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NC STATE ENERY CONFERENCE DRIVING ON ENERGI ev DAY IN NOLA
fleet gets propane conversions ADDED TO state bid list
National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium Who we are:
NAFTC Training Schedule
Founded in 1992, the NAFTC is the only nationwide training organization dedicated to promoting, supporting, and expanding the use of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles in an effort to improve air quality and decrease U.S. dependence on foreign oil. A program of West Virginia University, the NAFTC is a membership organization consisting of National and Associate Training Centers located nationwide.
What we do: The NAFTC’s mission is to educate the nation about clean, alternative transportation technologies, thus providing a vital role necessary for AFVs to become viable options in transportation. Through the development and delivery of many kinds of training, from in-depth technical training to brief informative presentations for the general public, the NAFTC has brought education and awareness of clean alternative transportation technologies to millions.
Why we make a difference: Through its services of providing education and awareness about AFVs, the NAFTC strives to make a difference in lessening U.S. dependence on foreign oil, strengthening national and energy security, and providing a cleaner environment for future generations.
Over 35 Courses and Workshops!
FREE Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training April 25-27 • Oklahoma City, OK FREE Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training May 24-26 • Asheville, NC Electric Drive Vehicle Automotive Technician Training June 6-10 • Morgantown, WV FREE Propane Autogas Vehicle Technician Training June 14-16 • Lebanon, OR To register visit the NAFTC website or contact Micheal Smyth at 304-293-7882 or Micheal.Smyth@mail.wvu.edu.
Training programs for multiple audiences including:
Additional classes are added frequently please check the NAFTC website for the most current information.
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Automotive Technicians
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Fleet Managers
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Government Officials
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If you have specific training needs, please contact us. NAFTC training sessions are available as contract training specifically for your group or organization, hosted either at the NAFTC National Headquarters in Morgantown, WV, or at your facility. Workshops and courses can also be customized to fit your needs.
for more information, visit
naftc.wvu.edu or call (304) 293-7882
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contents
Strong Partnerships Support Clean Fuels in Utah | p. 9 Utah Clean Cities
The Driverless Car Dream | p. 16 Denver Metro Clean Cities
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Empire Green Farms Certification | p. 15 Empire Clean Cities
Driving on Energi | p. 18
Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
North Carolina State Energy Conference | p. 22 Centralina Clean Cities Coalition
EV Day NOLA 2015 | p. 13
Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership
Renewable Energy from Biomass and Algae | p. 7 Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition
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for rapid return on investment, community impact, energy security, carbon footprint, safety, ombination of these, autogas is versatile and readily available.
contents MICHIGAN
partner focus ROUSH CleanTech: Transit Agencies Choose Propane Autogas INDIANA
COLORADO
NEW MEXICO
cover story
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Government Fleet Seeks Propane Conversion Kits
TEXAS
FLORIDA
ROUSH CleanTech fueled by partner the nation
37 3 10 214 16 287
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OHIO
designer / editor Kristy Keel-Blackmon East TN Clean Fuels Coalition SOUTH kristy@etcleanfuels.org CAROLINA
Twitter: @fuelsfix Fuels Fix is published quarterly by the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition in collaboration with the creative and groovy DOE Clean Cities coalition coordinators across the USA.
focus
The University of Alabama’s 3 Team Creating a Brighter Future Through Innovation and Education
NEW MEXICO ................. 1 EcoCAR OHIO.............................. 20 SOUTH CAROLINA ......... 32 TEXAS ........................... 18 VIRGINIA........................ 4 WASHINGTON ................ 45
DELAWARE / senior editor publisher Jonathan G. Overly East TN Clean Fuels Coalition VIRGINIA jonathan@etcleanfuels.org
Email info@etcleanfuels.org for additional information.
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ROUSHcleantech.com | 800.59.ROUSH TNCleanFuels.org
advertisers index
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Clean cities tv The Official Clean Cities YouTube Channel
AMERICAN BEAUTY
5
Beautiful scenes from across the U.S. in every edition
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AFDC 26 Alternative Fuels Think Tank 10 BBI 17, 21, 27 EMI 14, 27 Icom North America 26, 27 NAFTC 1, 27 Renewable Energy Group 2 ROUSH CleanTech 27 US Gas Vehicles 27
editor’s letter What a fantastic mix of information we have for you in this edition! I was so pleased to see a wide variety of topics roll in this time around. In the past, we have occasionally highlighted a specific fuel and made an “EV edition” or a “CNG edition.” This time, we could call it “Alternative Fuel Diversity edition!” This might be the most diverse group of topics we’ve featured in a while, which means that there are lots of possibilities for alternative fuels and vehicles. I think you’ll be particularly interested in our cover story, which includes a Q&A with a fleet manager who successfully got alternative fuel conversion kits on his state bid list. This is an important topic that comes up frequently when dealing with government fleets, yet you’ll see that Herb Mullen worked through barriers and made positive change happen. I also want specifically point to our article on driver-free cars. The article from Denver Metro Clean Cities provides a compelling argument on the benefits of this technology. Last but not least, we have a novel idea from Empire Clean Cities. Read about their Empire Clean Farms program on page 15. It’s a one-of-a-kind program!
Jonathan Overly Fuels Fix Editor
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TAMPA BAY TAPS INTO RENEWABLE ENERGY FROM BIOMASS AND ALGAE In Tampa Bay, the Patel College of Global Sustainability at the University of South Florida (USF) is at the forefront of research into the commercialization of biofuels and bioproducts. Associate professor Dr. George Philippidis, who is also a Steering Committee member for the Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition (TBCCC) leads a team of researchers who are investigating the production of biofuels and bioproducts from renewable resources, such as algae, biomass, and vegetable oils. Their applied research focuses on closing the gap between the laboratory and the marketplace with emphasis on algae cultivation, biomass conversion to value-added products, and renewable biodiesel production. As Tampa Bay prepared to host the 2016 National Biodiesel Conference and Expo back in January, TBCCC sat down with Dr. Philippidis to discuss his research on algae- and biomass-derived biofuels and advances in the renewable fuel sector. 7
TBCCC: What makes your research unique? Dr. Philippidis: “Here at USF, the Biofuels and Bioproducts Lab focuses on the development of biofuels and bioproducts from two sustainable sources, algae and biomass. Our work involves developing the technologies needed to convert biomass (anything green), algae, and vegetable oils into fuels, products, and electricity. What differentiates our lab from labs elsewhere is our focus on applied research that helps bring clean technology ideas to the marketplace. TBCCC: Why is Florida is a good location for biofuels research and development? Dr. Philippidis: “First of all, Florida has plenty of natural resources and an ideal climate for both algae and biomass. Actually, Florida is the number one state in annual generation of biomass in the country. “The climate is also a major factor. Florida has a combination of sun, high humidity levels, warm
weather, and a significant amount of underutilized land. Also, thanks to its excellent geographic position, Florida has easy access to overseas markets though several major ports. Florida universities, such as USF, are leaders in renewable energy research. All these conditions make our state an excellent place for research, development, and entrepreneurship in the energy sector.”
Dr. Philippidis: “The Paris COP 21 emphasized the global concern about climate change, so knowing that renewable energy comes with a very low carbon footprint will definitely be a cornerstone for the green and sustainable economy of the future. I think great opportunities lie on this path.” For more information or to read the full interview, please visit this link.
TBCCC: What are some of the biggest changes you think we can expect to see in the renewable fuels and energy sectors?
Opposite page: Dr. Ioannis Dogaris, postdoctoral fellow at the Biofuels and Bioproducts Lab, reviews algal growth. Above: Lab samples from the PCGS Biofuels and Bioproducts Lab.
Austin Sipiora | Tampa Bay Clean Cities Coalition | asipiora@mail.usf.edu | 813-974-1885 8
Utah’s Office of Energy Development played a significant role in building and sustaining the early work of Utah Clean Cities Coalition (UCCC). Today, the two allies enjoy the same spirit of a progressive collaboration in adding electrification infrastructure to the states national parks and with an EV Highway. Two key women played significant roles in creating the synergy to promote the primary mission of Clean Cities: to reduce the dependence on foreign oil, improve air quality and promote alternative fuels for transportation. Those two leaders are Denise Brems of OED and Robin Erickson of UCCC. Denise Brems, now retired, was the program manager for Utah’s State Energy Program (SEP) and an active committee member of UCCC.
Top image: Robin Erickson of UCCC (center) holds the shoulders of her colleague and friend of many years Denise Brems, retired OED. Bottom image: Denise Brems retired after a long career with OED and as an active Committee Member of UCCC.
strong Partnerships support clean fuels in Utah
“Growing a coalition like Utah Clean Cities has been a dynamic partnership between government and non-profit; both have their crucial roles. We collaborated in so many vital ways to promote and sustain Utah’s energy independence through our grass-roots work. To bring about adoption of alternative fuels, there must be infrastructure for the fuel, and further, the vehicles to use that fuel. It made logical sense to focus our efforts on fleets because they are organized for a specific purpose.” Robin Erickson has guided the mission of UCCC for over twelve years. “We tried to spread grants across the widest segment of transportation as we could with new CNG buses in our capitol city and university communities. We’ve seen private and public fueling stations develop from the top of our state to the southern borders. It took a whole state full of partners to make this vision a reality. And last year, we reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 20% in Utah.” Clearly, strong partnerships and determination can take you far in Clean Cities!
Tammie Cooper | Utah Clean Cities | tammie.cooper@utahcleancities.org | 801-535-7736 9
Utah Clean Cities Presents
Alternative Fuels
Think Tank
Green Strategies for Smart Transportation
May 11th, 2016
Garden Center @ Thanksgiving Point, Utah Keynote Speakers, Industry Leaders, Panels Networking Breakfast & Working Lunch 7:30 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.
All Alternative Fuel Vehicle Showcase 2:30-4:00 p.m.
Thirty Years of Alternative Fuels in Utah – The right vehicle, the right fuel for the right business.
Winning economic and energy independence for Utah and the Nation. Proven strategies for fleets to use technology and smart business plans. Meeting the challenges of air quality in Utah with transportation challenges and opportunities; greening the fleet and using grants and incentives to diversify your fleet Creating a new brand for your company with alternative fuels Learn what experts are saying about deflated oil prices and the vulnerability of foreign oil and the promise of local economies. Fuels Outlook & Policy Implications—incentives and grant programs for fleets.
More information from Utah Clean Cities Communications~
Tammie.cooper@utahcleancities.org ~801-580-1922
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TRANSIT AGENCIES CHOOSE TRANSIT AGENCIES CHOOSE
PROPANE AUTOGAS
PROPANE AUTOGAS
Propane autogas is one of the fastest growing New Model Bus Testing Program (“Altoona Testing”), transportation fuels in the transit industry. The adoption which allows transit agencies to access federal funds ropane autogas is one of the fastest growing transportation fuels in the transit The adoption of avehicle of a domestically produced alternative fuel like that cover 85% of anindustry. entire alternative fuel domestically produced alternative fuel like autogas benefits transit agencies by saving taxpayer dollars and reducing autogas benefits transit agencies by saving taxpayer cost with a 15 percent local match. harmful emissions in the air. dollars and reducing harmful emissions in the air. Public transit fleet operators can cost-effectively transition to autogas with the ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-450 cutaway Whether it’s chosen for rapid return on investment, chassis. It is the only shuttle vehicle that has completed the Federal Transit Administration’s New Model Bus Testing Public transit fleet operators can cost-effectively community energy carbon Program (“Altoona Testing”), which allows transit agencies to access federalimpact, funds that coversecurity, 85 percent of an entire transition to autogas with the ROUSH CleanTech Ford footprint, safety, serviceability or a combination of alternative fuel vehicle cost with a 15 percent local match. E-450 cutaway chassis. It is the only shuttle vehicle these, autogas is versatile and readily available. Whether it’s chosen for rapid return on investment, community impact, energy security, carbon footprint, safety, that has completed the Federal Transit Administration’s serviceability or a combination of these, autogas is versatile and readily available.
P
WASHINGTON
MICHIGAN
OHIO DELAWARE
INDIANA
COLORADO CALIFORNIA
VIRGINIA
NEW MEXICO SOUTH CAROLINA
TEXAS
FLORIDA
Deployment of ROUSH CleanTech transit shuttles fueled by autogas across the nation CALIFORNIA .................. 37 COLORADO .................... 3 DELAWARE.................... 10 FLORIDA ........................ 214 INDIANA ........................ 16 MICHIGAN ..................... 287
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NEW MEXICO ................. 1 OHIO.............................. 20 SOUTH CAROLINA ......... 32 TEXAS ........................... 18 VIRGINIA........................ 4 WASHINGTON ................ 45
ROUSHcleantech.com | 800.59.ROUSH
TOP 5 AGENCIES OPERATING AUTOGAS IN TRANSIT FLEET BROWARD COUNTY FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
5
140
FLINT MASS TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY FLINT, MICHIGAN
120
SUBURBAN MOBILITY AUTHORITY FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION DETROIT, MICHIGAN
74
THE RAPID GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
51
PALM TRAN WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
50
= 10 BUSES Map created January 2016
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EV Day NOLA 2015
New Orleans’s First Electric Vehicle Expo
Clean, domestic electric transportation is growing by leaps and bounds each year, and New Orleans has been a quiet success story in the South. In November 2015, the city celebrated its first Electric Vehicle Day at Whole Foods Market on Broad Street and held a groundbreaking ceremony for the store’s installation of new Electric Vehicle (EV) signage. This free public event coordinated by EV-LA, in and supported by the Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership, heightened the awareness of the widespread availability and benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Local EV owners explained how charging works and why they chose to drive an electric car. The event also included a variety of EVs on display allowing attendees to sit in the driver’s seat to see up close the many technological features of electric vehicles. Owners and enthusiasts agreed that EVs are fun to drive, better for the environment, less expensive to operate, and with home charging, more convenient to fuel than gasoline-powered vehicles.
Event exhibitors included Nissan North America, Whole Foods Market, Solar Alternatives, ChargePoint EV Chargers, and the Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership. Solar Alternatives utilized its Mobile Solar Generator to solar-charge electric vehicles, demonstrating a greener way to power the EVs. Demonstration units of ChargePoint commercial and home charging systems gave attendees a better understanding of charging dynamics. Nissan North America raffled a Nissan Leaf Power Bank to guests who signed in at the Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership booth, which provided U.S. Department of Energy handouts on electric vehicles along with information on federal and state alternative fuel tax credits. Interested in seeing more? EV-LA, Louisiana’s electric vehicle community network, produced a video of the event: “Electric Vehicle Day, New Orleans, 2015”. Interested in joining New Orleans electric vehicle group, EV-LA? Please email info@ev-la.org.
Rebecca Otte | Southeast Louisiana Clean Fuel Partnership | rotte@norpc.org | 504-483-8513 13
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Empire Green Farms Certification: The New Trend in Farming Empire Clean Cities’ (ECC) mission continues to ensure clean air for future generations by promoting alternative fuel options through our cutting edge programs, such as the Empire Green Fleet (EGF) and Empire Green Fleet Farms (EGF Farms) programs. While the EGF program was initiated in 2012, we welcomed our newest branch of the program this past year, EGF Farms, with the goal of certifying farms for their alternative fuel practices. ECC partners with local farmers to track vehicle emissions, develop strategies to improve fleet efficiencies, reduce fuel costs, and decrease a farm’s transportationrelated environmental impact. With an EGF Farm certification farms are able to stand out in the farming community and improve their operations; which in turn improves their business and their distribution network. We work closely with farmers interested in certification and connect them with the appropriate stakeholders to ensure their farming operations are financially and environmentally successful.
partners at New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association, the oil-based byproducts of soy used in foods can be used for fuel, creating a sustainable fuel from a traditional waste product. “We are pleased to be working with Empire Clean Cities to increase the demand for Biodiesel in New York and to assist farmers in “greening” their farm fleets. This multifaceted relationship is a win-win for the farmers, the Association, ECC and the environment. We are excited to see where this project takes us,” noted Colleen Klein, Executive Director, New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association. Empire Clean Cities certified Du Mond Agriculture in the summer of 2015 and is working with Ryder Farm for their certification. The EGF Farms program is still in its first year of development and ECC is excited to get more fleets and farms on board for certification! We encourage you to join our mission and become part of the solution!
Biodiesel has been proven to be a good, simple alternative for farming fleets that operate many of their vehicles on traditional diesel. Thanks to our
Jennifer Urrutia | Empire Clean Cities | jennifer@empirecleancities.org | 212-839-7728 15
Bridges, Rutt (2015-05-10). Driverless Car Revolution: Buy Mobility, Not Metal (Kindle Locations 2-3). Kindle Edition.
The Driverless Car Dream In our modern world of fast-paced innovation and disruptive technologies, the driverless car cannot go unnoticed. Its promising benefits and features could redefine the next era of transportation. But what effect will the driverless car have on the future of human health and the environmental landscape? Many people are already familiar with the “self-driving” vehicle concept. Self-driving allows drivers to take their hands off the wheel and feet off the pedals, but the driver can regain control over the vehicle when needed and is ultimately responsible for the car’s actions. In a driverless car, passengers will have no access to any wheel or pedals. The car’s computer software will have full control over the movements of the machine. Think of a robot on wheels. People will simply be passengers. In a driverless transportation system, consumers will have little need to own personal vehicles. It will be convenient, and much cheaper, to summon an autonomous vehicle from your phone. Companies like Uber and Lyft will own
these vehicles, avoiding car payments, insurance, and maintenance for the individual consumer. Since cars today sit unused 95% of the time, an autonomous, on-demand vehicle could do the job that ten individual vehicles do now. The cleanest mile is the one never driven, so taking cars off the road will reduce pollution and traffic congestion. Aside from a smaller vehicle fleet, driverless cars will pollute less. “You can’t spew pollutants from your tailpipe if you don’t have a tailpipe,” says Rutt Bridges in his book Driverless Car Revolution: Buy Mobility, Not Metal (2015). Driverless cars are expected to be all electric vehicles that are powered by clean electricity. As the electricity grid becomes cleaner, autonomous vehicles will, too. The future for driverless transportation could mean cleaner, safer vehicles that improve public health and save consumers money.
Emily Wedes | Denver Metro Clean Cities | cleancities@lungs.org | 248-730-0069 16
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Driving on
energi
Driving on Energi is a program designed to put electric vehicles (EVs) in the hands of a select group of social media influencers (EV ambassadors) to help dispel the myths surrounding EVs. By focusing on targeted vehicle demonstrations and driver experiences in the Northeast, consumers will come to better understand the benefits these vehicles and technologies offer. Driving on Energi has partnered with Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition (GWRCCC) and Ford Motor Company to increase awareness and accessibility for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) by loaning out 3 vehicles each month to social media influencers in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Today, Ford delivers power of choice throughout its lineup, starting with five electrified vehicles: the CMAX Hybrid and Energi, Fusion Hybrid and Energi and Focus BEV (battery electric vehicle). Ford’s electrified vehicle line-up is based on more than 20 years of research and development, which resulted in nearly 500 Ford-held patents on electric and hybrid technology.
Kandese Allen, 2015-2016 GWRCCC Intern with a 2015 Ford CMAX Energi plug-in hybrid electric vehicle
powered by advanced lithium-ion battery systems designed to maximize use of common, high-quality components, such as control board hardware. The lithium-ion batteries can be charged by connecting the vehicles’ external charge ports to either a standard 120-volt outlet or a 240-volt charge station. For more information and to follow our bloggers, visit www.gwrccc.org and www.drivingonenergi.com.
Both the CMAX Energi and Fusion Energi get their power through the combination of a gasoline engine and battery-driven electric motor. The motors are
Kandese Allen | Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition | intern2@gwrccc.org | 202-671-1580
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cover story
elizabeth city, nc fleet gets propane conversions ADDED TO state bid list For government fleets, a common road block to using alternative fuels and vehicles is that they must purchase from a state contract bid list. If a vehicle is not on the list, it simply cannot be bought. Herb Mullenwas on a mission, and he didn’t let this fact stop him. He serves as the Director of InterCounty Public Transportation Authority (ICPTA) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and for quite some time, Herb had been on a quest to get propane conversion kits for vehicles on the North Carolina bid list. Having these conversion kits available for purchase means that government fleets have more sustainable choices and greater access to alternative fuels and vehicles. The following is a Q&A session with Herb where he explained his process so that other states may benefit from his knowledge and experience. When did you start the process of trying to get the conversion kits on the state bid list? What were some of the major hurdles you had to overcome? I started pursuing the project in 2012. At that time, I asked our Public Transportation Division director if she would fund propane conversion kits if I got them on the state contract. She said she would, and that’s when I started seriously pursuing it. I got in touch with the governor’s office in April 2013 with the help of Edenton’s town manager, and that’s when the ball started rolling. None of this would have happened without the support of Nancy Painter with the North Carolina Department of Transportation, Public Transportation Division. 19
She made sure the procurement was handled in a manner that would allow us to use federal funds to purchase these kits. How many vehicles does ICPTA have? How many have been converted to propane? We currently have 28 vehicles in our fleet. We have just finished converting 15 vehicles, and we plan to convert another four this year; one will be an expansion vehicle we plan to add to our fleet. The rest will be converted as they are replaced, with the exception of two minivans. We will reevaluate the cost when they come up for replacement. Do you know what other organizations around the state are making use of this opportunity? To my knowledge I am the first to take advantage of it, but I know several other transit systems plan to write conversion kits in their FY16 Community Transportation Program Grants, and others have been using propane kits they purchased or leased with local funds for several years. Finally, what do you want the public to know about this process and your experience? I think it’s all about doing more with less, and propane gives us the ability to do that. I was looking for a way to cut expenses and budgetary shortfalls without directly affecting the residents that use our transportation services.
At right: Herb Mullen, Director of Inter-County Public Transportation Authority, refuels one of their converted buses with propane. Far right: Icom North America, Herb’s propane partner, provides EPAcertified conversion systems.
It’s all about doing more with less, and propane gives us the ability to do that. I was looking for a way to cut expenses and budgetary shortfalls without directly affecting the residents that use our transportation services. Herb Mullen, Director of Transportation, Inter-County Public Transportation Authority
Article courtesy of
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W I S C O N S I N
WORLD’S LARGEST & LONGEST RUNNING ETHANOL EVENT
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June 20-23, 2016
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN WHERE W HERE P PRODUCERS RODUCERS M MEET EET
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Networking Opportunities Speak Exhibit Sponsor Attend
North Carolina State Energy Conference
The Triangle Clean Cities Coalition is working with the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center on the 2016 State Energy Conference, coming to Raleigh’s McKimmon Center on April 20th and 21st. This conference provides a holistic view of what is being done regionally to promote cleaner energy options in the transportation sector. Set to include over 25 sessions with 75+ speakers in front of an audience of decision makers, architects, engineers and others, the conference is sure to have plenty of content for all audiences. The Triangle and Centralina Clean Cities programs will be working as moderators for panels at the conference for the clean transportation track over the length of the two-day conference.
and answer period allowing specific interests to be addressed for audience members—all focused on emphasizing the importance of clean fuels and vehicles now and in the future.
Alternative fuels will make a strong presence at the 2016 State Energy Conference in the form of panelists sharing their success stories, fleet managers explaining how they overcame internal barriers, and a question
The 2016 State Energy Conference aims to tackle many of the questions on alternative fuels and their implementation. Interested parties can register for this two-day event here.
Clean Cities staff-moderated sessions include: a session on economic development tied to alternative fuel projects, and a session on reducing vehicle miles traveled, or VMTs, with a panel on transit, cycling and other alternative transportation investments happening regionally. The second day of the conference will cover topics involving programs and policies that promote the use of alternative fuels and how fleets address the challenges that come with them.
Mary Sell | Triangle Clean Cities Coalition | msell@tjcog.org | 919-558-9400 22
partner focus
The University of Alabama’s EcoCAR3 Team Creating a Brighter Future Through Innovation and Education University of Alabama (UA) students are competing in the EcoCAR 3: Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors. UA was selected as one of 16 institutions to compete in EcoCAR 3, a four year engineering competition that challenges students to create an energy efficient muscle car that uses minimum energy and emits less pollution without sacrificing performance, safety or consumer appeal. With the university’s cutting-edge technology and facilities, the team has a unique advantage over the competition as they re-engineer a 2016 Camaro. The University of Alabama’s Camaro will be a SeriesParallel Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powered by E85 fuel and grid electricity. The UA EcoCAR 3 Team aims to maintain the performance and improve 23
the fuel economy of the 2016 stock Camaro while reducing emissions. The team’s PHEV has a 2.4 liter four-cylinder internal combustion engine supplemented by two electric motors to propel the Camaro into one of the four different powerflows: EV, series, parallel and series-parallel. The team plans to re-engineer the gasoline-powered 2016 Camaro into a blended plug-in hybrid. As a blended plug-in hybrid, the Camaro will have the ability to optimally select among the three power sources. The team’s efficiency-based control strategy will run the engine and electric motors in combination to supply driver-demanded torque with minimum fuel consumption. The team is thrilled to tackle this engineering challenge head on but their work does not stop in the laboratory. The team is also encouraged to engage
the ua camaro architecture: p1/p3 series-Parallel phev camaro Front Denso Motor
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Legend
Clutch Electrical Connection
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GM 8L45
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the community and collaborate with various sponsors in effort to galvanize interest about alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles. The UA EcoCAR 3 Team is fortunate to partner with the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. Together they educate the state of Alabama about clean, renewable, domestic energy sources that help reduce the state’s dependence on foreign oil, improve local air quality, and increase economic development investments in the local communities. “Collaborating with the University of Alabama team has been a great experience for our coalition,” said Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition Executive Director Mark Bentley. “Seeing the EcoCAR3 team of students so involved in working toward a more energy efficient future is inspiring.”
Opposite page: The UA EcoCAR 3 Team received the keys to a 2016 Camaro from Al Oppenheiser, Camaro Chief Engineer at General Motors. Above: The UA EcoCAR 3 Team will be creating a P1/P3 Series Parallel PHEV Camaro.
Article courtesy of
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clean cities tv Clean Cities TV is the educational video channel of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities program, which advances the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local actions to reduce petroleum consumption in transportation.
Phoenix Cleans Up with Natural Gas
DC’s Government Fleet Uses a Variety of Alternative Fuels
youtube.com/Cleancitiestv 25
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Check out the Alternative Fuel Data Center’s Tools page which assists fleets, fuel providers and stakeholders with their data and resource needs. Click here to get started!
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Yosemite National Park by Esther Lee