Clean Energy Fuels is working with Pilot-Flying J Travel Centers to power the next generation of commercial vehicles. Pilot-Flying J Travel Centers are part of America’s largest network of truck stops with 550 stations spread across 47 states. The ANGH and Pilot-Flying J have agreed to split costs on refitting existing stations for LNG pumps over the next two years. This partnership allows the ANGH to leverage traffic through a trusted industry partner. Clean Energy Fuels notes that the first round of LNG stations will be installed along highways connecting San Diego to Las Vegas, Houston to Dallas and Los Angeles to Dallas. These stations will also be installed on highways stretching from Alabama to Illinois in order to facilitate long-haul trucking through the heart of America.

The pace of development has been expedited to account for an onslaught of natural gas vehicles hitting the market soon. The addition of 150 LNG stations to the ANGH will allow trucking companies with Class-8 trucks to stay on the road. Manufacturers like Caterpillar, Kenworth and Navistar are producing alt-fuel trucks including LNG-powered models at present. This synthesis of infrastructure and alt-fuel vehicle development is a model for automakers, utilities and other businesses involved in the passenger vehicle market.

The ANGH is a $450 million investment by Clean Energy Fuels and international businesses interested in boosting natural gas in the United States. Chesapeake Energy Corporation invested $150 million in Clean Energy Fuels while $300 million in domestic and foreign investments provide capital for the ANGH. These investors are looking beyond the commercial trucking industry in the next five years to broaden their influence. Clean Energy Fuels has developed 63 CNG and LNG stations for public transit systems and sanitation companies as of December 2011. A well-developed ANGH would allow businesses working within the United States to invest more heavily in alternative fuels.

The Evoque HFI-R is based on the Land Rover Evoque powered by a 2.0-liter engine. This SUV has been converted to work with a Hybrid Fuel Injection (HFI) drive with a maximum output of 300bhp. Bigas International worked with Florence University’s Department of Energy to create the HFI dual-fuel system. This system allows the use of natural gas, hydrogen or a carefully calibrated mixture of both fuels to extend range while limiting emissions. The HFI drive uses controllers, an RI27J pressure reducer and electronics to manage fuel flow. Researchers at Bigas International and Florence University successfully concluded tests within the past month dealing with vehicle safety, emissions and fuel efficiency.

Marangoni’s contribution to this project is a newly designed tire called the M-Power EvoRed. These tires stand apart from the competition not only for their red tint but their eco-friendly design. The first generation of the M-Power EvoRed uses a high percentage of silica to decrease rolling resistance throughout their lifetime. Representatives from Marangoni note that the M-Power EvoRed cuts down on fuel consumption and lasts longer than comparable tires due to their advanced design. Performance metrics for the Evoque HFI-R include a 621-mile range made possible because of the Marangoni/Bigas collaboration.

This concept vehicle might only seem like an experiment but work done by Marangoni and Bigas International should be noticed by the auto industry. These firms used an existing vehicle body, replaced components to reduce environmental impact and made a splash at Bologna. Automakers have spent considerable time developing vehicle bodies that reduce weight, height and environmental impact to offset sluggish growth in drive technology. Marangoni and Bigas have internationalized the retrofitting process used by tinkerers and smaller firms over the past three decades. The Evoque HFI-R should draw copycats by manufacturers worldwide that want to take advantage of existing body designs while experimenting with new technology.

Opel notes that the Tourer CNG delivers maximum power of 110kW using a 1.6-liter engine, a 25kg CNG tank and a 14-liter gasoline tank.  Engineers at Opel eschewed pure CNG propulsion for a mixture of biogas, natural gas and gasoline. The Zafira Tourer CNG Turbo ecoFlex can operate completely on gasoline, natural gas or a mixture of the two fuels. Opel notes that operations using only CNG create an almost emissions-free drive. This vehicle features a 25% increase in fuel capacity, which boosts range from previous models by 93 miles to 329 miles. Additional features like electronic regulators and enhanced fuel compression squeeze out as much fuel as possible between refueling stops.

Early estimates of the Tourer CNG’s performance should meet the needs of European consumers. The top speed for the Tourer CNG is 124 miles per hour, which pushes ahead of much of the competition in this market sector. Fuel consumption of 4.7 kilograms per 100 kilometers improves on previous versions of the Zafira CNG by 6%. Opel estimates that the Tourer CNG reduces carbon dioxide emissions by about 8% based on EU emissions testing. These metrics show that Opel’s latest CNG model contributes to a cleaner transportation sector without sacrificing performance.

Uncertain economic circumstances will force Opel into aggressive marketing of the Tourer CNG as an investment in cost-effective transportation. The starting price for the Tourer CNG in Germany is $37,297 including the value-added tax. Opel has pointed out that CNG costs about 50% less than gas, which would reduce fuel costs significantly over the life of the vehicle. The Tourer CNG Turbo ecoFLEX represents the benefits and problems in the alternative fuel market. Opel is right to point out the long-term benefits of CNG but need to shout loudly to get the attention of consumers distracted by the sticker price.

Participants in the recent round of conversions include corporate and municipal fleets throughout the Southeast. The program now features vehicles from Airport Shuttle in Baton Rouge, Community Counseling in Mississippi and Virginia Premier Health in Richmond. Municipal fleets include the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, City of Sandy Springs and the City of Carrollton Police Department in Georgia. Fleet operators will work with technicians at Alliance AutoGas during the conversion process. Blossman Gas and Virginia Clean Cities will work with four of these fleets to build refueling stations in the next year.

Virginia Clean Cities uses funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to facilitate vehicle conversions. The Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program receives $8.6 million in federal funds overseen by the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy and James Madison University. Corporate fleet operators and local governments have more than doubled this funding with a program budget in excess of $19 million. Virginia Clean Cities estimates that 90% of propane converted into autogas is drawn from American sources. The relatively small investment of the federal government allows businesses to take advantage of autogas prices about 30% lower than average gasoline prices.

The benefits of the Southeast Propane Autogas Development Program move beyond reductions in fuel costs for cash-strapped operators. The program is displacing 16,000 tons of carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases with low-emissions propane. Participants could displace at least 15.7 million gallons of fossil fuels over the next few years. Virginia Clean Cities notes that 11,119 hours of work have been used to complete conversions and fuel station construction. This demand for labor should create hundreds of jobs from Maryland to Louisiana, an example of the potential for green energy to produce permanent jobs.

The 2012 Honda Civic Natural Gas is hitting American streets starting October 18th. This all-natural gas sedan based on the Civic GX offers a competitive price for an alt-fuel vehicle while achieving fuel economy improvements of 10.7% over the standard Civic. Honda plans delivery of these low-emissions vehicles to 200 dealerships across 35 states including test markets in California, New York, Oklahoma and Utah. The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Civic Natural Gas is $26,155.

The Civic Natural Gas uses a 1.8-liter engine already tested in the standard Civic drawing from a 3,600-psi natural gas tank. Honda installed a five-speed automatic transmission in this model to increase fuel efficiency. The estimated fuel economy rating for the Civic Natural Gas is 31 miles per gallon (MPG) total with a city rating of 38 MPG. Drivers achieve higher fuel mileage with the ECO Assist system, an interactive feature that alters energy consumption with the push of a button.

Honda incorporated safety and connectivity features that keep the Civic Natural Gas competitive with other sedans. The automaker’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering Architecture focuses on increasing body strength to reduce injuries during front-end collisions. Honda also includes the Vehicle Stability Assist system, which combines a multi-channel brake system and electronic steering to maintain vehicle control. Drivers interested in monitoring fuel consumption, find directions and access wireless devices use the vehicle’s Multi-Information Display. An optional feature is the Satellite Linked Navigation System that connects drivers to information about public compressed natural gas (CNG) stations.

The primary benefit of CNG-powered vehicles to the consumer is a 30% savings in fuel costs. Honda notes that the Civic Natural Gas reduces carbon emissions by 25% through the use of CNG. States like California have certified this model for carpool lane access to incentivize alt-fuel vehicle purchases. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) rates the Civic Natural Gas as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) due to Honda’s guarantee of high performance over 150,000 miles. The federal government recognizes the vehicle’s green credentials with the EPA certifying the Civic Natural Gas as the cleanest vehicle for sale in the United States. This portfolio of state and federal support strengthens Honda’s position as a leading producer of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Volkswagen recently announced a December 2011 release for the company’s diminutive up! minicar. The automaker has developed three versions of this four-seat vehicle including the budget-friendly take up!, the family-sized move up! and the upscale high up!. Customers can expect an initial production round with fuel-efficient gas engines followed by an up! line powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). The primary goal with this multi-tiered release is to build buzz in Europe for minicars as well as CNG drive systems currently under development by VW.

The gasoline-powered up! features a 44kW, three-cylinder gas engine as well as VW’s BlueMotion Technology. Customers will also discover a more powerful 55kW engine in the high up!. VW estimates a 56 mile per gallon rating for the up! based on EPA standards. Engineers at VW have improved upon features of BlueMotion Technology including tires with lower resistance and fine-tuned transmissions. The up! line also incorporates start-stop technology that reduces gas wasted while the engine idles and kicks into gear from full stops.

The CNG-powered up! line does not have a firm release date though VW will likely release this model early in 2012. VW followed a similar template to the traditional up! by using a 50kW CNG engine that can keep up with the standard engine. The vehicle’s range was not announced in the press release though VW used BlueMotion Technology in conjunction with the CNG engine. This drive system should achieve a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to the standard up!. VW also hinted at development of an all-electric up! minicar that could be ready for production by 2013.

The VW up! could become more noteworthy for the City Emergency Braking system than the CNG drive system. VW’s City Emergency Braking system features a series of sensors initiated when the vehicle travels faster than 19 miles per hour. These sensors detect possible obstructions on the road including vehicles, barriers and pedestrians. This advanced braking system alerts drivers to these obstructions and provides automatic braking to avoid impact. The City Emergency Braking system should offset concerns about minicars by European and American consumers. VW’s up! series might be among the smallest vehicles on the market but this innovative braking system could be replicated throughout the industry.

Internet search giant Google has worked since 2007 to reduce the company’s impact on the environment. Google initiated carbon-neutral practices four years ago and developed a charging infrastructure for plug-in vehicles on the main campus. The company also started Google.org as a philanthropic wing that could turn Google into a steward for environmental causes. This organization worked with McKinsey & Company to publish “The Impact of Clean Energy Innovation,” a report citing the need for massive investments in green energy.

“The Impact of Clean Energy Innovation” used three models to estimate energy consumption and emissions through 2030. The Business as Usual (BAU) situation assumes that government incentives expire while energy costs are adjusted upward due to demand. The Clean Policy scenario assesses the impact of increased local, state and federal incentives for clean energy development. Google.org also ran the $30/ton Carbon Price situation where utilities adopted a carbon tax of $30 per metric ton. Analysts at McKinsey & Company developed these scenarios along with subsections dealing with incentives for solar, electric and other alternative fuel adoption.

Analysts with Google.org estimated that significant green energy investments could create jobs, reduce emissions and expand the economy by 2030. This report determined that more than 1.1 million new jobs would be created at utilities, manufacturers and other participants in the clean energy industry. Consumers would reduce their oil consumption by more than 1.1 billion gallons per year while cutting emissions by at least 13%. The American economy could grow by more than $244 billion per year in terms of gross domestic product using the Clean Policy scenario. A typical American household would save at least $995 per year in savings using Clean Policy figures.

A significant portion of “The Impact of Clean Energy Innovation” discusses the overwhelming challenges to creating a clean energy economy. In a section entitled “Speed Matters,” the report indicates that a five-year lag time for green energy and vehicle development could mean $3.2 trillion and 1.4 million jobs in lost potential by 2050. Google.org also recognizes the allure of coal power when contrasted with the current state of alternative fuel research. “The Impact of Clean Energy Innovation” highlights the short-term benefits of natural gas on emissions levels but warns that natural gas could be a crutch that discourages clean energy development. The major conclusion of this report is that governments and private industry need to double down on clean energy storage, infrastructure and generation if only to create sustainable economic growth.

General Motors has worked over the past year to develop test fleets using the Beat compact EV. The automaker used World Environment Day to announce the creation of a Beat EV fleet in New Delhi, India. World Environment Day celebrations on June 5th included a parade through New Delhi highlighting the Beat EV to thousands of participants. GM India is currently planning an aggressive marketing and public education campaign that points out the economic benefits of all-electric vehicles.

The Beat EV incorporates a 45kW electric motor with a single-speed transmission designed by GM. This all-electric drive is powered by a 20kWh lithium-ion battery consisting of 300 high-capacity cells. Test drivers should achieve a minimum range of 81 miles per charge in standard commuting conditions. Representatives from GM note that the Beat EV can recharge fully in less than eight hours though higher temperatures could affect range and charge times. The Beat EV was not specifically designed for New Delhi but the vehicle’s range, size and performance should dovetail nicely with consumer needs.

GM India will handle demonstration of the Beat EV throughout New Delhi for marketing, educational and testing purposes. This demonstration program not only positions GM as a regional leader in sustainable transportation but contrast the Beat EV from economical gas-powered vehicles like the Tata Nano. Test drivers and fleet managers from GM India will develop education projects to point out the Beat EV’s benefits. These benefits range from reducing emissions in a growing nation to cutting energy costs for businesses. Employees of GM India will participate in the Beat EV demonstration program to test vehicle range, maintenance issues and vehicle comfort.

India is not a blank slate for GM’s green vehicles though the American auto giant could make headway over the next generation with all-electric vehicles. GM India has worked in the past year to increase sales of alternative fuel vehicles like the Chevy Spark LPG and the Chevy Aveo CNG. The Chevy Beat is already available to Indian fleet customers as an LPG vehicle. The Indian auto industry includes major competitors like Tata Motors and Mahindra focused on reducing vehicle size as well as fuel consumption. GM might see challenges in the LPG and CNG markets but the Beat EV could split the gap if Indian consumers want electric vehicles in the near future.

Political reporters have cast their gaze largely on budget debates and 2012 Republican candidates this summer. These high-profile stories have overshadowed the small but significant debates underlying these larger issues. An example where concerns about federal debt could derail forward-thinking programs is the onslaught of alternative fuel bills currently slogging through Congress. Efforts to support electric vehicles, natural gas and alternative fuel development could suffer from brinksmanship regarding government spending.

Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) first proposed S.948 last year to support “electric vehicle deployment communities.” This measure would authorize $2 billion in grants to villages, towns and cities that develop comprehensive charging infrastructure for plug-in vehicles. Alexander, Merkley and other supporters want $300 million for conversion grants to businesses. The maximum grant would be $20 million with the applying company covering 80% of the project cost. S.948 also includes provisions for advanced battery research and DOE EV adoption totaling $375 million. These initiatives could be funded by reductions in tax deductions to oil companies and decreased tax credits for wind power.

Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives are seeking support for the NAT GAS Act. This bill proposed by Rep. John Sullivan (R-OK) would support conversion of trucks to operate using natural gas. These conversions would be subsidized with tax credits up to $64,000 to fleet operators. Sullivan also wants tax credits to businesses that invest in CNG refueling depots up to $100,000 per station. The NAT GAS Act dovetails with the public campaign for natural gas adoption by financier T. Boone Pickens. This bill also has support from more than 180 House members looking for job creation as well as independence from foreign oil.

These bills are stuck in limbo as both parties struggle with the federal budget. Heated debates over drilling permits, accountability for the oil industry and the legitimacy of climate change research undercut efforts to pass green vehicle proposals. Republicans who have not supported these measures are concerned about the efficacy of these technologies in the short term. Democrats are divided between moderates trying to keep Republicans on board and liberals interested in more aggressive emissions control. This divide is evidenced by the lack of Republican support for a Senate bill sponsored by Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) attempting to evenly divide funding for low-emissions technology. The lack of federal leadership over alternative fuel adoption could mean piecemeal programs by states and businesses that fail to connect across America’s vast landscape.

The Rio State Government has worked recently to prepare Rio de Janeiro for the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics. These preparations include creation of the Rio Sustainable Transport initiative, a public-private partnership designed to reduce emissions by using eco-friendly vehicles. State officials consulted with regional firms like Robert Bosch Latin America, MAN Latin America and Gas Natural Fenosa to produce a public transit vehicle that achieves lower emissions. The Volksbus prototype presented by Governor Sergio Cabral of Rio de Janeiro balances current use of diesel fuel with the ability to switch over to compressed natural gas (CNG).

MAN Latin America and Robert Bosch Latin America indicated that the Volksbus will be tested over the next two years ahead of the 2014 World Cup. This hybrid bus features a six-cylinder diesel engine, CNG reserves as well as an electronically powered fuel injection system to facilitate efficient operation. MAN Latin America proudly noted that the dual-fuel system was the first produced in Brazil. The Volksbus hybrid reduces emissions of particulate matter by 80% and carbon dioxide by 20% compared to the standard Volksbus. These emissions figures are achieved thanks to Bosch’s fuel injection system, which allows the vehicle to operate using a balance of 90% CNG and 10% diesel.

This multi-year testing process allows the Rio State Government and private partners to anticipate maintenance, infrastructure and financial needs. Gas Natural Fenosa has pledged to fuel the Volksbus during the trial phase with a tentative commitment to fueling CNG buses during the World Cup and Summer Olympics. MAN Latin America will work with COPPE/UFRJ and state officials to observe the vehicle’s performance prior to implementation in 2014. This observation period should extend beyond mileage and maintenance schedules to the limitations of CNG vehicles in Rio de Janeiro. The upcoming Volksbus trial could push Rio to become a leader in CNG infrastructure through government grants and private sector investment.

The pressure of hosting two major sporting events in the span of two years could transform Brazil’s approach to public transportation. Rio de Janeiro has added subways and trains in recent years but the bus remains a primary form of transportation for Brazilians. Investment in CNG fueling stations, subsidies for natural gas providers and development of CNG vehicles could reduce emissions as Brazil continues to grow into a world power. The trial run of a Volksbus CNG prototype might not seem to change much but Brazil’s role as an emerging economy means the opportunity for experimentation with sustainable transit.