The new purchase order is for Quantum’s line of large-diameter carbon composite tanks developed specifically to mount on the frame rail in Class 6-8 heavy duty truck applications. Quantum and Agility have jointly developed and are patenting an innovative mounting system to enhance the safety and durability of on-board fuel storage tanks under extended vibrations, accelerations and shock loads. The tanks with their new design features will be available from Agility in their integrated systems starting in August 2012.

Barry Engle, CEO of Agility, said, “Our OEM and fleet customers know their vehicles will operate under the most demanding conditions. So we are pleased to be able to offer them this industry leading tank from Quantum that was developed specifically to meet their needs for weight, range, cost and safety.”

“We appreciate Agility’s continued high interest in our lightweight natural gas tanks, and for jointly developing an innovative mounting system that has been well received by heavy duty trucking firms,” said Brian Olson, Quantum’s CEO. “We expect the increase in demand for Quantum’s natural gas tanks to continue to accelerate, as more fleets realize the true cost benefits of using clean, domestic natural gas as a transportation fuel.”

(This article compiled using information from a Quantum Fuel System technologies press release)

Print PDF

“This new fueling facility will give us the direct capability to fuel a CNG fleet in the Columbus area, and with the CNG fleet, we’ll lower our fleet emissions, helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. This demonstrates our commitment to being a positive environmental contributor to the communities we serve,” said Frank Fello, Senior District Manager for Waste Management of Ohio.

“The transitioning of our 55 trucks to CNG fits within our sustainability goals and our company’s overall strategy to minimize our environmental footprint,” Fello added.

By late this summer, 25 new CNG trucks are expected to arrive. The transition of the rest of the fleet to CNG will occur over the next couple years.

The trucks will emit nearly zero air particulates and up to 25 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The engines also run quieter than traditional diesel engines, reducing noise during collection operations on community streets. The trucks, which use a “slow-fill” method, carry approximately 50 gallons of CNG. This capacity allows them to run 10 to 12 hours and complete a typical day’s waste or recycling collection route.

Waste Management’s fleet of about 1,500 CNG and liquefied (LNG) vehicles is the largest in the North American waste industry. As part of the company’s annual fleet conversion, Waste Management expects 80 percent of its new collection vehicle purchases to be natural gas powered trucks. It currently has natural gas fueling stations at 27 facilities throughout North America and more under development.

(This article compiled using information from a Waste Management press release)

Print PDF

The company says natural gas is approximately 40 per cent less expensive than diesel. This could help reduce the cost of public services such as waste collection and transit and increase the competitiveness of B.C. businesses by reducing transport costs for goods.

“All gas utility customers will benefit from the additional volumes of natural gas moving through FortisBC’s pipeline system,” said Stout. “The costs of maintaining the pipeline system are recovered in the delivery rates of all customers. Better year-round, optimization of these pipeline assets, especially during the summer months when heating requirements are reduced, will result in a long-term, positive impact for our customers.”

FortisBC will be applying to the B.C. Utilities Commission for a determination on how program costs will be recovered from all gas utility customers. It is anticipated that the long-term effect of the program will be a positive impact to customers’ delivery rates.

“FortisBC’s new program will help build B.C.’s global leadership in clean transportation and could lead to the conversion of approximately 1,500 vehicles, bringing new jobs and other economic opportunities to B.C.,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Energy and Mines. “Natural gas is a cheaper, cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline and diesel and this program will encourage more companies to take advantage of natural gas.”

During the initial phase of the program, FortisBC will provide up to 80 per cent of new incentives for the incremental cost of a natural gas vehicle. FortisBC’s plan is to decrease the funding by 10 per cent per each following year of the program as the adoption of natural gas vehicles in heavy-duty transportation increases. As natural gas fuel use in the heavy-duty transportation sector matures over time, FortisBC believes that incentives will no longer be necessary. Although the incentive program is expected to expire in 2017, utility customers and British Columbians will continue to benefit as the adoption of natural gas vehicles increases.

Eligible applicants for this program are commercial, return-to-base fleet operators of:

• heavy-duty trucking (highway transport tractors)
• buses (transit, school)
• vocational vehicles (refuse trucks, delivery vehicles)
• marine vessels (ferries)

FortisBC is intending to begin accepting applications in early June. Full program details and updates are available at fortisbc.com/ngt.

This article compiled using information supplied by FortisBC.

Print PDF

“These product enhancements are in direct response to requests from customers that operate their trucks in the most demanding of applications, and further validate that Westport’s HD15L natural gas engine offers diesel-like performance in any environment,” said Clark Quintin, President of Westport HD.

Apart from the higher horsepower and torque, other product enhancements are:

• Eaton Ultrashift Plus AMT – the automated manual transmission is now available in all Kenworth and Peterbilt configurations in North America for fleets that desire additional driver options.
• Heavy Front End – available on Peterbilt Motors’ 367 SB; Westport HD now offers 16,000 lb front axles as demanded by a number of vocational applications.
• Emissions Aftertreatment Improvements – the Westport HD 15L will feature an optimized emissions equipment system, tailored specifically to the lower emissions profile of natural gas to reduce cost and weight, improve operation and reduce user intervention. Availability of these enhancements will commence during 2013.

“We are building on our established leadership in technology development to deliver improved horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency using low-cost natural gas, and are ideally situated to respond to the demands of the marketplace,” Quintin added.

“Westport is delivering on customer need by providing the most extensive natural gas offerings in the heavy duty transportation market today,” said Bill Kozek Vice President PACCAR / General Manager Peterbilt Motors Company. “Peterbilt applauds Westport’s commitment to ongoing development and improvements in natural gas engine technology, by providing the highest horsepower and torque rate available.”

Speaking about the Kenworth T800 chassis with Westport HD15L LNG power, Gary Moore, Vice President PACCAR / General Manager Kenworth Truck Company said; “The T800 has been a very successful platform for customers seeking to reduce emissions and save money while operating on natural gas with Westport HD’s high performance 15L product. These enhancements will further expand the target customers looking for diesel performance on LNG.”

(This article compiled using information from a Westport Innovations Inc. press release)

Print PDF

Announced by the Minister of Energy and Mines Rich Coleman, this regulation allows utility companies to deliver natural gas transportation programs, including the opportunities to:

• Offer incentives to transportation fleets that would use natural gas, such as buses, trucks or ferries.
• Build, own and operate compressed natural gas fuelling stations or liquefied natural gas fuelling stations.
• Provide training and upgrades to maintenance facilities to safely maintain natural gas-powered vehicles.

“It makes sense to develop a market for natural gas transportation here in B.C. by using our abundant natural gas reserves. This regulation will help us build on our global leadership in clean transportation, bringing new jobs and more economic opportunities to the province,” said Minister Coleman.

Natural Gas and Oil Resources in British Columbia (Source: Ministry of Energy and Mines)

These programs will increase options and opportunities for the transportation industry to use natural gas, a cheaper and cleaner option than traditional fuels like gasoline and diesel. By encouraging the use of natural gas, the Province is making use of one of B.C.’s natural resources. The use of natural gas in transportation supports economic development and new jobs at B.C.-based natural gas technology and services companies.

In developing this regulation, the Province consulted with about 20 organizations including utilities, fleet companies, communities, fuel suppliers and the natural gas vehicle industry.

Alicia Milner, president of the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (CNGVA), commented: “British Columbia took a bold step forward today with the announcement of a transformational program linking the Province’s economic interests in the supply chain for natural gas, natural gas vehicles, and stations with its GHG reduction goals. This remarkable program is a first for Canada. It  leverages work that is already underway through the Canadian Roadmap initiative to remove barriers and educate fleet owners. It also gives British Columbia a huge head-start in the race to more sustainable, lower carbon transportation.”

Likewise, natural gas engine manufacturer Westport Innovations believes this important program will benefit British Columbia’s economy, environment and transportation options for industry.

“This is a positive step that will promote the use of domestic BC natural gas as a transportation fuel, and generate both environmental and economic benefits for our province and residents,” said David Demers, CEO of Westport Innovations. “British Columbia is home to world-class companies that both generate and use natural gas transportation technology, and this program will allow the accelerated adoption of natural gas heavy-duty vehicles.”

Promoting natural gas as a transportation fuel is a key action in British Columbia’s Natural Gas Strategy. The CNGVA says the total Canadian natural gas resource (not including methane hydrates) is now estimated at approximately 100 years of supply at current demand levels.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines lists the following ‘quick facts’:

• The regulation permits a utility to spend up to $62 million on vehicle and ferry incentives, up to $12 million on compressed natural gas fuelling stations and up to $30.5 million on liquefied natural gas stations, for a total of $104.5 million.
• The Province will require annual reporting on the programs being offered to review success and determine if any changes are required.
• Natural gas is 25 per cent to 40 per cent cheaper than gasoline and diesel.
• A natural gas-powered vehicle produces 20 per cent to 30 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to a gasoline or diesel vehicle.
• British Columbia is home to world-leading natural gas vehicle industries, including engine and refuelling technology.
• The Province is offering incentives to provide up to $2,500 off the sticker price for qualifying compressed natural gas vehicles. This is being offered through the $14.3 million Clean Energy Vehicle Program, announced in November 2011.

(This article primarily compiled using information from a Ministry of Energy and Mines press release)

Print PDF

“By investing in more environmentally friendly natural gas filling stations GAZPROM makes an important contribution to the development of ecological mobility in Germany,” said Vyacheslav Krupenkov, chief executive of Gazprom Germania GmbH.

Dr. Olaf Rumberg, director of erdgas gas-mobil and managing director, E.ON Gas Mobil, says the work of the association has helped to shape the structure of the German refuelling network significantly. Referring to Gazprom’s proposed investments, “It shows that the concept as such has success and engages another large company that wants to be in this area,” he said.

“The initiative has already implemented some 480 projects, equivalent to more than half of all gas stations in Germany. For 2012, some 25 new gas pumps are planned,” Rumberg added. At the end of 2011 there are about 900 natural gas filling stations in the country.

In addition to assisting with planning the construction and operation of gas stations, erdgas-mobil also offers expertise in the areas of maintenance contracts, plant management and technical concepts.

(This article primarily compiled using information from a Gazprom Germania GmbH press release)

Print PDF

“The benefits of CNG are immense, and integrating alternative energy vehicles into a fleet is a big decision,” says Terry Karges, VP of Sales and Marketing for VVS. “We believe that our system is so seamless, and the cost/benefit is so positive, that most fleet operators will make the switch after trying one of these trucks – so we’re putting them on the road.” The company says have the largest demo fleet of Ford light trucks now available.

CNG has been making headlines lately thanks to lower fuel and maintenance costs, extended vehicle service life, reduced emissions, a higher safety rating and the ability to stem dependency on foreign oil. The bi-fuel system allows for seamless “on-the-fly” switching between CNG and gasoline, offering a total fuel range of up to 650 miles. The VVS system also eliminates concerns about power, as its technology results in nearly zero reduction in power or towing/hauling capacity – thanks to efficient computer management and Ford’s latest direct-injection technology.

“We know that some fleets out there use their vehicles in the harshest of environments, whether it is off the pavement or in extreme temperatures,” says Jeff Wyatt, CEO of Venchurs. “We’ve put our trucks through rigorous testing, and this demo program is important so that fleet managers themselves can directly see the capabilities these trucks have.”

Because Venchurs is a QVM, the original Ford warranty stays intact, the conversions can be financed through Ford Credit and standard Ford Diagnostic Equipment can service the vehicles.

(This article compiled using information from a Venchurs Vehicle Systems press release)

Print PDF

Beijing Hyundai Sonata

Zhongshan, a city in the Guangdong province in southern China, has added 100 new bi-fuel (compressed natural gas/gasoline) taxis to its public transportation fleet. According to a Hexun report, the Zhongshan City Transportation Deputy Secretary said the city is making great efforts to promote the use of green energy, adding that, subject to a successful introduction of the bi-fuel taxis, existing taxis may be converted to bi-fuel operation also. The new taxi is reportedly the Hyundai NF Sonata, known as the Beijing-Hyundai Sonata Yu Xiang or “Yu” in China. The taxis are operated by Chun Yu Taxi Company.

Print PDF

Shanghai Volkswagen Santana Vista

In Nanning,  the capital city of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China, the state owned taxi company — Nanning Public Transport Corporation — will add 300 bi-fuel compressed natural gas (CNG) taxis to its fleet. The intent is both to improve public transportation and reduce carbon emissions. The vehicle selected is a Shanghai Volkswagen Santana Vista, a popular model for taxi operators.

The car has a CNG storage capacity of 14 m3 and a gasoline tank of 60 liters. It can run 130-140 km on CNG before switching to gasoline. Under favourable conditions, the operator can save up to 30% on fuel costs.

To support the refuelling requirements of the new taxis, a third CNG filing station will be opened in the city. Nanning is awaiting the completion of the East Gas Pipeline Project, which will natural gas to a broader area of the city by year-end, at which time several more CNG stations are expected to be built.

The taxis are due to be on the streets sometime in July. Another 300 bi-fuel taxis have been approved for future implementation.

(This article primarily compiled using information from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region People’s Government portal)

Print PDF

(This article compiled using information from a Verbio AG press release)

Print PDF