer. See the petition to U.S. Court of Appeals from plaintiff states, California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont (as well as the District of Columbia and New York City) here. (As reported in the June 1, 2006, issues of AltFuels Advisor and Electric Vehicle Progress.)


Natural gas looks competitive going into new heavy-duty emissions requirements for 2007/2010
According to a new report from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, CNG buses show significant improvements in fuel economy and show progress toward meeting the increasingly stringent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emission regulations that all heavy-duty engines will have to meet in 2006-2010 and beyond. (As reported in the May 1, 2006, issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Revised CAFE rules encourage alternative fuels, technologies
New fuel economy standards for light trucks under the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program are expected to save 10.7 billions of gallons of fuel and include, for the first time ever, the largest sport utility vehicles, U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta announced in March. Alternative fuels and technologies are expected to be the means by which automakers will meet the goals. (As reported in the May 1, 2006, issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


2006: With light-duty hybrid competition in play, work turns to heavy apps, fuel cells
The annual "Looking Ahead" report from industry newsletter Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Progress provides insights into the near term future of battery electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles. (As reported in the January 1, 2006, issue of H&EV Progress.)


Looking ahead: A second chance to get alternative fuels on track
The annual "Looking Ahead" report from industry newsletter AltFuels Advisor provides insights into the factors that will lead to significant industry growth in 2006. (As reported in the January 1, 2006, issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


United Kingdom's Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation
In November, U.K. Transport Secretary Alistair Darling announced new measures to make transportation fuels greener by requiring 5% of all U.K. fuel sold in U.K. markets to come from a renewable source by 2010. The program includes a credit scheme as an incentive. (As reported in the December 1, 2005, issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Hybrid, battery, and fuel cell electric drive for transit
The Federal Transit Administration has released a report that examines the state of electric drive technology for transit buses; the benefits of major market penetration of electric drive buses to both transit and the broader community; and the barriers that remain to achieving this goal. (As reported in the November 15, 2005, issue of H&EV Progress.)


Hybrid cost/benefit overview for New York City taxi fleets
At the September meeting of the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) where specifications were adopted for the inclusion of hybrids in the city's taxi fleet, TLC staff presented an overview of costs and benefits for taxi cab owners, operators, and drivers. Hybrid Electric Vehicles: Cost/Benefit Overview (As reported in the September 15, 2005, issue of H&EV Progress.)


Congress recommends strong support for electric drive technologies in new U.S. energy bill
In August, U.S. President George Bush signed into law the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Within the 1,724-page report presented by the House and Senate conference committe to the President, there is a wealth of incentives and funding aimed at commercializing battery, fuel cell, and hybrid vehicle technologies and infrastructure. There is also much support for research and development, particularly for fuel cell vehicles and fueling infrastructure and for hybrid energy storage improvements. (As reported in the September 1, 2005, issue of H&EV Progress.)


GM survey shows American support for hydrogen
General Motors recently released the results of a survey, American's Views of Emerging Automotive Technologies, that it says show that the U.S. car buying population believes hydrogen is the ultimate and most desirable fuel path. However, some of the questions in the survey appear to reveal GM's bias against hybrid technology in the car and light truck segments. (As reported in the July 15, 2005, issue of H&EV Progress.)


Looking Ahead: 2005 a year for hybrid vehicles
Looking back over 2004’s activities in battery-electric, hybrid and fuel cell vehicles, and ahead to those to come, industry newsletter, Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Progress predicts a 2005 full of hybrids over most of the globe, particularly in the U.S. (As reported in the January 1, 2005, issue of H&EV Progress.)


A bright future for alternative fuel vehicles forcast
The year ahead looks promising for biofuel and hybrid vehicles, according to industry newsletter AltFuels Advisor. But, these predictions shouldn't imply that such mainstays as natural gas and propane are dead. In fact, worldwide market growth appears to be steady in both cases, and in the U.S., proponents of these fuels are working to expand their niches. (As reported in the January 2005 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


America's top 50 transit fleets and their alternative fuel vehicle numbers
A survey of America's 50 largest transit fleets conducted by Natural Gas Fuels shows that natural gas is still a strong player in this major market segment. The survey results show that out of 2,220 planned bus purchases among the fleets that responded to the survey, conducted by Natural Gas Fuels, 30.4%, or 675 buses, will run on compressed natural gas. (As reported in the November 2004 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


U.S. Climate Change Technology Program: Technology Options for the Near and Long Term
This report, issued by the U.S. Department of Energy, outlines the efforts of various government programs, including work on electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles. Also highlighted are some of the goals and challenges of the various programs. (As reported in the February 1, 2004, issue of H&EV Progress and the March 2004 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Fact sheet on Ontario’s new emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles
Ontario, Canada, will soon have the toughest emissions limits in North America for large diesel trucks and buses. The heavy-duty diesel standards, which limit the amount of particulate matter in exhaust emissions, will be tightened in two stages beginning April 1, 2004. (As reported in the January 15, 2004, issue of H&EV Progress.)


United States District Court decision on New York MTBE ban.
In November, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York denied a request from the Oxygenate Fuels Association (OFA), the trade group representing the producers of the fuel additive MTBE, to strike down New York State’s pending ban on MTBE use. In deciding against the OFA, the court also discredited OFA claims that ethanol produces more emissions in reformulated gasoline than does MTBE. (As reported in the January 2004 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


ELCIDIS: An Integrated Targeted Project supported by the European THERMIE programme.
In 1997, the European Commission’s Directorate General for Energy issued a call for proposals asking cities to set up and implement together a series of “Integrated Transport Projects” for energy saving in urban transport. ELCIDIS focuses on electric drive for urban delivery vehicles. (As reported in the November 1, 2003, issue of H&EV Progress and the December 2003 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Future Wheels II: A Survey of Expert Opinion on the Future of Transportation Fuel Cells and Fuel Cell Infrastructure
In late 2000, the Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium (NAVC) released a report titled Future Wheels: Interviews with 44 Global Experts on the Future of Fuel Cells for Transportation and Fuel Cell Infrastructure, which sought to define major issues related to the advancement of fuel cell technology and its introduction into the market place, especially with regard to infrastructure issues. Now, the NAVC has released a report, Future Wheels II, which charts the technology’s progress over the last three years. (As reported in the October 1, 2003, issue of H&EV Progress.)


Hydro-Chem’s proposal for a skid-mounted methanol-to-hydrogen plant
While it waits for direct methanol fuel cell technology to take off in the consumer electronics sector, the methanol industry is examining its product’s potential as a feedstock for hydrogen production.
Dennis Norton, president of Hydro-Chem, a manufacturer of small hydrogen production plants, has provided the Methanol Institute with a sample proposal for the manufacture and installation of a skid-mounted hydrogen plant using a methanol steam reformer (As reported in the October 1, 2003, issue of H&EV Progress.)


Use of Compressed Natural Gas as a Vehicle Fuel in Tasmania
Tasmania’s Joint Standing Committee on Environment, Resources and Development has recommended that Tasmania’s government support rapid development of vehicle and fueling infrastructure for compressed natural gas (CNG). Among suggestions in the committee’s report is the requirement that the government name CNG as its preferred fleet fuel. (As reported in the August 2003 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Green Car Industrial Strategy for Canada
In July, 2003, the New Democratic Party (NDP) of Canada released a green car industrial strategy for Canada. The report sets out a road map of how to increase the production and sales of alternative fuel vehicles in Canada. (As reported in the August 1, 2003, issue of H&EV Progress and the August 2003 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Preliminary Hydrogen Opportunities Report
The Canadian province of Manitoba wants to lure the hydrogen industry there by making development and multi-stakeholder opportunities available. Tim Sale, the province’s Minister of Energy, Science, and Technology, released the Preliminary Hydrogen Opportunities Report, which outlines the directions for future hydrogen development within Manitoba in April. (As reported in the June 2003 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Industrial Truck Emission Data Compared by Fuel
The propane industry is rebuilding the fuel’s reputation as an efficient, low-emission alternative. The latest word is that propane delivers the highest energy efficiencies when compared to other fuel production life cycles – and when fitted with approved closed-loop controls and exhaust catalysts, its use results in very low emissions that meet and exceed California Air Resource Board Large Spark Ignition (CARB LSI) standards. This comes from a review, released by the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), of forklift emission studies that compares the emissions data of propane to compressed natural gas (CNG) or gasoline.(As reported in the June 2003 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Technical and Economic Feasibility of Applying Used EV Batteries in Stationary Applications
Sandia National Laboratories has released a comprehensive report about the technical and economic feasibility of applying used electric vehicle (EV) batteries in stationary applications. Overall, the group’s findings were positive regarding the potential market for secondary use and the economic benefits to the EV industry and consumers. (As reported in the May 15, 2003, issue of H&EV Progress.)


Design Guidelines for Bus Transit Systems Using Electric and Hybrid Electric Propulsion as an Alternative Fuel
The hybrid transit bus customer network is growing, and the shared experiences are producing specification "wish lists" that may become part of purchasing solicitations in the future. This U.S. Department of Transportation report, issued in March 2003, lays out existing specification standards and recommendations for additional specs. (As reported in the May 15, 2003, issue of H&EV Progress and the June 2003 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Natural Gas Vehicles: A Resource Guide on Technology Options and Project Development
Though the U.S. does not have the most natural gas vehicle on its roads, it does lead the world in NGV fueling stations. This report, prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory, offers a snapshot of infrastructure concentration and other natural gas vehicle market and technology segments. (As reported in the May 2002 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Advanced Batteries for Electric-Drive Vehicles: A Technology and Cost-Effectiveness Assessment for Battery Electric, Power Assist Hybrid Electric, and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
According to a new research study from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a combination of greatly improved battery life and projected cost reductions for batteries and other components can make electric drive vehicles (engine-hybrid EVs, plug-in hybrid EVs, and some pure EVs) cost competitive with gasoline vehicles by the end of this decade. (As reported in the April 15, 2003, issue of H&EV Progress and the May 2003 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Proposed rule on EPAct mandates for private and local government fleets (Federal Register, March 4, 2003)
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a proposed ruling that would eliminate private and local government fleets from the list of fleets that must comply with EPAct’s alternative fuel vehicle mandate. The DOE determined that mandating the fleets would not significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuel use in the U.S. (As reported in the April 1, 2003, issue of H&EV Progress and the April 2003 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


WestStart Delphi Forecast for Heavy-Duty Vehicle Fuels and Technologies
A market forecast by industry experts predicts that alternative fuels and technologies — sector over the next decade. (As reported in the April 1, 2003, issue of H&EV Progress and the April 2003 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


U.S. Shared-Use Vehicle Survey Findings: Opportunities and Obstacles for Carsharing & Station Car Growth
Shared-use vehicle services, where member drivers have access to a fleet of vehicles for use on an as-needed basis, is an emerging business sector that has promise, according to a group of university and public researchers. And hybrids appear poised to benefit should the growing business thrive. (As reported in the March 15, 2003, issue of H&EV Progress.)


The Early Action Compact
The Early Action Compact could give U.S. cities and regions that may be on the cusp of designation as nonattainment areas (where they cannot achieve or maintain the Environmental Protection Agency’s 8-hour ozone standard) a new way to comply with standards by allowing officials to tailor a plan — even if the strategies are outside the Clean Air Act or other existing Ozone Flex Agreements — to their individual needs. (As reported in the March 2003 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


U.S. Military eyes hybrid drives for tactical
Fuel consumption for military aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, and facilities makes the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) the largest petroleum consumer in America. Advanced transportation technologies, particularly hybrid powertrains, are moving into the foreground as a possible way to lessen fuel use for the DOD. This report, More Capable Warfighting Through Reduced Fuel Burden, details the military’s fuel use and the advanced vehicle technologies that it is working with industry to evaluate and develop. (As reported in the Feburary 1, 2003, issue of H&EV Progress.)


UPS report on CNG fleet vehicles
A large study comparing trucks fueled by natural gas with others fueled by diesel has produced results that could give greater credibility to the alternative fuel among fleets contemplating its use. (As reported in the December 2002 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


EPA aftermarket conversion certification
There are some new resources to help alternative fuel vehicle converters with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification. Aftermarket parts suppliers and service providers that convert vehicles to run on compressed natural gas (CNG) and propane (LPG) can find clarification of new emissions certification requirements fro the EPA. Two draft documents, Alternative Fuels Converters Workshop, February 13, 2002, Potential Questions and Test Requirements for Alternative Fuels Converters, provide a revised and expanded list of questions and answers and the testing requirements.
Following the distribution of the initial documents, the EPA followed up with Certification Guidance for Alternative Fuel Converters. This document represents revisions to the original documents and contains answers to questions raised upon review of the initial documents. (As reported in the November 2002 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


IRS hybrid deduction
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service will allow a tax deduction of up to $2,000 for hybrid electric vehicles. The amount of the deduction for each model submitted for certification is determined when the manufacturer documents for the IRS the incremental cost related to the vehicle’s electric motor and related equipment. (As reported in the September 1, 2002, issue of H&EV Progress and the October 2002 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Low-speed safety standards
Low-speed vehicles, particularly the neighborhood electric vehicle variety, are gaining popularity in the mainstream market. Along with that popularity is a growing concern for safety. Most of these vehicles are considerably smaller, in both width and height, than the conventional vehicles they compete with for road space.
With this in mind, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed several new amendments to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 500 for low-speed vehicles. (As reported in the September 1, 2002, issue of H&EV Progress.)


Report on NG prototype engine
A throttleless natural gas engine could save medium-duty vehicles fuel. Using a unique fuel system design, researchers have developed a prototype natural gas engine that significantly improves fuel efficiency without increasing emissions. Download the report from the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which highlightes the promise of the prototype medium-duty natural gas engine equipped with fuel-injected pre-chamber (FIPC) technology. (As reported in the June 2002 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Report on the impact of EVs on goods distribution system
7th Progress Report on Electric Vehicle City Distribution Systems (ELCIDIS) and data sheet. This report details the progress of the deployment and assessment of the efficiency and environmental impact of an electric vehicle goods distribution system. (As reported in the January 1, 2002, issue of H&EV Progress.)


Biodiesel warranties
Existing Diesel Vehicle Warranties for Biodiesel Operation. (As reported in the November 15, 2001, issue of H&EV Progress and the December 2001 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Worldwide biodiesel trends
New Trends in Developing Biodiesel World-wide (World Fuel Ethanol Congress, Beijing, China, October 28-31, 2001). (As reported in the November 15, 2001, issue of H&EV Progress and the December 2001 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Biodiesel experiences in Graz, Hungary
Experiences with Biodiesel in the Bus fleet of the Public Transportation System of the City of Graz (GVB) — Lecture at the seminar: "From the Frying Pan into the Tank — Recycled Frying Oil Collection and its Use as Biodiesel in Styria. (As reported in the November 15, 2001, issue of H&EV Progress and the December 2001 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Bringing fuel cells to market
Bringing Fuel Cell Vehicles to Market: Scenarios and Challenges with Fuel Alternatives. (As reported in the December 1, 2001, issue of H&EV Progress and the January 2002 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Bus rapid transit versus light rail
According to the U.S. General Accounting Office, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) could provide many of the same benefits as light rail with a significantly lower capital cost and with faster implementation times. Further, BRT systems could incorporate alternative fuel buses, including those powered by batteries, fuel cells and hybrid powertrains. The GOA reached these conclusions in its report Mass Transit: Bus Rapid Transit Shows Promise. (As reported in the October 15, 2001, issue of H&EV Progress and the November 2001 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Vehicle to grid power
Vehicle to Grid Power: Battery, Hybrid, and Fuel Cell Vehicles for Distributed Electric Power in California — This report is based on findings from a study conducted by a team led by researchers at the University of Delaware and was prepared for the California Resources Board (CARB). It focuses on California's electric power supply and demand structures. Based upon the research team’s report, battery, hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles, and the electric utility system could be paired in a mutually beneficial market relationship. The report suggests that the study’s model might also be applicable in other states. (As reported in the August 15, 2001, issue of H&EV Progress.)


PNGV 2001 report
Review of Technical Progress of Goal 2 Research — the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles’ (PNGV’s) annual report released in May 2001. (As reported in the June 1, 2001, issue of H&EV Progress.)


Fuel cell primer and expert development projections
Interviews with 44 Global Experts on the Future of Fuel Cells for Transportation and Fuel Cell Infrastructure and a Fuel Cell Primer. (As reported in the December 1, 2000, issue of H&EV Progress.)


Bioenergy final rule
Complete Federal Register Final Rule for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Bioenergy program. (As reported in the January 2000 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Ultracapacitors supporting batteries
Ultracapacitors Extend Battery Life, Suitable for E&HEVs. (As reported in the August 15, 1999, issue of H&EV Progress and referenced in the December 1, 2000, issue.)


EV test-drive report
Test Drive Revolutionizes Electric Propulsion and Fuel Cell Technology: A special update on a test run of the EVonyx EVictory zinc-air fuel cell vehicle. (As reported in the October 1, 2000, issue of H&EV Progress.)


Performance report on NG buses
Natural Gas Buses: Separating Myth from Fact was released by the U.S. DOE to debunk “industry lore” surrounding CNG transit buses. It was written to counter assertions based upon the findings of the U.S. General Accounting Office's report “Use of Alternative Fuels in Transit Buses,” which presented a dim view of CNG successes in transit bus fleets. (“Separating Myth from Fact” was written up in the September 2000 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


LNG fleet ratings
Raley’s LNG Truck Fleet Final Results from the Alternative Fuel Evaluation Project. (As reported in the July 2000 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Heavy-duty hybrid report
The Hybrid-Electric Drive Heavy-Duty Vehicle Testing Project Final Report from the Northeast Advanced Vehicle Consortium (NAVC). (As reported in the April 1, 2000, issue of H&EV Progress and the April 2000 issue of AltFuels Advisor.)


Fuel cell bus report
Georgetown University Fuel Cell Bus Program. (As reported in the February 15, 2000, issue of H&EV Progress.)


USPS specs for EVs
USPS Specifications for EVs and EV Charging Stations. (As reported in the January 1, 2000, issue of H&EV Progress.)





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