Long-Haul Truck Implementation Considerations
The following information helps fleet managers consider integrating alternative fuel and advanced technology long-haul trucks 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
Because long-haul trucks use diesel fuel, biodiesel is a natural fit for alternative fuel operation. Typically, biodiesel blends can be used in conventional long-haul trucks without engine or vehicle modifications. Trucks 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.
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 emission 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. Trucks can also be retrofit with "clean diesel" technologies.
The next generation of advanced diesel fuels includes biomass-to-liquids diesel, Fischer-Tropsch diesel, and hydrogenation-derived renewable diesel. These fuels, alone or blended with petroleum diesel, likely will become available in the coming years. Using them should require no engine or vehicle modifications.
Because of its high energy content, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is another fuel that has been used for heavy-duty truck applications. Trucks must be equipped with LNG storage tanks, LNG fueling systems, and natural gas engines to use LNG. The incremental costs are significant, typically tens of thousands of dollars more for an LNG versus a diesel truck. Check with manufacturers for specific prices. These costs can be at least partially offset by state and federal incentives and other funding sources.
There are two broad categories of idle reduction technologies: onboard equipment and truck stop electrification. Onboard idle reduction technologies, such as auxiliary power units that provide climate control and power for trucks, require equipment to be installed on the truck. Costs can start as low as $1,200, although sophisticated systems cost considerably more. With truck stop electrification, the truck stop vendor provides all or most of the idle reduction equipment, and the trucker pays for its use.
Hybrid vehicle systems are being developed for heavy-duty vehicle applications, but hybrid long-haul trucks are not yet available. See the WestStart/CALSTART Hybrid Truck Users Forum and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Advanced Heavy Hybrid Propulsion Systems project for more information.
Fuel and Infrastructure
Availability, cost, and implementation issues for alternative fuels depend on the fuel type, fuel suppliers, and local market and environmental conditions. Some heavy-duty trucks are able to fuel at company-owned stations. Trucks with long-distance routes must rely on retail alternative fuel stations.
Biodiesel normally can be used in existing diesel fueling infrastructure. If developing your own 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. The retail availability of biodiesel has been increasing rapidly. Use the Alternative Fueling Station Locator to find biodiesel stations near you.
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. The retail availability of LNG is limited, especially outside of California. The Interstate Clean Transportation Corridor project aims to make LNG available on heavily traveled routes in the Western United States. Use the Alternative Fueling Station Locator to find updated station locations.
See the Alternative Fuel Price Report for the prices of alternative fuels versus diesel.
Truck stop electrification is becoming more available nationwide. Use the Truck Stop Electrification Site Locator to find locations that offer this idle reduction technology.
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. For example, biodiesel emissions contain significantly less particulate matter (soot). Natural gas vehicles operate more quietly than their diesel counterparts.
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 diesel vehicle costs. For study details, visit the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity Web site.
Training is available from many sources, including manufacturers and the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium. Visit the Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center 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.