Cleaner fuels resulting from partnership of government and manufacturers.

Cleaner fuels resulting from partnership of government

Automobiles. Those objects of desire and the single largest source of poisons in the atmosphere. We steadfastly refuse to live without them but we're rapidly approaching a frightening realization. If we maintain our status quo in the way we engineer our cars and the fuels that power them we are, quite literally, not going to be able to live with them.

The California Energy Commission, as part of its involvement in the $69 billion-a-year energy business in the state, has launched several ambitious programs to investigate alternatives to becoming a land of perpetual smog. Realizing that a huge percentage of our bad air originates with a quick trip to the corner pump, the department is conducting research at all levels of government and industry to improve automotive efficiency and to develop cleaner forms of fuel for the cars that will drive us into the year 2000.

The following is a round-up of various programs under way in California to help us comply with clean air standards and change our transportation behavior. The transition from highpowered "road warrior" vehicles to sensible, clean forms of transport will certainly be contested by the teenager in all of us. But we're clearly at childhood's end in our love affair with the automobile. It's time to exhibit some very adult behavior and to promote, encourage and welcome a new generation of vehicles that will allow us all to breathe a little easier.

California Energy Commission

CNG Vehicle Facts

Of all the liquid or gaseous fuels ready for commercial use, compressed natural gas (CNG) offers the biggest reductions in emissions compared to gasoline: carbon monoxide is reduced by more than 90 percent, particulates are virtually eliminated, and the reactivity of hydrocarbons from natural gas vehicles is only 36-45 percent of gasoline emissions.

CNG also ranks high in convenience and availability. California's extensive network of natural gas mains can deliver the fuel directly to your site, where compressors are installed by your local utility. Two types of fueling systems are available: a quickfill system that fuels vehicles in two to five minutes, or a slowfill system that can fuel an entire fleet automatically overnight.

Costs for a compressor station typically run from $1,000 to $3,000 per vehicle served. Refueling can be done easily by trained drivers.

Only a handful of retail CNG filling stations are presently available in California, although as CNG's popularity increases new stations can be added simply by tapping into the existing municipal gas main system. Pacific Gas and Electric Company opened its first nine retail filling stations in early 1990.

Automobile manufacturers, such as General Motors, are now developing dedicated natural gas engines that are extremely clean, which should lower capital vehicle costs and create further improvements in efficiency.

CNG's biggest drawback remains its limited range of about 120 miles for the average vehicle. Dual-fuel vehicles that can operate on gasoline or natural gas at the flick of a switch (even while the engine is running) are available when extended range is necessary.

California Energy Commission

Electric Vehicle Facts

Silent and nearly pollution-free, electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer overgrown golf carts. New advances in battery technology and commitments to research and development by vehicle manufacturers have produced electric vehicles that can play a practical role on city streets.

Several California cities use electricity to power buses, streetcars and mass transit, although these vehicles use an exterior power source. This technology is now being transferred to fullsize vans, which operate on a block of batteries and can be used as delivery vehicles in urban areas.

Due in part to their limited production, the life cycle cost of an electric vehicle can be twice as much as a similar-sized gasoline model. As demand increases, lower capital costs, combined with the EV's low per mile cost, could help bring the life cycle expense below gasoline models.

EVs now being marketed have a range of about 60 miles, which Southern California Edison says is equal to the miles traveled daily by about 60,000 of the 150,000 commercial light-duty fleet vehicles in Southern California. Acceleration is relatively slow but top speeds of over 50 miles an hour can be attained. General Motors is working on a new electric passenger car called the `Impact,' which the company says can go up to 75 miles per hour and travel 120 miles before needing a two-hour recharge.

Recharging current EVs can be done at night simply by plugging a recharger into a 220 volt outlet (the same type used for a stove or electric dryer) for about eight hours. Maintenance is limited to filling the batteries with water every three weeks, a twenty-minute job that can be done automatically.

The first modern mass-produced electric vehicle will be the G-Van a full size, one-ton van produced by General Motors, Vehma International and Chloride EV Systems. Ford Motor Company is working on its ETX 11 - Aerostar Van, and Chrysler is developing its TE Van, which uses a nickel-iron battery.

The biggest drawback remains the price. The Electric Power Research Institute says, however, that the lifecycle costs of an electric van and conventional van are equal (40.8 cents per mile) when electricity is five cents per kilowatt hour and gasoline is $1.15 per gallon.

Estimates project the G-Van's fuel costs to be less than half those of gasoline vans. Large reductions in maintenance can also be expected with EVs: there isn't any oil to change, transmission to break down and just a fraction of the number of moving parts found in a gasoline engine. The vehicle's expected eight-year fleet life, compared to five years for gasoline vehicles, will also keep yearly operating costs down.

California Energy Commission

Ethanol Vehicle Facts

Ethanol, organic alcohol, is a high-octane fuel derived from corn and other agricultural products. Over 4 million cars run on ethanol in Brazil as a result of a government program to make fuel from sugar cane.

Ethanol vehicle fuel is being tested in the United States, in a near-neat blend, or 85-90 percent ethanol mixed with unleaded gasoline. Several farm vehicles have been converted to ethanol, as have a few light-duty vehicles which are in the low-mileage stage of testing.

Most of the discussion about fuel emissions for methanol also applies to ethanol, except that ethanol vehicles do not emit formaldehyde and ethanol is derived from domestic sources. Ethanol is also more costly, although government subsidies have kept prices comparatively low.

The use of ethanol in American has been primarily in the Midwest, where excess corn and grain can be distilled into fuel. A high percentage of Midwest service stations, especially in Iowa, offer high octage gasoline blends containing 10 percent ethanol (gasohol). Companies building plants for production of the methanol additive methyltertiary butyl ether (MTBE) are considering building swing facilities that can produce ETBE (ethyl tertiary butyl ether), an additive which can be used in reformulated gasoline to reduce emissions.

Ethanol has about two-thirds the range of a comparable gasoline vehicle. Because it is corrosive, some modifications must be made to engines to protect parts; the cost is expected to be about the same as converting a gasoline engine to run on fuel methanol. Auto manufacturers in Brazil and other countries already manufacture dedicated ethanol vehicles, but whether those vehicles can meet California emission controls is still being studied.

The nation's first E85 (85 percent ethanol) filling station opened in La Habra in spring of 1990. It is operated by the California Renewable Fuels Council, which is supporting ethanol research in California.

California Energy Commission

Methanol Vehicle Facts

Methanol, often referred to as `wood alcohol`but usually made from natural gas, is considered by many to be a promising substitute for gasoline. Its high octane performance, the minor modifications needed to convert gasoline engines, and the reduction of reactive emissions have made it a leading choice among several government agencies as the alternative fuel for fleet and private vehicle use.

Approximately 1,000 cars, trucks and buses on the road in California are fueled by methanol. its power performance has also made it the fuel of choice for Indianapolis 500 cars, and a derivative known as MTBE is being used in new gasolines to reduce emissions.

Methanol currently sold for lightduty vehicle use is actually a blend of 85 percent methanol and 15 percent premium unleaded gasoline, which enhances starting ability and safety. Known as M85, this formula is an methanol, which offers greater air quality benefits.

Methanol is convenient and tanks can be filled just like gasoline. The California Energy Commission and General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Nissan, Toyota, Chrysler and Volkswagen are sponsoring demonstration programs to provide fuel flexible vehicles to public and private fleets. The Commission is also working with several oil companies, including Arco, Chevron, Exxon, Mobil and Shell,, to cost-share the establishment of nearly 70 methanol fueling facilities throughout California that will supply M85 to fleet vehicles at prices comparable to premium unleaded gasoline. The projected differential in the cost per mile is much less: a large private auto/light duty fleet can expect to spend about 23.2 cents per mile using regular unleaded gasoline and about 23.4 cents using methanol.

Because it takes about 1.7 gallons of methanol to provide the same amount of energy as a gallon of gasoline, methanol vehicles have about half the range of their gasoline equivalents. Larger fuel tanks and fuel flexible vehicles-which run on methanol, gasoline, or a" combination of the two-provide extended range when necessary. Methanol is also corrosive and the fuel tank, some hoses and other parts need to be replaced with nickel or stainless steel.

California Energy Commission

Methanol Heavy-Duty Truck Demonstration

Program Facts

In the Spring of 1990, trucks fueled by methanol hit the road in California in a joint program of the California Energy Commission and the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

The state's first demonstration of methanol in heavy-duty engines in trucks is underway, and results should show that using the clean-burning fuel is not only technologically feasible but can also measurably improve California's deteriorating air quality.

Since 1981, the state Energy Commission has been studying methanol as a transportation fuel in automobiles and transit buses. In 1986, however, Gov. George Deukmejian signed legislation that gave the Commission. $700,000 for on-road demonstrations of methanol fuel in heavy-duty diesel engines. SCAQMD contributed an additional $1.2 million to that demonstration, and $1 million was received through 1988 legislation to add additional engine technologies or operate current sites longer than originally anticipated.

The Energy Commission and SCAQMD brought together engine manufacturers with host demonstration sites to make this unique public/ private partnership work The engine manufacturer provides a new factory produced engine to run on methanol. The host site provides the vehicles for methanol engine conversion, as well as general maintenance and fuel. Where host companies are purchasing new trucks, some vehicle manufacturers will install the methanol engines on the assembly line. The two public agencies pay for the engine conversion and provide technical support or trouble shooting. They also compile and analyze data on the test vehicles that the host site provides.

Five manufacturers have committed engines to the program: Detroit Diesel Corporation (DDC), Cummins, Catepillar, Navister and Ford. Up to nine host sites throughout the state will use the methanol engines in more than 10 different vehicles, including the City of Los Angeles which will use a Cummins L10 in dump truck and a DDC 6V92 in a waste water sludge hauler; Arrowhead which will use a Ford 6.6 in a bottled water delivery truck; and Federal Expenses which win use a DDC 671 in a semi tractor.

Heavy-duty trucks have until 1994 to meet strict state and federal clean air standards. Current methanol heavy-duty engine technology can meet those 1994 emission standards. Methanol in trucks will reduce visible smoke. oxides of nitrogen and particulate emissions, all of which represent public health hazards and contribute to poor air quality.

California Energy Commission

Propane Vehicle Facts

Over 359,000 vehicles, mostly in fleets, are traveling the nation's highways under propane power. Also known as LPG (or liquefied petroleum gas, a category which also includes butane and ethane), propane is powering taxis in Las Vegas, school buses in Kansas City and Portland, Oregon, and sheriff and police cars in communities nationwide.

Propane is the alternative fuel which offers a range closest to gasoline. One gallon of propane contains about 10 percent less energy than a gallon of gasoline, but propane carburetion companies say the miles per gallon should be about equal if the vehicle is tuned properly.

Propane is widely available in urban areas or tracks can be installed on-site. It can also be found in rural areas, where it is used for heating and cooking when natural gas is not available. Dual fuel gasoline/propane systems are currently available.

Converting an automobile or light duty truck from gasoline to propane costs about $1,000 and can usually be done in one day. A heavy steel tank must be added to the trunk or truck bed, and a fuel lock filter, converter and carburetor are placed in the engine compartment. Conversion kit parts are reusable.

Problems reported included blown head gaskets and cylinder problems, apparently due to the drying effect of the gas and lack of lubricating agents. Another drawback commonly cited about propane vehicles is the loss of storage area due to installation of the tank.

Propane retail prices were, on average, about the same as unleaded gasoline prices during the late 1980s. The Energy Commissions predicts a 1993 propane price of $.88 per gallon gasoline equivalent (1988 dollars), compared to $1.07 for regular unleaded.

Compared to gasoline, propane vehicles emit about one-third less reactive organic gases, reduce NOx by about 20 percent, and show a reduction of about 60 percent in carbon monoxide.

Clean fuels demonstration

programs

Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Demonstration Program

Participations: Southern California Gas Company, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, South Coast Air Quality Management District. Contract: Dennis Winger [phone].

Electric Demonstration Program

Participations: Southern California Edison Company, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, City of Pasadena Water and Power Department, San Diego Gas and Electric Company, City of Riverside Public Utilities Department. Contract: Cece Martin [phone].

Methnol Heavy-Duty Truck Engine Demonstration Program

Participants: Detroit Diesel, Federal Express, Hertz/Penske Leasing, City of Los Angeles, Golden State Foods, City of Glendale, Arrowhead Water, Industrial Freight, Waste Management Inc., South Coast Air Quality Management District, Cummins, Navistar, Ford. Contract: Cindy Sullivan [phone].

Methanol Light-Duty Vehicle Demonstration Program

Participants: Ford, General Motors, Nissan, Toyota, Chrysler, Volkswagen.

Contract: Dara Dubois [phone].

Methanol Retail Fuel Supply Network and California Fuel Methanol Reserve

Retail Network Participants: ARCO, Chevron, Exxon,, Shell, Mobil. Fuel Reserve Participants: Hoechst Celanese Chemical Group, OMG Methanol Company, Novacar Chemical, Lynondell Petrochemical. Contract: Peter Ward [phone].

Methanol Transit Bus Demonstration Program

Participants: Detroit Diesel, General Motors, Acurex, Golden Gate Transit Agency, Riverside Transit Agency, Southern California Rapid Transit District, Orange Count Rapid Transit District, Urban Mass Transportation Administration.

Contact: Cindy Sullivan [phone].

Safe School Bus Clean Fuel Efficiency Program

Participants: Methanol and High Efficiency Diesel - Chico Unified School District, Clovis Unified School District, Fresno Unified School District, Garden Grove Unified School District, Kern County Consortium, Los Angeles Unified School District, Napa Unified School District, New Haven Unified School District, Rialto Unified School District, Sanger Unified School District, Los Angeles Unified School District, Vista Unified School District. Contact: Al Detervilie [phone].