CleanFUEL USA Announces Availability of Mass Flow Meter Technology

Meets Vast Global Demand for Mass Flow Meters in Propane Autogas Refueling Dispensers

Showcases Technologically Advanced Products at World LP Gas Forum, Booth #3

MIAMI, FL – WORLD LP GAS FORUM CONFERENCE AND EXPO –– October 27, 2014 – CleanFUEL USA, an industry leader in propane autogas technology, today announced the addition of mass flow meter technology to its technologically advanced line of propane autogas refueling dispensers. Global demand is high for mass flow technology, the most advanced meter technology in the world, and CleanFUEL USA is offering immediate availability for the first time in the United States and worldwide.

“The United States lags behind in meter technology adoption and CleanFUEL USA is shifting that with our offering of the mass flow meter and its vast benefits, a game-changer for fleets considering or already utilizing propane autogas,” said Curtis Donaldson, founder and managing partner of CleanFUEL USA.

“We heard often from our global customers how the mass flow meter was improving their operations and bottom line, and we are pleased to meet that international demand, and to bring mass flow meters in propane autogas dispensing to America for the first time,” he added

Mass flow meter benefits include no moving parts, greatly reduced maintenance, remote diagnostics and lifetime calibration – all at an affordable incremental cost. Together with automated process control and state-of-the-art communication interfaces (fieldbus systems), the meter offers 99.9 percent accuracy, as opposed to the 96 to 98 percent accuracy offered by other metering options, and a flow rate of 0 to 18 gallons per minute. Sourced by Endress+Hauser, a global leader in measurement instrumentation, the mass flow meter is now available in all CleanFUEL USA refueling dispensers, including the  P2000, 6000 and 7000 series.

On Display at World LP Gas Forum

CleanFUEL USA’s P7000 and 2000 series dispensers with mass flow meter technology and eCONNECT, the industry’s first complete fuel network management system for electronic dispensers, will be on display in Miami at World LP Gas Forum in booth #3 from October 27-30, 2014.

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).

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Contacts

Gina Manassero

(512) 553-2387

gtmanassero@gmail.com

Crystelle Markley

CleanFUEL USA

(512) 864-0300

crystelle.markley@cleanfuelusa.com  

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. Releases 24/7 Direct Customer-Service App

GAFFNEY, SC, July 14, 2014 — Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) has released a new mobile app that connects customers with its legendary, nationwide dealer and service network no matter regardless of time of day or geographic location.

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.

Evolving Alt-Fuel Infrastructure

Managing the Best Option
Most professionals, no matter which alternative fuel they represent, admit there isn’t a single solution that will work for every fleet. It is more a matter of looking at the different options and deciding which will fit a particular operation.

“There is no one alternative fuel that fits perfectly for all fleets,” said Tucker Perkins, chief business development officer for the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “Similar to CNG, propane autogas delivers long-term operating cost efficiencies and emissions reductions.”

When it comes to infrastructure, propane autogas advocates have touted the low cost of refueling installation and maintenance, which can make it appealing to fleets both big and small. According to Darren Engle, director of government relations for Blue Star Gas, there is another benefit that must be highlighted when it comes to propane autogas: fiscal independence.

“With 98 percent of the propane autogas coming from the U.S., it reduces our dependence on foreign oil drastically,” Engle said, adding that the future will bring more collaboration between propane autogas marketers to help create fueling networks that span the country, allowing you to drive a propane-autogas-fueled vehicle from California to Washington, D.C. “Right now we have about 3,000 sites available in the U.S. where you can refuel. The challenge is that there’s no continuity in regards to pricing. They can be all over the board. Sometimes, the published price is what it would cost to fill a barbecue cylinder, not what it is to fill a vehicle.”

Propane autogas also has some changes looming in the very near future in terms of technology, according to Perkins.

Currently, when fueling a propane vehicle, drivers must wear gloves and protective eye wear. This is because, when the tank is filled and the nozzle is removed, a small amount of the fuel escapes. Worldwide, there are essentially seven different nozzle technologies that are being used. When UPS announced plans to purchase 1,000 propane autogas package delivery trucks and initially install 50 fueling stations at UPS locations, PERC saw this as an opportune time to deploy a new nozzle technology, which is modeled after a design currently used throughout Europe.

“The new nozzle only requires one hand to operate, making it very similar to a gasoline-style pump,” Perkins said. “The connection automatically mates and secures, and you’re able to flow the gas. Emissions are significantly reduced, with less than 1 cubic centimeter escaping during operation. In many cases, that’s less than half of the best technology out there now.”

The UPS deployment will also allow PERC and its partners to access data on driver fueling behaviors and see what their fueling experience is like.

“It was the perfect demonstration lab for us to test this new technology,” Perkins added. “We’ll get the nozzle into at least 30 of the UPS sites, we’ll keep good records, and then begin to build a body of evidence that allows us to mandate these into the code and standards."

The emissions are so low, according to Perkins, that there is no need for personal protective equipment or training. From a safety perspective, these nozzles give users more flexibility. PERC is working in partnership with a number of other companies to voluntarily use this equipment across the board at their own locations. Read more here.

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.

Meeting Fleet Needs

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.

ACT Expo: Less than two weeks away! Visit CFUSA in booth #932!

ACT Expo – North America’s largest clean vehicles event – takes place May 5-8 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif. It is co-located with NGV Global 2014, the world natural gas vehicles meeting.

ACT Expo 2014 has been endorsed by organizations including the American Trucking Associations.

PERC and SCAQMD Are Presenting Sponsors

The Propane Education & Research Council and the South Coast Air Quality Management District are presenting sponsors.

“From biofuels, electric, fuel cell and hybrid technologies, to propane autogas, DME, clean diesel, and a standout showing of natural gas vehicles, ACT Expo 2014 brings the future of transportation to your fingertips,” GNA says.

In addition to NGV Global 2014, NGV Global’s 14th Biennial Conference, co-located events include

• PERC’s Lead the Way Propane Autogas Summit;
• The CHBC Spring Summit organized by California Hydrogen Business Council;
• a Trucking Efficiency Workshop organized by North American Council for Freight Efficiency & Carbon War Room;
• a U.S. EPA SmartWay Program Workshop with Penske; and
• the Women in Alternative Clean Transportation Summit, organized by GNA.

ACT Expo keynote speakers include Dennis Slagle of Volvo Group and Ronald Litzinger of Southern California Edison.

“Learn how the wide range of clean vehicles on the market are helping fleets lower fuel costs, reduce vehicle emissions, and achieve the same great engine performance,” GNA says. “Plus, see the latest equipment, compressors, tanks, pumps, nozzles, valves, and filters that keep alternative fuel fleet operations running smoothly.” Read more here and register for ACT Expo here.

NTEA: Alternative Fuels Outlook for 2014 and Beyond

Read more here

UPS: Clean Delivery

click images to expand

Webinar Covers Freightliner Custom Chassis MT-45/55 Powered by Autogas

This new webinar provides in-depth background on the propane-autogas chassis, engine, and injection system that are being used in the 1,000 UPS delivery trucks soon to hit the road. Reps from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp., CleanFUEL USA, and Powertrain Integration discuss their part in the project. Click here to access the webinar and here to access the presentation deck.

UPS® Utilizing CleanFUEL USA Liquid Propane Injection Systems and Propane Autogas Refueling Stations for Delivery Truck Fleet Installation

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NATIONAL TRUCK EQUIPMENT (NTEA) WORK TRUCK SHOW ––

March 5, 2014 – CleanFUEL USA, an industry leader in propane autogas technology, today announced that UPS® will be using CleanFUEL USA’s Liquid Propane Injection (LPI) system in its planned purchase of 1,000 propane autogas package delivery trucks, as well as multiple refueling stations across the United States.

 

“The UPS announcement marks one of the single largest alternative fuel vehicle purchases in the package delivery industry, and we are thrilled to provide CleanFUEL USA equipment to help the company invest in an environmentally friendly energy source and realize cost savings with American-made propane autogas,” said Curtis Donaldson, founder and managing partner of CleanFUEL USA.

 

The UPS delivery truck is based on a new CleanFUEL USA offering, the Freightliner Custom Chassis MT-45 walk-in van with CleanFUEL USA LPI system and 6.0L engine provided by Powertrain Integration. The truck will be on display in the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) booth, #5103. The MT-45/55 application is CARB and EPA certified.

 

As well today, CleanFUEL USA announced its new vehicle offering, the GMC C2500 pick- up truck equipped with 6.0L engine and CleanFUEL USA LPI system, which is proven to be one of the most technologically advanced propane autogas systems available in the United States. This recently updated system includes a simplified design and new fuel rails for reduced weight, yielding less heat absorption and promoting the liquid phase of the propane injection process. The new vehicle offering is on display in booth #5291, along with CleanFUEL USA’s CFT PRO 6100 propane autogas refueling dispenser.

 

“There is a gap in the light-duty market segment in that a large number of fleets are using these vehicles in day-to-day operations and are looking for an alternative to gasoline, diesel and natural gas. Our 6.0L offerings help these fleets realize the benefits of propane autogas while experiencing no loss in power or payload,” said Wayne Moore, COO of CleanFUEL USA.

CleanFUEL USA is expected to soon gain EPA certification for a vast number of General Motors (GM) 6.0L light-duty applications, including GM’s 2500/3500 pick-up trucks and cargo vans.

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. Already the leading alternative fuel in the United States, propane autogas costs an average of 30 to 40 percent less than gasoline, and up to 50 percent less than diesel. The lowest greenhouse gas emitting fuel, vehicles fueled by propane autogas emit 20 percent less nitrogen oxide, 60 percent less carbon monoxide and up to 25 percent less greenhouse gases.