The government and alternative energy
Isn’t it wonderful that we have both state and federal governments to do our thinking for us? I don’t know what I’d do without their help, but I would certainly like to find out. The Federal Department of Energy (DOE) recently released its second Quadrennial Technology Review. Amongst the political babble about how we are
Politicians and science don’t mix
I recently learned that some inexpensive Chinese tires have obtained SmartWay certification by the EPA. This act illustrates that politicians and science don’t mix. The lack of scientific knowledge always does them in. In the case of the SmartWay program, I’ve always thought it was initiated with the best intent by people who wouldn’t understand
Are legislators out of control? A look at oil regulations
I should be used to it by now, but I just can’t get over the continued lunacy of both state and federal legislators. They continue to advance legislation without trying to understand the applicable science or business reasons for not doing so. They call it “technology forcing legislation.” The latest fiasco to grab my attention
Just thinkin’ out loud (about fuel economy)
Readers who know me know I’m a physicist given to radical, long-term thinking about fuel economy. Recently, I’ve been thinking about the fuel economy research done by truck OEMs in cooperation with our federal government. Cooperative research like this can accomplish some really great things. Want more insight from John Martin? Click here to read
Automatic transmission fluid requirements
For several years, members of the S.14 Study Group (light- and medium-duty vehicles) of the TMC have requested a single automatic transmission fluid (ATF) for use in their various fleet vehicles. Now, I’ll explain why OEMs can’t give fleets what they have requested. To begin with, it’s currently not possible due to all the different
Alternate fuels update
Several interesting things are happening currently in the alternate fuels arena; so I feel readers need an update. My focus will be limited to alternate fuels for diesel engines only. Biodiesel has been taking some hits lately. Low crude oil prices have slowed biodiesel research dramatically. Even the introduction of natural gas has been slowed
Checks and balances for truck industry regulations
Once political appointees obtain the jobs they’ve campaigned for, they immediately begin campaigning to either keep the job they got appointed to or get promoted. They virtually never bother to improve the organization they head. For example, for more than 50 years, the U. S. Postal Service (USPS) has lost money. The USPS asks Congress
PC-11 update
Engine dynamometer tests needed to define the new PC-11 performance category are now finalized. However, the new PC-11 performance level will force end users, engine manufacturers and oil marketers to become familiar with two new (and not interchangeable) heavy-duty diesel engine oils. When the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA), reacting to the EPA’s call for reduced
How to develop a national energy dependency policy
I think I’m as patriotic an American as anyone. I believe we as a country can continue to lead the world with innovative thinking. However, when it comes to energy independence, we have suffered because politicians from both parties refuse to work together for the good of our nation. The United States has little control
Low fuel prices are temporary
Fuel prices in the United States are extremely low and out of balance lately for at least two reasons. Let’s discuss these reasons so you fleet operators can better plan future vehicle engine and fuel purchases. First, gasoline prices are so low relative to diesel that the diesel vs. gasoline cost-effectiveness financial justification is upside
Unintended consequences of propane usage in heavy-duty trucks
I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays and didn’t go too far in debt. Let’s look forward to more sanity in 2015: What are the odds that we will be disappointed? We’ll start this year off on a high note: I’m encouraged to see the recent interest in propane as an alternate fuel. This work has
Alternative fuels: How about an algae update?
I prefer the use of materials such as algae, switch grass and waste to produce feed stocks for alternate fuels. Primarily because these materials can be grown on land unsuitable for agriculture. I went shopping with my wife the other day. We observed that the price of ground chuck has risen from $4.02 per pound