The need for a national energy policy
Let’s discuss unintended consequences of our lack of a national energy policy, and point out the need to develop one ASAP. The Chinese are competing with us for natural resources. China represents 9.4% of the world’s economy, yet the country is currently purchasing 46.9% of the world’s coal, 47% of the world’s iron ore and
We need a national energy policy – NOW
Developing sources of energy sufficient enough to provide for our nation’s needs is very serious business. Yet we are one of the few developed nations in the world without a succinct energy policy. We don’t seem to realize we are in direct competition with the Chinese for valuable resources on our own soil! Instead, I
Comparing fuels’ BTU content and energy storage
The world is very dependent on coal and crude oil. Crude oil and coal are second and third in energy content (BTUs) per weight (or volume) to nuclear energy. But nuclear energy frightens many, and it isn’t portable. Nuclear power also requires significant upfront investment. Coal and products made from crude oil contain considerable BTUs
House bill will offer natural gas tax credits
Last month, I mentioned that natural gas looked like a good alternate fuel for P&D fleets. The more I investigate natural gas, the more enthusiastic I become. The current trend is to use hybrids or electric vehicles for light- and medium-duty service. However, most people advocating the use of electric power haven’t fully considered two
Skyrocketing diesel fuel prices
I predicted diesel fuel prices would increase significantly in the near future, but who knew they would increase this quickly? Ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel prices have increased at least 20% in the last few weeks. They could easily skyrocket before summer. How can the world’s crude oil market can be so heavily influenced
Plan for higher fuel prices
Diesel fuel prices have increased steadily the last few months, and I don’t see any factors on the horizon trying to bring them down. Crude oil is priced in U.S. dollars. With the value of the dollar falling due to our high debt load, crude oil costs can only increase. Soon we will see prices
Lube effects on fleet fuel economy
Last month I suggested fleets utilize the thinnest oils possible in their engines, transmissions and differentials to maximize fuel economy by minimizing pumping losses. A friend’s subsequent question prompted me to further discuss oil viscosity (resistance to flow) this month. All liquids, except bismuth and water (between 0˚ F and 4˚ F), become less viscous
Beware of scams when improving fleet fuel economy
It’s gratifying to see regulators finally shift their focus from reducing NOx emissions to reducing global warming, because global warming can be reduced by improving efficiency. Improved fleet fuel economy can significantly reduce a fleet’s carbon footprint. But beware. When fuel economy becomes an issue, charlatans come out of the woodwork. During commercial fuel economy
EPA, NHTSA use ton-miles to regulate truck fuel economy
First, let me state I’m not in favor of rules or regulations—any kind of rules – but particularly rules proposed by people who have little idea of what they are regulating. I think three of the last four sets of diesel exhaust emissions standards lend credence to my point of view. But I must commend
Researching alternative fuels for fleets
We currently are witnessing interest in alternate fuels unlike anything ever seen. Scientists are conducting research on a plethora of alternate fuel feed stocks ranging from algae (one of my favorites) to soybean-based biodiesel. In a few years, we will have sufficient knowledge to logically select alternate fuels which will: • Minimize CO2 emissions •
Diesel fuel’s role in increasing fuel economy standards
The director of research for the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) recently stated he wants a 60 MPG fuel economy standard for passenger cars and light trucks by 2025. According to him, a 60 MPG vehicle would save the owner $1,000 in fuel costs over and above the increased vehicle cost by the time the
Changes in lube oil marketing
The automotive lubricants market was once a very profitable business. Oil marketers probably made a higher percentage profit on lube oil sales than any of their products. Automatic transmission fluids and gear oils were particularly lucrative. Today the market is facing decreasing sales. As I mentioned in the October 2009 issue of Fleet Equipment, the