Our success story this week takes us to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park…where “green” goes well beyond the landscape. The park has invested in alternative fuel since the mid-90’s. Propane, B20, and electric fuel about one third of the park’s fleet…a number that continues to grow with help from the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina Clean Cities coalitions.
BRIAN BERGSMA: “Yeah, we really appreciate our clean cities network. They do keep us apprised of all the late breaking technologies. They’re great to put us in contact with industry representatives that know the technology.”
JOHN DAVIS: EV park visitors are also able to plug-in at one of two DC fast charge stations. Working with Nissan, the Smokies is the First National Park to provide fast charge stations. Since the stations went online in 2015, thousands of gallons of imported oil and tons of emissions have been avoided....results that are right in line with the park’s mission…to preserve and protect America’s natural resources!
For more information, please visit the Clean Cities website. You can also view recent segments by clicking here.
Our success story this week takes us to Asheville, North Carolina, where they’re driving on sunshine. Brightfield Transportation Solutions has deployed over 100 EV charging stations in North Carolina and beyond. Some are stand alones, while others, like this one at earth fare, a regional grocer, integrate solar power.
The 8 solar panels can provide up to 15,000 miles of zero emissions, solar powered driving every year.
STAN CROSS: “If you drive an EV and you’re powered off the average grid mix in America, you’re going to see a 60 percent reduction in your greenhouse gas emissions. If you go to driving on sunshine, it’s 100 percent reduction.”
JOHN DAVIS: Retailers, universities, and cities purchase Brightfields to attract EVs, showcasing their clean energy commitment and building good will. With help from the land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition, more stakeholders are investing in EV charging stations to keep the Tarheel state’s highlands bright.
For more information, please visit the Clean Cities website. You can also view recent segments by clicking here.
Petroleum reduction for our five county area:
Alternative Fueled Vehicles (AFV) use and interest in region
(please note that this is only a partial list):
City of Asheville — CNG station and vehicles, Electric vehicles, Hybrids, Biodiesel and Ethanol blends. Check out the MotorWeek Clean Cities success story on Asheville.
Mission Hospital — CNG vehicles and Electric vehicles
MSD — 65 vehicles on Biodiesel (B-20)
Buncombe County — Biodiesel, Hyprids, and Electic vehicles
Blue Ridge Biofuels — Biodiesel (B100) production and 10 public pumps
The Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center
Alternative Fuels Station Locator
Fuel Economy and Vehicle Comparisons
Fuel Fact of the Week
Fact #1235:Motor Vehicles Were the Top Commodity by Value Shipped from Seven States
The top commodity by value shipped out of Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Missouri, Alabama, and Maryland in 2020 was motor vehicles. Electronics was the highest value commodity for nine states.
How is fuel economy determined and reported for alternative fuel vehicles?
Last month we learned about how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines and reports conventional light-duty vehicle fuel economy ratings. While alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) fuel economy testing is largely similar to that of conventional fuels, the EPA makes some adjustments to account for different vehicle technology and fuel energy content. By tailoring AFV fuel economy testing and reporting, the EPA is able to provide apples-to-apples comparisons and allow consumers to make informed decisions.
The top commodity by value shipped out of Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, Missouri, Alabama, and Maryland in 2020 was motor vehicles. Electronics was the highest value commodity for nine states.
