Increasingly, Fleet Vehicle Managers

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Increasingly, fleet vehicle managers Most large vehicle fleet operators realize that the public are faced with having to reduce the operating costs and pol- perception of their organization is, to a large extent, based lution associated with their vehicle fleet operations. For most on the image that is projected by their vehicle fleet. As a fleet managers, the “default” transportation system is a con- result, some operators are willing to invest extra funds in ventionally fueled car, sport utility vehicle (SUV), or truck. the research and development of “forward-leaning” tech- However, several transportation alternatives exist that could nology solutions because of the perceived public relations help to significantly reduce the cost and environmental im- benefits. One example is global mail carrier United Parcel pact of vehicle fleets. These include alternative fuel vehicles Service (UPS), which operates more than 200 compressed (i.e., vehicles fueled partially or completely by alternative natural gas (CNG) vehicles in California alone, as well as fuels—biodiesel and ethanol—made from natural, renew- several other CNG fleets in other parts of the country. An- able sources such as vegetable oils), neighborhood vehicles other example is electric utility Southern California Edison, (i.e., small, low-speed electric vehicles designed for short which has been heavily involved in developing and operat- trips), personal transporters (i.e., vehicles like the Segway ing electric-drive systems. Other organizations maintain in- Human Transporter [HT], designed to move a single passen- ternal policies or preferences based more generally on social ger limited distances), and bicycles. Although none of these or community concerns. For example, many government alternatives will replace traditional transportation methods agencies have policies that provide a preference to Ameri- entirely, each system offers an opportunity to reduce the size can-made products (i.e., “buy American”) that may impact of and miles traveled by conventional petroleum-fueled their purchasing decisions. vehicles in most fleets. The key to successful implementation It is important to recognize that each organization will is matching the alternative approaches to situations where have different organizational goals and that goals are often they best fill the functional needs of the end user. different within individual elements of an organization. However, it is essential to have a reasonable understanding SELECTING ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION of organizational priorities when considering various alter- Organizational Goals native transportation options. One of the first issues to consider when developing an alternative transportation plan is the relative priorities of the organization. Is the organization focused most on life-cycle David J. Cook, P.E., is the alternative fuel vehicle team cost, reducing initial investment, reducing petroleum leader at the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center consumption, reducing air emissions, or sending a positive (NFESC) in Port Hueneme, CA. Vern Novstrup, P.E., is public image? On one hand, for example, a bus fleet that head of the Environmental Compliance Branch at NFESC. delivers tourists to scenic destinations may be most inter- E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]. ested in reducing air pollution and projecting a positive, Disclaimer: The views presented in this article are those of environmentally friendly image to customers. On the other the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the hand, a company that has limited public exposure may be U.S. Navy or NFESC. Any mention of trade names or more interested in obtaining the lowest possible life-cycle commercial products does not constitute endorsement, or capital cost for transportation. certification, or recommendation for use. awma.org Copyright 2006 Air & Waste Management Association may 2006 em 9 three categories: fueling systems, roads and parking, and available local support. Fueling systems refer to the commercial availability of fuels or re- charging systems within the normal travel routes of the vehicle. For example, consider whether the vehicle will have to spend time traveling to and from fueling stations. In some cases, the procurement of alternative fuel vehicles may also require substantial investment for new support infrastructure (e.g., installing a new fuel storage tank to supply biodiesel or CNG), and depending on the size of the fleet, this could be a significant deterrent to using alternative fuels. In Figure 1. Capital investment and fuel costs. certain cases, a lack of local fuel whole- salers may result in higher delivery costs for a particular alternative fuel. Intended Vehicle Use Existing infrastructure, roads, and parking availability The nature of tasks performed by each vehicle within a fleet may limit the usefulness of alternative transportation systems, will generally determine what, if any, alternative fuel vehicles such as neighborhood vehicles, human transporters, and may be available to replace conventional fuel vehicles. Some bicycles. For example, are low-speed lanes, bike lanes, park- questions that need to be considered by fleet managers are ing, and vehicle storage areas currently available to support • Will the vehicle be required to travel at highway these modes of transportation? If not, what is allowable un- speeds? der local codes and ordinances and is the fleet manager will- • What is the maximum number of miles required ing to work with the appropriate authorities to implement in any one day? the needed changes? In some cases, the use of alternative • What is the average number of miles per trip? systems may help to solve preexisting problems, such as park- • What is the maximum required payload? ing deficiencies. • Is the vehicle required to operate in adverse or Local support refers to services that will be needed extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, beyond the immediate control of the fleet manager. For rain, or snow? example, do local fuel retailers sell the necessary alternative • Do opportunities exist for vehicle sharing that fuels and are parts and services for vehicle maintenance would allow for the elimination of one or more support available locally? conventional vehicles? For example, if a particular vehicle is assigned to a task that includes traveling at highway speeds or over long distances, viable alternative transportation systems may be limited to alternative fuel vehicles or gasoline–electric hybrid vehicles. Then again, if a vehicle is required to travel only a few miles each day at low speeds hauling limited loads, possible alternatives may include neighborhood electric vehicles, personal transporters, or even bicycles.

Infrastructure The availability, or lack, of appropriate infrastructure has a substantial influence on the feasibility of alternative transportation systems. Infra- structure issues generally fall into Figure 2. Vehicle load and capacity range.

10 em may 2006 Copyright 2006 Air & Waste Management Association awma.org Policy Issues overall engine efficiency. Additionally, several automakers Before making a final decision to select a particular have signaled their intention to develop diesel–electric vehicle type, fleet managers should confirm that the pro- vehicles to further reduce fuel consumption. Though hybrid posed strategy has fully addressed issues such as workplace vehicles continue to use conventional petroleum-based safety and security, and that appropriate insurance has fuels, the gains that are achieved in fuel and engine efficiency been obtained to protect the organization and its employ- have prompted some government agencies to afford spe- ees. For example, what steps will be required to ensure cial status to hybrid vehicles. For example, current federal that employees are properly trained to operate a new tax regulations allow a clean fuel vehicle deduction for at neighborhood vehicle or personal transporter? Depend- least nine hybrid vehicle models. Interestingly, the U.S. ing on organizational policies, implementation of a new Department of Energy does not classify hybrids as alternative transportation technology may require discussions with fuel vehicles for the purposes of federal fleet management human resources staff, safety staff, legal council, and and acquisition policies. union representatives. Failing to engage the appropriate stakeholder coordination during the planning phase is a recipe for disaster. Complying with emissions standards could

Personnel Issues carry a very big price tag. Potentially the most difficult part of implementing any new technology is [ And a deadline that would test anyone’s metal. ] getting the people that will use the technology to embrace it and make it their own. This can be particularly difficult in the case of alternative transportation systems, if the new approach appears to make the task more difficult for some employees. However, if implemented successfully, employees may embrace the new technology as an improvement that makes their job easier or more interesting. For example, riding a bicycle for certain tasks may be viewed as an opportunity to stay active and exercise during work When the Secondary Aluminum MACT Business and environment in balance. hours. Clearly understanding employ- was issued, this company knew it was 40,585 combined hours later, every ees’ needs and addressing personnel- potentially facing a huge expenditure. facility is MACT-compliant. Not to With the compliance deadline just 16 mention the resulting increased related issues is key to successful months away, it turned to RMT for a productivity. At RMT, we believe the implementation. turnkey strategy that wouldn’t impact time has come for bold new solutions its “just-in-time” production schedule. like this. Because to our way of thinking, ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION business and environment can not only OPTIONS No cookie-cutter approach. Five co-exist, but together, can thrive. To us, Alternative transportation options in- facilities, four states. Each different it’s about innovation, a commitment to clude gasoline–electric hybrid vehicles, enough to require a customized doing what’s right, and a passion for alternative fuel vehicles, neighborhood compliance plan. Every day required working together with our clients to electric vehicles, and personal transport- finding new approaches to keep the find the best possible solution. Like the project on time, under budget, and in ers, as well as more traditional alterna- one that made an impossible deadline, compliance—like the innovative use of tives such as bicycles. A brief summary possible. And helped one company crush air curtain technology. And when the its competition. of the characteristics of each option is company acquired another plant with provided in Figures 1 and 2. the same compliance deadline, RMT 744 Heartland Trail • Madison, WI took on the new work in stride. 53717 • Phone 608-831-4444 • Fax Hybrid Vehicles 608-831-3334 In recent years, a number of automotive manufacturers have introduced hybrid Visit our booth at the gasoline–electric technology to recover IT3 conference. waste energy from braking, eliminate the May 15-19 need to idle engines while the vehicle is Savannah, Georgia stopped, reduce engine size without reducing peak power output, and improve awma.org Copyright 2006 Air & Waste Management Association may 2006 em 11 Alternative Fuel Vehicles speed (a top speed of 25 mph) and range, and fewer safety Alternative fuel vehicles and alternative fuel consumption features than conventional vehicles, which may make them fall into three general categories. undesirable or unsuitable for certain applications. Also, most First, the use of alternative fuels in “unmodified” con- neighborhood electric vehicle model designs tend to leave ventional vehicles. For example, B20 biodiesel (i.e., 20% the driver much more exposed to adverse weather. The U.S. biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel fuel blend) or E10 (i.e., 10% Navy has successfully introduced neighborhood electric ethanol and 90% gasoline fuel blend) can be used in conven- vehicles at several facilities, including compact depots and tional engines without significant modification of the fueling port facilities, where access and parking is limited. system, engine, or related electronic controls. (Note: Check manufacturer warranty limitations to ensure that the proposed Personal Transporters fuel blend will not violate the engine’s warranty conditions.) Personal transporters are an emerging class of electric ve- This approach allows fleet manag- hicles that are designed to move ers the highest degree of flexibil- a single passenger limited dis- ity in vehicle selection and use of tances while the passenger stands alternative or conventional fuels. on a platform. The most notable Second, the use of alternative example of a personal transporter fuels in vehicles modified specifi- is the Segway HT. Like neighbor- cally to consume either conven- hood electric vehicles, the primary tional petroleum or an alternative advantage of personal transporters fuel blend (i.e., flexible fuel ve- is that they are more economical hicles). For example, several than conventional vehicles. Addi- automakers have models that are tionally, they require less parking/ capable of operating on either storage space. The main disadvan- gasoline or E-85 (i.e., 85% etha- tages of these vehicles are their low nol blended with 15% gasoline). speeds (a top speed of less than 20 Although the current vehicle mph), limited range, and fewer selection of flexible fuel vehicles safety features. They also leave the is somewhat limited, fleet man- passenger exposed to adverse agers retain full flexibility to use weather. As is the case with bicycles, conventional fuels if disruptions if the local infrastructure does not in the supply or price of alterna- allow for dedicated road lanes and tive fuels occur. they must share the sidewalk, then Third, the use of vehicles des- the potential for injury increases. igned to operate only on alternative fuels (i.e., dedicated fuel Bicycles vehicles, such as CNG-fueled ve- Human- and electric-powered hicles that operate on natural gas Pictured: The Segway HT personal transporter. bicycles or tricycles are often only). One advantage of dedicated Copyright 2006 Segway Inc. Used with permission. overlooked as an alternative vehicles is that the engines have op- transportation option in commer- timal performance and emissions specifications for the spe- cial and industrial settings. This has not always been the case. cific alternative fuel used. This approach was popular with fleet During World War II, for example, bicycles were used ex- managers a few years ago; however, recently these vehicles have tensively in shipyards and other industrial facilities to save fallen out of favor because of the limited number of available time and improve productivity. The primary advantage of models and alternative fuel sites, increased manufacturing costs, bicycles is that they are very economical compared to other and expensive infrastructure requirements. As a result, only a options. Like neighborhood electric vehicles and personal few CNG-fueled vehicles are currently available. transporters, however, bicycles have limited speed, range, safety features, cargo carrying capacity, and leave the rider Neighborhood Electric Vehicles exposed to adverse weather. Neighborhood electric vehicles are small, low-speed specialty vehicles designed for short trips. They come in various body CONCLUSIONS styles, depending on the application. They are most com- Increasingly, fleet managers are relying on nontraditional monly used in recreational, commercial, and industrial set- transportation solutions, such as alternative fuel vehicles, tings, where required travel distances and hauling neighborhood electric vehicles, and personal transporters, requirements make walking undesirable or time-consuming. to perform certain tasks. In many cases, alternative trans- The primary advantage of neighborhood electric vehicles is portation options will meet the functionality requirements that they are more economical than conventional vehicles and organizational goals if fleet managers are willing to in terms of capital investment and operating costs. The main think beyond conventional solutions that dominate existing disadvantages of these vehicles are that they have limited vehicle fleets. em