Transcript MIT`s Experience with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicles in

MIT’s Experience with
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Vehicles in Fleet Operations
Steven M. Lanou
Program Manager for Sustainability Initiatives
MIT Environmental Programs Office
617-452-2907
[email protected]
web.mit.edu/environment
Two CNG Vehicles in Use
2000 GMC Box Truck
2002 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van
web.mit.edu/environment
Why Do We Have Them?
• To Act on the Institute’s Commitment to Reduce
the Environmental Impact of its Operations
• Road Test the Technology
• Demonstrate Leadership in and Feasibility of
Campus Applications of Alternative-Fuel Vehicles
web.mit.edu/environment
How Did We Choose CNG?
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Best Available Technology
No Gasoline-Electric Hybrids
No Biodiesel
No Appropriate Electric Options
Required a Duel-Fuel Technology to Reduce Risk
web.mit.edu/environment
How Has CNG Worked for Us?
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Excellent performance – No Compromises
No Additional Maintenance or Maintenance Costs
Less Expensive Fuel - $80-$100 vs. $160/week
Fast Filling Rate – Same as Gas
Only Weekly Fill Required (Recycling Truck)
No Dead-Heading for Recycling Truck Fuel Trips
Builds Awareness of and Recognition for
Environmentally Responsible Action
web.mit.edu/environment
What Are the Drawbacks?
• Increased Cost for CNG Retrofits
• No Local Fueling Locations – Everett, MA
• High Cost and Political Barriers to Local Filling
Station Siting
• Limited Scalability with No Local Filling
• May Not be Competitive with Newer Technologies:
• Environmental Performance (GHG/methane)
• Ease of Use / Convenience (vs. hybrid, etc.)
web.mit.edu/environment
What Does the Future Hold?
• Should Periodically Assess Options
• CNG May Not be the Choice in the Future
• Other Technologies Now Viable
• Clean Diesel / ULSD
• Biodiesel
• Gas-Electric Hybrid, Other?
• Have to Consider Local Situation & Opportunities,
e.g. Cambridge DPW
• Need for Campus-Wide Alt. Vehicle Guidance
web.mit.edu/environment
University Innovations May Lead to New Solutions
for Greening Our Transportation Infrastructure …
web.mit.edu/environment