Alternative Fuelsa cleaner choice...
NEWER DIESEL ENGINES NEED ULSD
On-Road heavy-duty diesel vehicles with engine model years 2007 and newer require the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD). These newer diesel vehicles must meet very low particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions standards. As a result, emission control technologies have been added to exhaust systems to reduce PM and NOx over 90% compared to pre-2004 standards. Today’s control technologies include diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and selective catalytic reduction. These technologies are sensitive to sulfur poisoning and require ultra-low sulfur fuel in order to operate properly and pro-long their life. ULSD also provides modest PM and NOx emission reductions in older engines without these controls. Non-road engines are also now required to use ULSD. As with on-road diesel vehicles, newer non-road vehicles have emission control technologies that depend on ULSD to operate properly, and older non-road engines can also achieve modest emission reductions through the use of this cleaner fuel.
BIODIESEL
Biodiesel can be manufactured from new and used vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel is safe, biodegradable, and reduces air pollutants such as PM, CO, HC and air toxics. Blends of 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel (B20) can be used in unmodified diesel engines. Biodiesel can be used in its pure form (B100), but may require certain engine modifications to avoid maintenance and performance problems. Biodiesel can be used in any diesel operation. Utilities, county fleets, and school bus fleets have all used biodiesel.
NATURAL GAS
Natural gas {Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) or Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)} is an inherently cleaner burning fuel that is ubiquitous in the US and can be produced domestically. Compressed natural gas (CNG) consists mainly of methane (CH4) and is drawn from gas wells or in conjunction with crude oil production. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is compressed natural gas that is cooled to -260F degrees. When paired with catalysts or filters, CNG and LNG emissions are comparable to diesels outfitted with diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technologies. Natural gas replacements may require changes to fueling infrastructure and maintenance facilities.
With the improvement in fracking technology, the natural gas supply has become abundant. This has sparked interest in many fleets across the nation. From long haul trucking to waste haulers fleets, they are investigating natural gas to see if it is practical and cost effective for their use. As a result, fueling stations are opening up along all major interstate corridors.
PROPANE
Propane, is a byproduct of natural gas processing and petroleum refining and is primarily produced domestically. Propane is a heavier than air fuel that does not need to be compressed. There are certified conversion kits available for converting older vehicles or many manufacturers are offering new propane vehicles. Propane is used from light duty vehicles such as police vehicles to heavy duty vehicles like school buses.
Links to learn even more...
- Please visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Data Center to see more information about alternative fuels.
- For alternative fuel station locations, visit http://www.afdc.energy.gov/locator/stations/.
- For alternative fuel stations in Georgia, click here.
- For a list of current alternative fuel vehicles, please download the 2016 Clean Cities Vehicle Buyer's Guide.