Public Transportation Alternative Fuels: A Perspective for Small Transportation Operations. Final Report

摘要

The purpose of the study is to provide small, public transportation operators in the State of California with information necessary to evaluate alternative fuels and technologies for complying with future State and Federal emission regulations. The alternative fuels examined include 'clean diesel' fuel, methanol, natural gas (both compressed and liquefied), ethanol and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). These fuels are examined across a variety of criteria including fuel availability and costs, vehicle reliability, durability, safety, fuel economy and emission characteristics. The equipment and facilities needed for refueling alternative technology buses are also examined along with modifications needed to maintenance garages to ensure safe operations with these new fuels. All capital and operating costs associated with implementing each of the alternative fuels are detailed for different size transit properties. Advanced electric propulsion technologies including batteries, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric trolley buses are also briefly examined but in less detail than the other alternative fuels.