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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 slanou@mit.edu. Two CNG Vehicles in Use. 2000 GMC Box Truck.
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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 slanou@mit.edu
Two CNG Vehicles in Use 2000 GMC Box Truck 2002 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van
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
How Did We Choose CNG? Best Available Technology No Gasoline-Electric Hybrids No Biodiesel No Appropriate Electric Options Required a Duel-Fuel Technology to Reduce Risk
How Has CNG Worked for Us? 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
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.)
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
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