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Showing posts with label S2G. Show all posts
Showing posts with label S2G. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Friday, August 22, 2014
S2G Factory Tour
The Freightliner Custom Chassis S2G is the only medium duty truck that includes a factory-installed propane system. Watch the video below or click here for an awesome inside view of the S2G factory line in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Thursday, August 7, 2014
BPN: Propane Bobtail Hits Production Milestone
June 16 marked a major milestone for the propane industry as the Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC; Gaffney, S.C.) S2G propane-fueled bobtail went into full production. FCCC is taking orders now, and about 25 trucks had been delivered as of late June. Initial reviews have been positive, but as is the case with most products, the process has not been glitch-free. The Burton, Mich. location of AmeriGas, which is using the truck on a pilot project basis, has given the truck high marks, although it experienced some low-idling problems with the bobtail early on. FCCC, however, fixed that problem quickly, said AmeriGas area director Mike George.He told BPN the reduced cost of operation has been the truck’s biggest advantage. That is especially the case in the summer months when the price of propane is lower.
“You’re looking at almost a 50%-per-gallon difference to operate the truck,” George stated. “That’s the big ‘wow’ factor. It’s a cleaner-burning product, so I don’t expect to have as high maintenance costs with the vehicle.”
A participant at a ride and drive during last year’s National Truck Equipment Association Work Truck Show commented, “Quiet, really quiet. I’m really pleasantly surprised. It drives like a car. Minimum cab noise. You wouldn’t even know you’re driving a truck.”
Although some marketers were still apprehensive about ordering at this early stage and were taking a “wait-and-see” attitude, the many positive comments must be gratifying for all the companies involved with putting together the bobtail. FCCC built the vehicle chassis, Powertrain Integration (Madison Heights, Mich.) produced the engine, and CleanFUEL USA (Georgetown, Texas) designed the fuel tank system assembly and the fuel rail system assembly.
It might seem like it has been a long road to get to this point, but Bryan Henke of FCCC notes that the process has not been much different than that of any original equipment manufacturer (OEM) product. OEMs typically start manufacturing products by unveiling pilot units to test how they will run through the production line. That took place about a year ago for the S2G. Then comes “pre-series,” a limited production run to make sure the production process is working as planned. That took place around March of this year.
Now that the product is in full production, Henke says FCCC as of late June had several hundred orders, which were spread fairly evenly around the country. Propane marketers can order the bobtail from any of about 600 U.S. FCCC dealers.
The S2G will not just be available as a bobtail, however. Production is underway now for the bobtail, but the unit will go into production around the first quarter of 2015 for crane truck and box truck configurations as well. The chassis is also made for the Thomas Built Bus Co., and the school bus chassis using the same propane fueling system is also in full production.
Also like any OEM project, the S2G went through extensive testing to get to this point. FCCC built the pre-series units specifically for in-field testing. The company put the vehicle through several hundred thousand miles of durability testing, altitude testing on the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountrains, including Pikes Peak, in Colorado, and cold start testing in –30ºF temperatures and colder in Bemidji, Minn.
“This is very typical of how we want to validate a vehicle’s design,” Henke explained.
Dealer buy-in is also important in any OEM product release, and Henke stressed that the FCCC dealers understand the features of the bobtail. They know alternative fuels because the company has been involved with natural gas products. The company showed the vehicle at an FCCC event in Wisconsin in June, and gatherings like that have achieved good results. A recent Southern Connecticut FCCC S2G event resulted in the sale of several trucks.
“The FCCC dealers are energized,” he said. “They’re seeing results with the trucks and getting more engaged with it.”
It’s been a long road since General Motors phased out its 8.1L engine from the medium-duty truck market at the end of 2009. Tucker Perkins, chief business development officer of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), recalled that the phase-out took place during the heart of the U.S. financial crisis that resulted in the government’s bailout of GM. The automaker had a buyer for its medium-duty truck division, but the deal fell through. Perkins, who was with CleanFUEL USA at the time, described GM’s medium-duty truck program as “successful by any stretch of the imagination.” Sales of the propane version of the 8.1L were just beginning to grow, and many users were satisfied with the propane-fueled bobtail. After GM’s exit from that market, PERC, CleanFUEL USA, and Blue Bird Bus bought GM’s remaining inventory of 8.1L engines to continue the Blue Bird propane school bus program.
The S2G will not just be available as a bobtail, however. Production is underway now for the bobtail, but the unit will go into production around the first quarter of 2015 for crane truck and box truck configurations as well. The chassis is also made for the Thomas Built Bus Co., and the school bus chassis using the same propane fueling system is also in full production.
Also like any OEM project, the S2G went through extensive testing to get to this point. FCCC built the pre-series units specifically for in-field testing. The company put the vehicle through several hundred thousand miles of durability testing, altitude testing on the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountrains, including Pikes Peak, in Colorado, and cold start testing in –30ºF temperatures and colder in Bemidji, Minn.
“This is very typical of how we want to validate a vehicle’s design,” Henke explained.
Dealer buy-in is also important in any OEM product release, and Henke stressed that the FCCC dealers understand the features of the bobtail. They know alternative fuels because the company has been involved with natural gas products. The company showed the vehicle at an FCCC event in Wisconsin in June, and gatherings like that have achieved good results. A recent Southern Connecticut FCCC S2G event resulted in the sale of several trucks.
“The FCCC dealers are energized,” he said. “They’re seeing results with the trucks and getting more engaged with it.”
It’s been a long road since General Motors phased out its 8.1L engine from the medium-duty truck market at the end of 2009. Tucker Perkins, chief business development officer of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), recalled that the phase-out took place during the heart of the U.S. financial crisis that resulted in the government’s bailout of GM. The automaker had a buyer for its medium-duty truck division, but the deal fell through. Perkins, who was with CleanFUEL USA at the time, described GM’s medium-duty truck program as “successful by any stretch of the imagination.” Sales of the propane version of the 8.1L were just beginning to grow, and many users were satisfied with the propane-fueled bobtail. After GM’s exit from that market, PERC, CleanFUEL USA, and Blue Bird Bus bought GM’s remaining inventory of 8.1L engines to continue the Blue Bird propane school bus program.
CleanFUEL USA and Powertrain Integration immediately began working on a brand new engine, which is an 8.0L to replace the 8.1L and features more horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency along with lower emissions. The engine has gone through various changes since the original pilot version.“It’s amazing how the vehicle integration from the fuel system to the engine itself, to noise, to air intake, to just about everything, has evolved over the past several years,” Henke noted. “If you would have looked at the pilot unit we did several years ago and what we have today, there are significant changes, because we just weren’t satisfied with the status quo.”
The ability to start the vehicle in extreme cold weather was a big area of focus for the S2G. According to Henke, cold-start was an issue for liquid injection systems when he worked for a company that sold vaporized systems. But he and his team were pleasantly surprised when they heard that the S2G had no trouble starting in –30°F and colder temperatures in Bemidji.
“I thought, really, we’re getting cold-start without a block heater? We are. That’s unheard of,” Henke stated.
The S2G team also paid close attention to noise. The group worked to make sure the vehicle would be quiet for the driver and for residential customers’ neighbors.
“It wasn’t just making sure it ran right,” Henke said. “Propane marketers remember the past. They have great memories. We certainly did not want to have issues that these guys had in the past 10 to 20 years ago.”
Along with stringent testing in areas such as noise, starting, and cooling, additional durability testing involved running the vehicle continuously around the clock. That testing revealed some mostly minor mechanical issues that the team addressed. In mid-December, Perkins told BPN that the team resolved a few technical issues in areas such as engine calibration and oil leaks.
“In some cases they were minor nuisances in our opinion, but not acceptable,” Henke noted. “Maybe for some other applications, a little leak here or there or a little noise rattle here or there after 60,000 or 100,000 miles might be acceptable, but it really wasn’t to us. So we wanted to make sure that we shook this vehicle down. I think we’ve accomplished that.”
Meanwhile, FCCC is working on marketing the product to potential users and educating its own dealers. “We’re letting FCCC dealers know the product is in full production, because they’ve been waiting quite a long time,” Henke explained. The company will hold a special event in Gaffney in late summer so potential buyers can get hands-on experience with the truck.
Many marketers are ready now. Trevor Beaudry, propane manager for Beaudry Oil (Elk River, Minn.), said his company has one S2G on order and was set to receive it in August or September.
“We decided to order one for the fuel savings and to support propane for motor fuel use,” Beaudry said. “We think if it is successful then there will be opportunity for the vehicle in different industries.”
McMahon’s Bottle Gas (Dayton, Ohio) has not ordered the S2G yet, but plans on doing so next year. “We really want a propane bobtail, but we wanted to give them a year to work out the bugs,” said Brian Buschur of McMahons.
Other marketers are on the fence. “We have considered ordering one, but were not sure how long we would have to wait to get it,” said Daren Parker of Parker Gas Co. (Newton Grove, N.C.). “I am still not sure when the first ones will be available. I have not test driven one. I obviously would like to see this thing work out, but am kind of skeptical about being the guinea pig.”
The truck won’t be for everyone, of course. Kevin Lechner of Lechner’s Propane (East Branch, N.Y.) test drove the vehicle at a recent Ray Murray Inc. open house in Lee, Mass. Although he said using a propane-fueled bobtail would lower his operating costs, he would not order one because his location is in a mountainous area.
“The automatic transmission is constantly shifting, so in my location, it’s not so much of a ‘pro’ for me,” said Lechner, addressing the pros and cons. He now prefers diesel-fueled bobtails with standard transmissions because they can be more easily fitted with a “Jake brake” that uses engine compression to slow down the vehicle so the driver does not have to pump the brakes as much while traveling downhill. Read more here.
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Monday, July 21, 2014
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. Releases 24/7 Direct Customer-Service App
The 24/7 Direct app from FCCC made its debut in Apple’s App Store for the iOS mobile operating system this week, joining recently released versions of the app for Android and Windows Phone. The 24/7 Direct app, which is available free of charge, makes FCCC customer service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by putting the entirety of the FCCC dealer and service network in the palm of users’ hands. The app is designed for customers riding on RV, walk-in van, and commercial bus chassis.
“We design and build products made for people who love spending time on the road, which means the need to locate and connect with a dealer or service center can happen anywhere,” said Bryan Henke, manager of product marketing for FCCC. “When we say we’re ‘Driven by You,’ we mean it. And a big part of that drive is providing the best and most comprehensive support network we can. The 24/7 Direct app makes that network even more accessible and effective for our customers.”
The location-based app uses GPS coordinates to provide customers with information on the closest dealers within a set distance, from as close as 25 miles up to 250 miles. App users can then connect easily with an individual dealership via phone or email; users can also connect with FCCC directly via phone or email via the app.
The 24/7 Direct app is the first customer-focused app from FCCC; it released a dealer- and service-focused app, SalesHQ, in 2013. To download 24/7 Direct, search for “24/7 Direct” or “FCCC” in the app stores for Apple, Android and Windows Phone.
Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation manufactures premium chassis for the motorhome, delivery walk-in van, and school bus and shuttle bus markets. Visit the Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation website at www.freightlinerchassis.com for additional FCCC news and product information. Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation is a subsidiary of Daimler Trucks North America LLC, a Daimler company. Read more here.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
CleanFUEL USA Meets Fleet Industry Demand with New Products in Full Production
Company’s
Liquid Propane Injection System Powers Freightliner
Custom Chassis S2G Medium-Duty Truck and Thomas Built C2 School Bus
GEORGETOWN, TX –– July 16, 2014 – CleanFUEL USA, the industry leader in propane autogas fleets and fueling infrastructure, today announced full production of two prominent product offerings powered by its Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) system, the Freightliner Custom Chassis S2G medium-duty truck and the Thomas Built C2 school bus. The CleanFUEL USA LPI propane autogas fuel system is technologically advanced, fully integrated and factory-installed, requiring no aftermarket modifications, for seamless integration and consistent quality. Both vehicles are EPA and CARB certified.
“We are ecstatic that the S2G and C2 are in full production, as demand is strong in the fleet industry for propane-powered solutions that meet these two vehicles’ market needs,” said Curtis Donaldson, founder and managing director of CleanFUEL USA. “With a significant order bank and ever-increasing customer interest, the potential for both products is huge.”
The S2G truck pairs FCCC’s popular S2 chassis with the only factory-installed propane autogas engine available to the medium-duty truck market. The FCCC S2G was designed with input from fleet managers and body manufacturers on component placement, PTO accessibility and electrical interfaces.
The Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus offers exceptional power and quiet operation, and is available with popular options like wheelchair lifts and air-conditioning. Today, one in three American children who ride a bus to school or an activity rides a Thomas.
Both products are powered by an 8-liter purpose-built engine by Powertrain Integration and an Allison 2300 automatic transmission with PTO provision, providing reliability and durability. The engine offers 495 ft-lbs of torque at 3100 rpm and 339 horsepower at 4100 rpm, and both are backed by warranties and service programs.
More information on the S2G can be found here and the C2 here.
About CleanFUEL USA:
CleanFUEL
USA, the nation’s first developer of liquid propane fuel injection systems, is
a leading manufacturer of propane autogas dispensers and refueling
infrastructure. Headquartered in Georgetown, Texas, with an engineering
division in Wixom, Mich., CleanFUEL USA celebrates more than 20 years of
innovation. Setting industry standards with a complete alternative fuel
solution, CleanFUEL USA products offer unsurpassed economic and environmental
advantages. Learn more at www.cleanfuelusa.com.
Connect on Twitter (@CleanFUELUSA), Facebook (facebook.com/CleanFUELUSA), YouTube (youtube.com/CleanFuelUSA1) and LinkedIn
(linkedin.com/company/cleanfuel-usa).
###
Contacts
Gina Manassero
(512) 553-2387
Crystelle
Markley
CleanFUEL USA
(512) 864-0300
Monday, June 30, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
Freightliner Custom Chassis announces start of S2G production
Freightliner Custom Chassis
Corporation announced the start of full production of its propane-autogas S2G
medium-duty work truck this week. The S2G pairs FCCC’s popular, durable S2
chassis with the only factory-installed propane autogas engine available for
the medium-duty truck market. The S2G is powered by an 8-liter V8 “big block”
engine - featuring a CleanFUEL USA Liquid Propane Injection system - offering up 339hp
and 495 ft-lbs of torque. Initial orders for the truck will focus on the
propane-delivery market; FCCC has plans to expand into other applications and
industries beginning in 2015. For more information, visit S2Gtruck.com.
Friday, May 16, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
CleanFUEL USA to Showcase Propane Autogas Technologies and Benefits at Alternative Clean Transportation Expo
Who: CleanFUEL USA, an industry leader in propane autogas technology
When: May 5-8, 2014
Where: Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long Beach, California
What: CleanFUEL USA will offer a first-hand look at its eCONNECT fleet management software system, as well as various vehicles with its state-of-the-art Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) system. Company customer Portland Public Schools and CleanFUEL USA representatives will speak on various panels during the expo on implementation and benefits of propane autogas.
Why: Propane autogas is the third most widely used transportation fuel globally, and is proven to be the most attractive option from an economic and environmental standpoint. “ACT Expo is North America’s largest alternative fuel and clean vehicle technology conference, and we look forward to showcasing the many benefits of propane autogas as a viable alternative fuel source for fleets to lower their carbon footprint and increase their bottom line,” said Curtis Donaldson, founder and managing director of CleanFUEL USA.
On-Display in CleanFUEL USA Booth #932
CleanFUEL USA will display a P6100 refueling dispenser, featuring the industry’s first complete fuel network management system for electronic dispensers, CleanFUEL eCONNECT. Fleet managers can economically monitor and control fuel inventories faster and easier than ever before using CleanFUEL ECONNECT with real-time data insight, flexible report storage and remote access capabilities.
Vehicle Displays Featuring the Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) system
- Freightliner Custom Chassis MT-45 chassis – Propane Education and Research Council’s (PERC) booth #911
- Powertrain Integration 6L and 8L engines – Powertrain Integration booth #928
- Freightliner Custom Chassis 8L S2G with a Linebacker Crane Truck body – Freightliner Custom Chassis booth #1405.
CleanFUEL USA Panel Sessions
- CleanFUEL USA Sales Director Blair Poulsen will speak on the panel, “Propane Autogas Fueling Infrastructure” on May 6, at 2:45 p.m. PST.
- Teri Brady, Director of Student Transportation, Portland Public Schools, will speak on the panel, “Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Propane Fleet Case Studies” on May 8, at 11:15 a.m. PST. Eighty percent of Portland Public School’s fleet runs on propane autogas, and Brady helped implement the latest round of new autogas-fueled school buses.
About CleanFUEL USA:
CleanFUEL USA, the nation’s first developer of liquid propane fuel injection systems, is a leading manufacturer of propane autogas dispensers and refueling infrastructure. Headquartered in Georgetown, Texas, with an engineering division in Wixom, Mich., CleanFUEL USA celebrates more than 20 years of innovation. Setting industry standards with a complete alternative fuel solution, CleanFUEL USA products offer unsurpassed economic and environmental advantages. Learn more at www.cleanfuelusa.com.
Connect on Twitter (@CleanFUELUSA), Facebook (facebook.com/CleanFUELUSA) and YouTube (youtube.com/CleanFuelUSA1).
###
Media Contacts:
Gina Manassero
(512) 553-23875
gtmanassero@gmail.com
Crystelle Markley
CleanFUEL USA
512-864-0300512-864-0300
512-864-0300 512.864.0300crystelle.markley@cleanfuelusa.com
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Utility Fleet ENews: Exploring Alt-Fuel Truck Options
Fuel spend continues to be the top cost centers for today’s fleets. And, while gasoline and diesel both continue to be subject to the volatility and vagaries of commodities brokers and geopolitical jockeying, alternatives, particularly propane autogas and compressed natural gas (CNG), both remain relatively inexpensive and stable.
Indeed, over the last several years, both OEMs and upfitters have begun giving fleets the option of running their light- and medium-duty trucks on either propane autogas or CNG using dedicated or bi-fuel systems.
These alt-fuels have increasingly captured the imaginations of fleet managers, political leaders, and consumers alike. Mike Taylor of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) said propane autogas is the market’s “best kept secret,” and during his recent State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama called CNG, the country’s “bridge fuel.”
The following are a representative sampling of some of the OEMs and upfitters who are offering either (or both) propane autogas and CNG options to fleets.
CleanFUEL USA offers a Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) system for the propane-autogas option available on the GM 6.0L G4500 Cut-Van Chassis and the Freightliner 8.0L S2G Chassis. The company recently added a third vehicle option, the Freightliner 6.0L MT 45/55 chassis.
The GM Cutaway Van Chassis can be ordered at any dealership (the purchaser must choose the LC8 hardened engine and can choose either the three- or four-tank option).
The system is backed by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Freightliner 8.0L S2G chassis incorporates a dedicated propane autogas engine built on the S2 chassis platform. It has a 33,000-pound GVWR and comes equipped with an Allison 2300 automatic transmission with PTO provision. According to the company, the propane autogas version of the Freightliner MT45/55 has approximately the same capabilities as the gasoline version. Read more here.
Indeed, over the last several years, both OEMs and upfitters have begun giving fleets the option of running their light- and medium-duty trucks on either propane autogas or CNG using dedicated or bi-fuel systems.
These alt-fuels have increasingly captured the imaginations of fleet managers, political leaders, and consumers alike. Mike Taylor of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) said propane autogas is the market’s “best kept secret,” and during his recent State of the Union Address, President Barack Obama called CNG, the country’s “bridge fuel.”
The following are a representative sampling of some of the OEMs and upfitters who are offering either (or both) propane autogas and CNG options to fleets.
Meeting Fleet Needs
The GM Cutaway Van Chassis can be ordered at any dealership (the purchaser must choose the LC8 hardened engine and can choose either the three- or four-tank option).
The system is backed by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Freightliner 8.0L S2G chassis incorporates a dedicated propane autogas engine built on the S2 chassis platform. It has a 33,000-pound GVWR and comes equipped with an Allison 2300 automatic transmission with PTO provision. According to the company, the propane autogas version of the Freightliner MT45/55 has approximately the same capabilities as the gasoline version. Read more here.
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