Biodiesel Notes
Diesel Hybrids for Yosemite

No CNG? No Problem. Town Fleet Opting for Hybrids.

Arizona Republic. With Ford and General Motors stopping production of compressed natural gas and propane-fueled vehicles at year’s end, many Valley municipalities have been left wondering how to keep their alternative-fuel programs alive.

But not Gilbert. That’s because the town doesn’t have one.

Instead, Gilbert is considering expanding its use of electric hybrids, which many see as the future of environmental-friendly transportation.

To convert its more than 600-vehicle fleet, Gilbert would have had to spend about $7,000 per vehicle, Sonnenberg said. The town’s fleet does include two Toyota Prius hybrids. Officials are now evaluating a hybrid Chevrolet pickup truck. Within the next month, a Ford Escape SUV electric hybrid will arrive for evaluation.

Earlier post on Ford and GM announcement referenced above (which isn’t halting all CNG production, just some) here.

Fleet buyers—public and private—have some tough choices to make, spanning a full spectrum from type of vehicle and type of refueling infrastructure to training technicians to care for vehicles of ever increasing complexity. These are decisions that could have a major impact on the industry.

In 2003, there were 2.64 million new car registrations in fleets buying or leasing more than 5 cars each year or with 15 or more vehicles in operation. (Source: R.L. Polk and Automotive Fleet) Those purchases represent approximately 15-16% of total annual new vehicle purchases. That’s a loud voice.

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