Some fuel economy thoughts
Years ago, Cummins engine tech people said to “gear fast; run slow.” With today’s electronic controls, this is much more do-able than in the past. I believe I would spec the engines with the longest stroke and the tallest (low numerical ratio) rear axle ratio for interstate usage to optimize fuel economy.
Positive alternative fuel news
The U.S. government has approved the design and construction of a second liquified natural gas export terminal.
Alternative fuels (or is it fools?)
Let’s take a logical, non-biased look at current alternate fuel options by technical people, not politicians.
And in this corner: natural gas
Reviewing the reasons why natural gas could soon become THE viable alternate commercial fuel.
Intelligence isn’t the same as wisdom
The EPA recently upped the allowable ethanol percentage to 15 over the objections of knowledgeable people like equipment manufacturers, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the Coordinating Research Council.
The oil power structure may be changing
We are now experiencing very rapid development of diesel engine fuel economy oils (PC-11) prior to 2016.
Alternate fuels update
As part of the fiscal cliff bill, federal subsidies for biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol and other forms of renewable energy were reinstated through “earmarks.”
Natural gas is gathering steam
Several stars have aligned to make compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquified natural gas (LNG) viable alternatives to ULSD or biodiesel.
Fleet engine oils are changing
Several factors will soon eliminate the universal heavy-duty diesel engine oils we’ve used for years. These changes will complicate life for fleet operators.
Alternate fuels selection needs intelligent thinking
We need to quickly choose fuel alternatives that make financial sense for all in the U.S. so we can be cost-effective with future research expenditures.
Financial philosophy for troubled times
CNG and LNG prices are low, the supply appears limitless, and several corporations have committed to installing refueling stations across the country. Corn-based ethanol is slowly dying, but no one has yet scheduled the funeral.
Factors that affect fuel costs, availability
Many factors and events have combined to paint the current fuel picture, including fracking, environmental concerns, politics, fuel prices, the economy and more.