Delivery Services Implementation Considerations
The following information helps fleet managers consider integrating alternative fuel and advanced technology delivery service vehicles into their fleets. It covers vehicles and equipment, fuel and infrastructure, and maintenance and operation. For information specific to your area, contact your local Clean Cities coalition.
Vehicles and Equipment
New or converted natural gas and propane vehicles can cost as little as a few thousand dollars more than their conventional counterparts for light-duty vehicles, up to tens of thousands of dollars more for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. However, alternative fuel vehicles typically have lower operational and maintenance costs and can be eligible for significant state and federal incentives and other funding.
Typically, biodiesel blends can be used in conventional diesel delivery vehicles. Vehicles fueled with biodiesel blends might require additional maintenance, especially during the first months of use. This generally means more frequent fuel filter changes during the first year of operation.
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technologies are being implemented in greater numbers as battery and drive technologies progress. HEVs are good candidates for delivery service applications because regenerative breaking allows the batteries to recharge frequently on the stop-and-go routes of most delivery vehicles. Several major delivery fleets have begun adopting HEVs into their operations.
Fully electric vehicles are used for some delivery service applications. Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are capable of operating on gasoline, E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline) or a mixture of both. Most FFVs are light-duty vehicles.
Most U.S. fueling stations, and all stations in California, offer ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). Although ULSD is not an alternative fuel, it provides significant emissions reductions when used in vehicles equipped with advanced emission control technologies. All model-year 2007 and newer diesel vehicles (powered with model-year 2007 and newer engines) are required to use ULSD. Visit the Clean Diesel Fuel Alliance for more information. Vehicles can also be retrofit with "clean diesel" technologies.
Delivery service fleets can also benefit from idle reduction technologies. These devices reduce fuel consumption and emissions, while keeping passenger cabins comfortable in hot or cold climates.
Fuel and Infrastructure
Availability, cost, and implementation issues for alternative fuels depend on the fuel type, fuel suppliers, and local market and environmental conditions.
If not already available, the cost of building natural gas infrastructure can be significant. However, entering into supply contracts with local suppliers reduces fuel costs greatly. Propane infrastructure is typically less expensive to install than natural gas infrastructure.
Biodiesel normally can be used in existing diesel fueling infrastructure. It is important to avoid pitfalls related to biodiesel's properties by thoroughly cleaning, maintaining, and inspecting equipment. For more on biodiesel use and infrastructure considerations, see Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines (PDF 1.5 MB). Download Adobe Reader.
Hybrid electric vehicles do not require special infrastructure. Electric vehicles can be recharged via standard electrical outlets or by using electric charging stations. Most U.S. diesel fuel, and all diesel fuel in California, is now ultra-low sulfur diesel.
See the Alternative Fuel Price Report for the prices of alternative fuels versus gasoline and diesel.
Maintenance and Operation
Most drivers of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles notice minimal differences in performance compared with conventional vehicles. In some cases, they notice benefits. Natural gas vehicles operate more quietly than their diesel counterparts. Biodiesel emissions contain significantly less particulate matter (soot). Hybrid electric vehicles have high torque, making them ideal for the frequent starting and stopping of delivery vehicles.
When implementing new technologies, fleet mechanics must be trained to ensure the new vehicles are properly maintained. Studies show that costs for proper maintenance and operation of alternative fuel vehicles can actually be less than conventional vehicle costs. For study details, visit the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity Web site.
Training is available from many sources, including the vehicle manufacturers and the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium. Visit the Technician Training page for more training opportunities.
Additional Assistance
For additional assistance implementing alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and infrastructure, contact your local Clean Cities Coalition or ask an expert a fleet-related question.