Fueling choices: Fleets' use of alternative fuels continues to increase

Fueling choices: Fleets’ use of alternative fuels continues to increase

2017-chevrolet-silverado

It is clear that growth in the use of alternative fuel and electric vehicles by fleets continues to expand. At the same time, an ongoing concern about the availability of a fueling and charging infrastructure is still giving some fleets a reason to hold off on deploying the latest offerings from a range of manufacturers.

Late last year, however, the federal government took a step that it hopes will help alleviate that issue: the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the first of a nationwide set of alternative fuel corridors in November. Initially, 55 routes spanning nearly 85,000 miles in 35 states will serve as the basis for a national network of fueling and charging stations for natural gas, propane, hydrogen and electric vehicles.

This news comes as manufacturers continue to offer more alternative fuel choices. For example, including 2017 and 2018 models, Chevrolet and GMC will have more than 25 cars, trucks and vans that use alternate fuels or electric propulsion in their product lines.

The two manufacturers also recently announced expanded alternative fuel fleet offerings, including a broader CNG/LPG lineup. In particular, the companies are partnering with Power Solutions International (PSI) to introduce heavy-duty pickups and full size vans powered by 6.0-liter V-8 compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) engines.

To streamline the ordering and delivery process for fleets, PSI was also named General Motors Fleet’s preferred upfitter for CNG and LPG trucks. The provider of turnkey alternative fuel powertrain solutions will install fuel systems and other hardware and ship the vehicles directly to Chevrolet and GMC dealers in 50 states.

Chevrolet also announced it will offer CNG and LPG versions of its 3500 and 4500 model low cab forward trucks. The new Class 3 though 5 models in GVWRs up to 19,500 lbs. are available in regular and crew cab styles with 6.0-liter V-8 gas, 3.0-liter turbo-diesel or 5.2-liter turbo-diesel engines.

With those additions, CNG and LPG models available from the manufacturers include Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo van and Cutaway chassis and Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickups. Chevrolet Express van and Silverado pickups, along with GMC Savana and Sierra models are also being offered in E85 ethanol versions.

chevrolet-4500-low-cab-forward

Other recent additions to the expanded lineup of alternative fuel trucks in GM Fleet’s portfolio are biodiesel (B20) capable models. Included are a Duramax 2.8-liter diesel for Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans and an all-new 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine for Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD pickups.

“Expanding choice is the key to helping more commercial and government fleets reduce their fuel consumption, fuel costs and emissions using alternative fuels versus traditional gasoline,” said Ed Peper, the U.S. vice president of GM Fleet. “There are no ‘one size fits all’ solutions for fleet managers.”

In the future, those choices may also include fuel cell electric vehicles. Last October, General Motors and the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) revealed a Chevrolet Colorado-based fuel cell electric pick up being developed under an agreement between TARDEC and GM signed in 2015.

Starting this year, the Army will use the vehicle to assess and demonstrate the capabilities of fuel cell electric propulsion and power generation systems, including quieter mobility, exportable power, low-end torque and water generation. While neither GM nor TARDEC released vehicle specifics, they noted that fuel cell propulsion has characteristics that can be valuable in both military and commercial applications.

“This project is another example of how fuel cells can play a role,” said Charlie Freese, executive director of GM’s global fuel cell activities. “We need to continue pursuing these opportunities along with our plans for production of a commercial fuel cell system in the 2020 time frame.”

Meanwhile, alternative fuels are already playing a growing role in helping the U.S. meet its 2015 pledge to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% or more by 2050.

You May Also Like

Lincoln Electric launches Ranger Air 260 MPX multi-function engine drive

Lincoln Electric recently introduced the new Ranger Air 260MPX multifunction engine drive.

Lincoln Electric recently introduced the new Ranger Air 260MPX multi-function engine drive. Lincoln says this machine was designed specifically for the work truck industry and will be available later this year.

The Ranger Air 260MPX is an air compressor, generator, battery charger, battery jump assist and multi-process welder all in one. This versatile, compact machine eliminates the need to carry numerous pieces of power equipment on a service truck.

Freightliner M2, SD Plus Series launch updates its medium-duty truck offering

Freightliner introduced the new Plus Series–enhanced versions of its M2 and SD models, including the M2 106 Plus, M2 112 Plus, 108SD Plus, and 114SD Plus. The enhanced models provide a major update to the interior and electrical systems of the M2 and SD models. The OEM noted that the Plus Series is designed to

Freightliner-MD-SD-Plus-Series-1400
Truck cruise control technology that looks at the road ahead

If you’ve ever visited the Northeast region of the country, you’ve most likely encountered intimidating terrain. The winding roads. The steep hills. The intricate routes that challenge any seasoned driver, and, most recently, advanced cruise control systems that aim to improve fuel efficiency and driver comfort.   Related Articles – Four ways A.I. can help cut

Four ways A.I. can help cut diesel fuel costs

The fluctuation of fuel prices has made it more challenging to operate day-to-day. Drivers get paid by the mile, and, when fuel costs go up, margins shrink, impacting how fleets profit and pay their employees. Intelligent technology can lessen the impact of high prices by improving overall fuel efficiency. Related Articles – New ways to

trucking-technology-hacking
Peterbilt GM Jason Skoog charts today’s truck support, tomorrow’s truck solutions

Peterbilt made headlines recently when it became the first major North American OEM to open orders for an electric truck, the Peterbilt 220EV. In this exclusive interview, Peterbilt General Manager and PACCAR Vice President Jason Skoog details the technology investments that are keeping fleets productive during this year’s trying pandemic and laying the groundwork for

Peterbilt General Manager PACCAR Technology Electric Truck

Other Posts

Clean Energy’s RNG digester at Tri-Cross Dairy begins production

RNG from the $34M project will be sent to Clean Energy’s network of fueling stations across the U.S.

Clean-Energy-RNG-Facility-Tri-Cross-Dairy
Hendrickson launches HLC Series 1 air kits

Hendrickson offers versions for self-steerable and non-steerable applications, both of which it says drop-in to replace HAC series air kits.

HLC-Series-air-kits-Hendrickson
PACCAR Parts presents dealer awards to Peterbilt dealers

One of the award recipients also passed a milestone achievement in 2023, by opening the 100th TRP store.

PACCAR-parts-awards-larson-group-ecommerce
Thermo King announces 2023 Dealers of the Year

The winners of Thermo King North American and Latin American Dealers of the Year topped a list of 261 locations to claim their honors.

2023-Thermo-King-DotY-North-America