PROPOSAL:
Execute Agreement for Membership in Hybrid Electric Truck Operator's
Forum
SYNOPSIS:
The Hybrid Electric Truck Operator's Forum (HETOF) is an
industry/government program to enable and accelerate the hybrid-electric,
medium-and heavy-duty truck market. Primary goals of the HETOF include
coordinating efforts in advancing hybrid-electric technology and
increasing the fuel efficiency of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. CALSTART
will work with the National Automotive Center, a research and development
organization within the Department of the Army, to launch HETOF. This
action is to execute an agreement with CALSTART to provide $25,000 from
the Technology Advancement Professional and Special Services Account for
cosponsoring the HETOF in Calendar Year 2002.
COMMITTEE:
Technology, January 25, 2002, Recommended for Approval
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS:
- Authorize the Chairman to execute an agreement with CALSTART in an
amount not to exceed $25,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund (Fund 31), to help
launch the HETOF.
- Authorize the AQMD to join the HETOF for Calendar Year 2002.
Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer
Background
The HETOF is an industry/government effort to reduce criteria pollutants
by accelerating the development and deployment of commercially viable
heavy-duty hybrid-electric drivetrains utilizing conventional and
alternative fuels. Additionally, the program will evaluate the properties of
fuels and vehicle systems that could lead to even lower emissions after 2010
by addressing barriers and incentives necessary to expedite the
commercialization of hybrid-electric trucks. The forum will consist of major
truck manufacturers, hybrid drivetrain manufacturers, and truck fleet
operators that generally operate on routes similar to the urban driving duty
cycle. The HETOF will also attempt to include off-road heavy-duty vehicle
operators that can benefit from hybrid-electric systems.
CALSTART is working with the National Automotive Center (NAC), a research
and development organization within the Department of the Army, to launch
the HETOF. NAC will provide $238,000 in funding, with total project funding
of $263,000 for Fiscal Year 2001/2002. The HETOF will be managed by CALSTART.
HETOF requested the AQMD’s participation and funding assistance. The AQMD
funds will be used to assist local technology suppliers such as Capstone
Turbine and Enova Systems, as well as local fleet operators such as Danone
Waters, Southern California Edison, Waste Management, Vons, Ralphs, and
Costco. Based on feedback from the pilot programs, the technology suppliers
will be able to upgrade and refine existing technology, and provide more
rugged products into the market that fleet operators could potentially
purchase on a larger scale.
Proposal
Staff proposes that the Board authorize the Chairman to execute an
agreement with CALSTART and provide funding of $25,000 to help launch the
HETOF. Additionally, staff proposes that the Board authorize the AQMD to
join the HETOF for calendar year 2002.
Benefits to the District
Membership in HETOF will allow the AQMD to monitor progress of the
development of hybrid-electric heavy- and medium-duty trucks, as well as
ensure involvement of local truck fleets in anticipated pilot studies. The
expedited commercialization of hybrid-electric trucks could result in
potential future reductions in NOx and PM from use of petroleum-based fuels.
Resource Impacts
Sufficient funds are available in the Clean Fuels Fund (Fund 31) for the
proposed project.
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