Product Spotlight: Alternative Fuel Vehicles and Fleets
Hail an Alternative-Fueled, Low-Floor Transit Bus
Model SLF 232 includes a version that runs on compressed natural gas for quiet and clean operation. Caters to public-transit needs on crowded urban streets, plus serves as a shuttle bus for airports or busy tourist areas. Measures 32 ft. long and 96 ins. wide. Seats up to 39 passengers. Air-ride suspension kneels as low as 9 ins. to the ground for easy boarding and exiting. Body consists of lightweight aluminum for increased fuel efficiency. Front and rear doors measure 42 ins. wide. Aisle width is 17 ins. Wide ramp meets para-transit needs for wheelchairs.
DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses, Greensboro, NC;
336-454-3484; www.dcbusna.com
To Zap Cumbersome Travel, Zip Around Sites in a Battery-Powered Neighborhood Electric Vehicle
Model E-825 runs on 72-v. batteries for emission-free travel. Reaches top speed of 25 m.p.h. Ideal for roads with posted speed limits of 35 m.p.h., as well as warehouses and other indoor sites. Turf switch reduces top speed to 15 m.p.h. for landscaped areas. On-board battery charger displays charge status on L.E.D. readout. Just recharge vehicle via standard 110-v. outlet. On a full charge, vehicle can travel up to 30 miles. Also features 4-wheel drive, 4-wheel hydraulic brakes, and a tall body profile (the height of a mini-van) for enhanced visibility and safety. Select from 2- or 4-passenger models, some with a short or long cargo extension. Options include a heater-defroster, various side doors, canvas enclosures, golf-bag holders, stake-back kits to safeguard cargo, and a choice of 6 exterior colors. Certified as a zero-emission vehicle by the state of California. Purchasers may qualify for federal energy tax credits. On GSA contract.
Global Electric Motorcars (GEM), LLC, a DaimlerChrysler Co., Fargo, ND;
888-871-4367; www.gemcar.com
Sweeper Runs on Compressed Natural Gas
Model A7000 regenerative air sweeper features 3 fuel tanks that hold clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG). Rests on Freightliner chassis. Hopper holds 8.4 cu. yds. of debris. Offers low dumping height. Water tank boasts 220-gal. capacity for dust control. Pickup head sweeps 90-in.-wide path, which increases to 114 ins. with 1 gutter broom or 138 ins. with 2 gutter brooms. Variable-speed side brooms measure 44 ins. in dia. Choose from dual steering, or standard side steering with twin remote camera and in-cab monitors. Add 8-in.-dia. hand hose for remote and catchbasin cleaning.
Schwarze Industries, Inc., Huntsville, AL;
800-879-7933; www.schwarze.com
Adapters Modify Vehicle Lifts for Special Servicing
Speed Lane aluminum adapters fit manufacturer’s 2-post lifts, which offer capacities of 9,000, 10,000, 12,000, or 15,000 lbs. Use to elevate alternative-fuel vehicles that have battery packs located on bottom. Quickly converts lift’s frame-engaging swing arm into a drive-on pad that won’t reduce lift capacity. Wheels hang free for servicing tires, brakes, or under-vehicle components. Takes just secs. to fit adapters into place or remove from lift. Each adapter weighs 90 lbs.
Mohawk Resources, L t d ., Amsterdam, NY;
800-833-2006; www.mohawklifts.com
Fuel Conditioner Reduces Emissions of Diesel Engines
Install Fuel Stabilizer in diesel-powered vehicles to reduce emissions of hydrocarbons, smoke, and other air-polluting substances. Charges fuel with very low voltage to prevent and remove hard carbon deposits in diesel engines. Promotes complete burning of fuel in combustion chamber, eliminating formation of sludge that can clog fuel filters. Helps engines run more efficiently; increases fuel mileage; and inhibits growth of bacteria caused by water entering fuel line. Works automatically whenever driver runs vehicle’s engine; needs no ongoing maintenance. Compatible with all grades of fuel. Won’t harm engine parts. Comes with mounting bracket for installation between fuel tank and inlet side of injector pump, as close to engine as possible. Select from various sizes to fit engines with 1/4- to 1-in.-dia. fuel lines.
Dieselcraft Fluid Engineering, Hopewell, VA;
800-891-2525; www.dieselcraft.com
Bus Offers Clean, Rapid Transit
Model 60-BRT features low floor, 60-ft. length, 102-in. width, and railcar styling. Runs on clean-burning compressed natural gas (diesel-powered models also available). Seats up to 60 passengers, with a choice of shell-type, padded, or cushioned seating, either cantilever or T-pedestal mounted. Front-or rear-door wheelchair ramp and securement provisions accommodate 2 wheelchair users. Rear doors come in styles that open outwardly or have slide-glide mechanisms. Driver instruments and controls rest on wrap-around cluster and side console. Central, on-board diagnostic panel boasts L.E.D. display. Select from various driver’s seats, sun visors, and mirrors, including manual or remote-control styles with or without heat. Options range from automatic passenger counters, public address systems, and video surveillance cameras to additional exit doors, GPS hookups, and floor-level heaters for extremely cold climates.
North American Bus Industries (NABI), Woodland Hills, CA;
818-610-0330; www.nabiusa.com
Street-Legal Electric Cycle Caters to Commuters
For a low-noise, pollution-free ride coupled with adventure, hop on eGO Cycle2. Design combines features of a modern bike, moped, and scooter, while sparking images of classic 1950s styling. Runs on 24-v. battery pack, which can be charged in about 5 hrs. Optional, external fast charger decreases charging time to 1 1 /2 hrs. On a full charge, cycle can travel up to 25 miles, at a maximum speed of 24 m.p.h. Ideal for transporting 1 person over short distances. According to U.S. Department of Transportation statistics, nearly 60% of all automobile trips are less than 5 miles, and 50% of trips are for personal (1 passenger) transportation. Cycle offers 1-handed speed control, boasting simple operation for people of all ages. Subway-compatible handlebars measure just 23 ins. wide. Seat adjusts to desired height and position. Safety features include various lights, a bell, and anti-lock brakes. Onboard capacity is 250 lbs. (rider and cargo). Exterior comes in red, blue, green, orange, or custom colors. Options include a tow-behind trailer for hauling an additional 100 lbs. of cargo. Price: $1,399 plus shipping.
eGO Vehicles, Inc., Providence, RI;
401-461-2108; www.egovehicles.com
Compressed Natural Gas Drives Classy Car
The 2004 Crown Victoria comes in a model that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) to meet ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) requirements. Features 180-hp. CNG V8 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission, and anti-lock brakes. Built-in Personal Safety System combines dual-stage inflating air bags with crash-severity sensors, linked together to determine level of air-bag deployment during frontal collisions. Cargo capacity is 20.6 cu. ft. Options include side air bags, power-adjustable brake and accelerator pedals, and laminated security glass. Available in extended-length version that provides additional leg room for rear-seat occupants. Can be customized for police patrols and other needs.
Ford Motor Co., Alternative Fuel Vehicles, Dearborn, MI;
313-337-8401; www.ford.com
Freeway-Capable, Battery-Powered Vehicle is Narrower Than a Motorcycle
Tango, a zero-emission, 2-seat electric vehicle, fights pollution and traffic congestion. Caters to commuters who travel on freeways and often search for parking spaces in congested areas. Accelerates from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in less than 4 secs. Offers top speed of 130 m.p.h. Measures just 8 1 /2 ft. long, 60 ins. high, and 39 ins. wide (6 ins. narrower than many motorcycles). Compact size takes up less than half the space of an average car, thereby doubling the capacity of existing freeway lanes. Also quadruples the capacity of 1 parallel parking space. Range is from 60 to 80 miles on fully charged battery. Cost per mile is about 50 percent less than that of a gasoline-powered car. Can be recharged in less than 3 hrs. using on-board charger and household dryer outlet. Bucket seats integrate 4-point safety harness. Interior includes air conditioning and electric heater.
Commuter Cars Corp., Spokane, WA;
509- 624- 0762; www.commutercars.com
