Last month’s Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Dallas demonstrated the incredible continued momentum taking place across the clean transportation industry. Dozens of leading fleets—including Anheuser-Busch, Bimbo Bakeries, Coca-Cola, Con-Way, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, FedEx, Frito-Lay, Nestlé, Penske, Ryder System, UPS, and Waste Management, among many others—shared why they were forging ahead with alternative fuels despite the recent dip in oil prices. UPS, for example, followed up its announcement about purchasing 1,400 new CNG tractors and 15 CNG fueling stations with the news that it will use Clean Energy’s Redeem brand renewable natural gas (RNG) in its fleet, making UPS the largest user of landfill-sourced RNG in the U.S. shipping industry.
The news at ACT Expo confirmed that fleet operators across the U.S. are tuning in to the ever-expanding range of alternative fuel and efficiency options to lower vehicle emissions, while also benefiting from reduced costs for fuel and maintenance. ACT Expo showcased the latest technologies available, hosting more than 30 product debuts throughout the four-day show, including:
- Ford unveiled a gaseous-prep version of its 5.0-liter spark-ignition V8 engine for 2016, making it the only CNG/propane-capable half-ton pickup on the market.
- Rush Enterprises launched Momentum Fuel Technologies to bring lightweight Type IV CNG fuel cylinders from 3M to innovative fuel systems for Class 6-8 vehicles.
- Cummins Westport debuted its all-natural gas 6.7-liter spark-ignition ISB6.7 G engine.
- Alliance Autogas unveiled its first-ever EPA compliant, OEM quality Dieselblend propane autogas fuel system for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.
- Landi Renzo USA announced the release of its latest electronic pressure regulator and a CARB-certified dedicated CNG system on the 2016 MY Ford F-250/350 6.2L pickup.
- Clipper Creek debuted its new LCS-20P plug-in electric vehicle Level 2 charging station.
- Parker Hannifin introduced a breakthrough CNG fuel management module for 5- to 12-liter engines and two products that set the new standard in CNG fleet fuel dispensing.
With fleet operators increasingly recognizing that there is not a one-size-fits-all solution to clean transportation, the most exciting part of the 2015 ACT Expo was the support it garnered from the industry’s leading clean transportation firms spanning all alternative fuel types, weight classes, and efficiency measures. This year’s program was hosted in partnership with the Propane Education & Research Council, the Electric Drive Transportation Assn., NGV Global, Trucking Efficiency, the North American Council for Freight Efficiency, the Technology & Maintenance Council, the U.S. DOE Clean Cities team, U.S. EPA SmartWay program, the American Gas Assn., Business for Social Responsibility, and WTS International, further cementing its role as the largest and most prominent clean fleet event.
If we missed you this year in Dallas, we invite you to save the dates for next year! Set for May 2-5, ACT Expo 2016 will return to the Long Beach Convention Center in Southern California with an even greater focus on transportation electrification, burgeoning hydrogen fuel cell infrastructure, renewable fuels, and advanced technologies such as autonomous trucks and vehicle platooning.
Erik Neandross is CEO of Gladstein, Neandross & Associates (GNA), the clean transportation and energy consulting firm that organizes the Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo. Learn more at www.gladstein.org and www.actexpo.com.
