Posts Tagged ‘fuel efficiency’
Majority of Vehicles Have Under-Inflated Tires
Thursday, June 10th, 2010
According to a recent survey conducted by the Rubber Manufacturers Association, 55 percent of vehicles in the United States have at least one under-inflated tire at any given time, and only one out of every six vehicles has all of its tires properly inflated.
The RMA’s findings showed that most of the offenders’ tires were only under-inflated by 4 psi (31 percent). 20 percent were under-inflated by 6 psi, and 15 percent showed at least one tire under-inflated by 8 psi.
While these numbers may seem troubling, they are actually a vast improvement over previous years’ studies. The number of vehicles with four properly inflated tires nearly doubles compared to last year’s survey.
Proper tire inflation is an important issue for fleet operators. Keeping your fleet’s tired properly inflated improves overall fuel efficiency by 3.3 percent and can save you up to nine cents per gallon in wasted fuel costs. And fuel efficiency is not the only issue: the NHTSA estimates that under-inflated tires contribute to over 600 fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year.
Photo courtesy of Gavin St. Ours under the Creative Commons License
Tags: fatalities, fuel efficiency, Rubber Manufacturers Association, tires, Under-Inflated, vehicles
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Fuel Prices Remain a Major Concern for Fleets
Thursday, April 29th, 2010
Fuel prices may have experienced some drops lately (diesel is down to a national average of $3.28, down from $4.76 last July), but fuel costs are still a major strain on most fleet budgets.
Kevin Knight, chairman and CEO of Knight Transportation in Phoenix, Arizona, addressed the issue of fleet fuel costs in his company’s third quarter statement.
“…Despite the decline in fuel prices, the U.S. Department of Energy national average diesel fuel price for the [third] quarter of $4.34 increased $1.44 above the third quarter of 2007 average of $2.90,” he said. “We continue to focus on improving the fuel efficiency of our fleet through reduced empty miles, decreased idle time, improved fuel purchasing, and controlling out-of-route miles.”
The issue with rising fuel costs is a general lag between any price increase and the necessary increase in a carrier’s earnings. Regardless of compensatory measures like fuel surcharges, there is an operational cost that cannot be made up by anything other than a lowering of prices. The recent drop in overall fuel prices is a good sign, but industry players warn not to get too comfortable; carrier Werner Enterprises issued a recent statement that said “If fuel prices remain stable going forward, the company does not expect the temporary favorable trend to continue.”
It’s important to do everything you can to save money on your fleet fuel costs. Learn better driving habits, adopt the most efficient technologies… and don’t forget that you can cut up to 15% out of your whole fuel budget with a fleet fuel solution from FleetcardsUSA.
Photo courtesy of respres under the Creative Commons License
Tags: fuel efficiency, fuel prices, Kevin Knight, Knight Transportation, Phoenix, Werner Enterprises
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Fuel Cell Research Promises Efficiency
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
Fuel cell technology, while offering a clean and efficient form of fuel for autos, is not without its share of problems. But new research may be bringing the fuel cell one step closer to a new life as the standard of automotive energy.
A fuel cell is essentially a device that can produce electricity from externally supplied fuel without internal combustion, which allows for theoretically higher efficiency compared to traditional engines. The fuel is extracted from a tank and undergoes a chemical reaction that extracts electrons from it, then forcing them into a dedicated channel where their movement generates electricity.
One of the most common problems with the current generation of fuel cells is the range of temperatures at which they can operate. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells can only produce energy below 90 degrees Celsius. If a higher heat threshold can be reached, PEM cells will actually become cheaper due to the fact that lower temperature reactions require a platinum component where a less expensive material would work in higher temperatures. On the other end of the spectrum, PEM cells must also be kept above the freezing point of water, which presents a major roadblock in certain areas of the world.
In a research paper published in a recent issue of Nature Chemistry, a team led by Prof. George Shimizu at the University of Calgary explained how a new material could allow energy to be produced at higher temperatures – up to 150 degrees Celsius – therefore improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Using the material developed by the team will also make fuel cells more efficient, as reactions would occur faster at those higher temperatures. “This research will alter the way researchers have to this point perceived candidate materials for fuel cell applications,” Prof. Shimizu commented.
Kevin Colbow, director of research and development at hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer Ballard Power Systems, called the work significant. “We believe that further improvement on conductivity and robustness of these materials could provide next generation membranes for PEM fuel cells,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Thomas Becker under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: Ballard Power Systems, fuel cell, fuel efficiency, Nature Chemistry, PEM fuel cells, Proton Exchange Membrane, University of Calgary
Posted in Industry News | 3 Comments »
Gas Prices to Return to Near $3 Per Gallon by Summer
Monday, November 30th, 2009
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that gas prices will reach an average of $2.81 per gallon in 2010 and will climb to nearly $3 per gallon next summer.
“Higher crude oil prices throughout the forecast period” will contribute to the increase, say EIA officials. The average price of gas in 2009 is expected to be $2.36 per gallon.
“Projected annual average diesel fuel retail prices are $2.48 and $2.94 per gallon, respectively, in 2009 and 2010,” according to the EIA.
With an increase in fuel prices on the horizon, it is important to make sure your fleet is running at maximum fuel efficiency. Here are a few simple tips to make sure you are getting your money’s worth at the pump:
- Keep your engine properly tuned. Regular maintenance will save you a bundle in the long run.
- Keep all vehicles’ tires inflated to the manufacturer-recommended pressure.
- Use the correct grades of motor oil and gasoline to ensure optimal performance for each vehicle.
- Drive sensibly and observe posted speed limits.
Photo courtesy of Tortuga One under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: Diesel fuel, EIA, energy information administration, fleet, fleet management, fuel efficiency, gas, gas prices
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Government Goes Green with Peterbilt
Monday, September 28th, 2009
Peterbilt Motors Company delivered a Peterbilt Model 330 hybrid electric truck to the United States House of Representatives on September 23, the legislative body’s first hybrid vehicle ever.
“It makes sense, both for the environment and for the bottom line, to replace our aging vehicle fleet with low-emissions trucks,” said Chief Administrative Officer Daniel Beard, in a statement. “It means that the House will be driving into the future leaner and greener.”
The new, greener truck is currently being used to carry thousands of pounds of office furniture and other equipment on the Capitol Campus and throughout the greater Washington, D.C. area. The Model 330 was chosen by the House because it provides a 30% increase in fuel efficiency while also reducing tailpipe emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and oxides of nitrogen.
“The House of Representatives made a very wise decision in selecting a Peterbilt truck to add to their fleet, and I am proud to represent Peterbilt in Texas’ 26th Congressional District,” said Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26). “Peterbilt is honored to have been chosen by the House of Representatives to supply their first hybrid electric vehicle,” said Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president.
According to the manufacturer, the model 330 can also be configured for non-CDL drivers, so perhaps we will see more of these efficient carrier vehicles making their way into fleets everywhere.
Photo courtesy of Rich Man under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: fuel efficiency, House of Representatives, low-emissions, Peterbilt, Peterbilt Model 330, Peterbilt Motors Company
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Ford Begins Building Own Diesel Engine
Thursday, September 10th, 2009
Ford Motor Company has announced that it will build its own diesel engine to be installed in the next generation on the F-series Super Duty pickup truck, ending its relationship with Navistar International Corp.
The 6.7-liter turbocharged V-8 diesel will be manufactured at Ford’s Chihuahua engine plant in Mexico. It is planned to be included with the 2011 model-year Super Duty. The new engine promises better fuel efficiency while still delivering more torque and greater horsepower. In addition to these major improvements, Ford claims that the new engine can last for 250,000 miles without any major problems.
“This all-new diesel engine has been so extensively tested both in the lab and in the real world that we’re confident we’re giving our customers the most reliable and productive powertrain available today,” said Derrick Kuzak, group vice president in charge of global product development for Ford.
Navistar International has been Ford’s exclusive supplier of diesel engines for the Super Duty line since 1979. In 2003, the engine supplied by Navistar received a host of quality complaints, prompting Ford to sue them to recoup warranty costs. Navistar then countersued Ford, blaming them for the issue. A new engine was produced for 2007 forward that fixed the issues, but Ford announced last year that the relationship between the two companies would end after the 2010 model year.
Analyst Jim Hall of 2953 Analytics LLP in Birmingham said the move makes sense.
“If you buy an engine from outside, that money leaves the company,” he said. “Ford has gotten a lot of experience from its diesel joint-venture with PSA Peugeot Citroën in Europe. They should have the experience and capability to do it.”
The new engine will be ready to meet strict new emissions standards for diesels that take effect in 2011.
Tags: 2953 Analytics LLP, emissions standards, F-series, F-series Super Duty, Ford, Ford Motor Company, fuel efficiency, Navistar, Navistar International Corp, PSA Peugeot Citroen
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Michelin Supports Rating Tires for Fuel Efficiency
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
Michelin North America Inc. has filed comments with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that support a proposed program to provide customers with information about the fuel efficiency of tires. The program is currently in the rulemaking phase.
If the proposed program were to be implemented, a system of rankings for consumer tire fuel efficiency would be created “that will clearly communicate to consumers at the point of sale the fuel efficiency of individual tires via an objective rating system,” say MNA officials.
“Michelin further supports setting maximum rolling resistance standards for all passenger tires sold in the U.S. to guarantee minimum levels of tire fuel efficiency performance and spur further progress in tire performance.”
“Tires account for up to 20% of fuel consumption for passenger vehicles. Allowing consumers to understand this fact and compare fuel economy performance among tire brands at the point of purchase is an important step in improving the overall fuel efficiency of vehicles, reducing fuel costs to consumers and lessening the impact of road transportation on the environment.”
Photo courtesy of The Dana Files under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: fleet card, FleetCards USA, fuel efficiency, Michelin North America Inc, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA
Posted in Industry News | 4 Comments »
Cash for Clunkers: The Statistics
Thursday, August 27th, 2009
Now that the Cash for Clunkers program is over, the numbers are rollin’ in. During the program, 690,114 cars were destroyed. However, only 40% of cars purchased by consumers after trading in their old vehicles were American-made.
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood called the CARS program “wildly successful” because of the large jump in sales during its run and added that “American consumers and workers were the clear winners thanks to the Cash for Clunkers program.” Consumers definitely won with CARS. Demand was so high that the program’s initial funding was exhausted in less than a week. It is not yet known exactly how many of the 690,114 sales were pull-forward sales and how many were purchases that would not have been made without the incentive.
Sales of more fuel-efficient vehicles saw a huge spike during the run of Cash for Clunkers, with the average mileage on trade-ins at 15.8 mpg compared to new vehicle mileage of 24.9 mpg. That’s an average improvement in fuel economy of 58%. Although, it is debatable whether the sales of environmentally friendly cars offset the impact of manufacturing those cars.
American automakers did get a boost from Cash for Clunkers. Ford reported its first increase in sales since 2007 and GM added factory shifts to meet product demands. Manny of the cars sold were at least assembled in the United States, but the Big Three automakers only had 38% of total sales.
The biggest seller under the program was Toyota, with 19.4% of final sales. GM and Ford had 17.6% and 14.4% respectively.
*An interesting side note: all of the ten most traded-in vehicles come from US companies.
10 Most Traded-In Vehicles under CARS
- Ford Explorer 4WD
- Ford F150 Pickup 2WD
- Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD
- Ford Explorer 2WD
- Dodge Caravan/Grand Caravan 2WD
- Jeep Cherokee 4WD
- Chevrolet Blazer 4WD
- Chevrolet C1500 Pickup 2WD
- Ford F150 Pickup 4WD
- Ford Windstar FWD Van
10 Most Purchased Vehicles under CARS
- Toyota Corolla
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Camry
- Ford Focus
- Hyundai Elantra
- Nissan Versa
- Toyota Prius
- Honda Accord
- Honda Fit
- Ford Escape FWD
Tags: Big Three Automakers, CARS, Cash for Clunkers, Ford, fuel efficiency, GM, Ray LaHood, Toyota, US Secretary of Transportation
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Diesel Prices to Average $2.46
Wednesday, August 19th, 2009
The US Department of Energy has released their latest forecast for diesel prices over the next year. The average price this year is expected to level off at $2.46 per gallon, as was included in last month’s forecast. The prediction of prices in 2010, however, has risen 5 cents to an average of $2.84 per gallon.
Diesel prices should remain relatively low in the United States for the next few months before seeing a rise toward the end of the year. Prices are not expected to rise to the point of 2008’s average of $3.80 per gallon. Last year saw the highest diesel price in history, with one gallon of fuel costing $4.76.
The current average price of diesel stands at $2.62, slightly higher than gasoline which is expected to average at $2.34.
With fuel costs a constant cause of concern for the small business fleet, utilizing efficient fuel practices is important regardless of the price of fuel. For information on how to maximize your fleet’s fuel efficiency, click here
Photo courtesy of futureatlas.com under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: business fleets, Diesel fuel, fleet efficiency, fuel efficiency, fuel prices, US Department of Energy
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GM’s Vision for the Future
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
The newly-resurrected General Motors recently announced its plans for new vehicles to debut between now and 2011. Ten Chevrolet models, another ten Buick and GMC models, and five new Cadillacs will make their way onto the market in the next two years. This announcement comes only months after GM declared bankruptcy and transferred ownership primarily to the United States government.
The most talked-about vehicle in the new GM lineup is the 2011 Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in electric hybrid. Recent tests estimate the city fuel economy of the volt at 230 miles per gallon. The Volt is capable of traveling up to 40 miles on one charge of its battery and can extend its range to over 300 miles with its hybrid gasoline engine. The Volt is likely to be marketed as a commuter vehicle, as studies from the US Department of Transportation show that 80 percent of Americans commute fewer than 40 miles a day. With the Volt’s fuel efficiency, vehicle owners could commute to and from work purely on electricity.
The rest of GM’s branches also have big plans: Cadillac is planning to release a new luxury sport sedan as well as the CTS Sport Wagon and SRX crossover, both of which offer lower emissions and greater fuel economy than previous models. Buick also plans to release a new luxury vehicle with the LaCrosse as well as a compact SUV with a fuel economy of over 30 miles per gallon, to be followed later by a hybrid version. GMC will also release a more efficient crossover SUV.
GM’s plan also involves a new approach in its relationship with customers. A combination of online communication and face-to-face meetings with customer will better inform GM of customer satisfaction and concerns. An addition to the FastLane blog, “The Lab” is a microsite that will allow customers to have input on future designs and qualify for later studies.
With more fuel-efficient vehicles entering the market, FleetCards USA reminds you that we have a fuel plan to suit your needs whatever they may be. For more information on customizing your plan, click here.
Photo courtesy of dsix under the Creative Commons License.
Tags: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chevrolet Volt, FastLane blog, FleetCards USA, fuel efficiency, General Motors, GMC, Miles Per Gallon, US Department of Transportation
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