Energy Efficiency Gets More Gas West Lafayette IN

Gas and diesel prices remain high and will likely remain that way, especially as oil nears $100 per barrel. Meanwhile, cleaner fuels and energy continue to take center stage.

After employee costs, the vehicle fleet is the second highest expense for contractors. Because of a combination of factors—customer demand, environmental regulations, and government mandates—manufacturers are beginning to roll out trucks and vans that operate on less, cleaner and alternative fuels.

Currently, Chrysler is testing a plug-in hybrid of its Dodge Sprinter line with the New York Times.

Ford offers a 6.8-liter V10 Triton and the 6.4-liter Power Stroke Diesel engine, which delivers 350 horsepower at 3,000 rpm and 650 pounds per foot of torque. This engine utilizes Ford Clean Diesel Technology. Ford also offers the 5.4-liter Triton V8 engine on F-150 models that run on E-85 fuel, which is 85 percent ethanol. Later in 2008, Ford will offer a clean-diesel engine for its F-150 pickup trucks.

Not to be outdone, Chevrolet offers the Duramax Diesel 6.6-liter V8 Turbo engine. This engine meets the U.S. EPA's clean air requirements.

"We are working on a variety of alternative fuels and technologies," says Wes Sherwood III, manager, truck communications, Ford Motor Co. "They include hybrids, bio-diesels and hydrogen-powered vehicles."

Clean and efficient

While there are some hybrids on the road or vehicles using alternative fuels such as E-85, the total number of such vehicles is still relatively low—though growing. Hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, are popular and more consumers are searching for hybrid cars to help counter high gas prices. In the truck and van market, though, hybrid vehicles are rare. However, Chevrolet will offer a 2009 hybrid edition of its Silverado, which boasts a 40 percent greater city fuel economy and a 25 percent improvement in overall fuel economy.

However, most manufacturers are still in the testing and research phase. Furthermore, there has to be access for fuels such as E-85 or bio-diesel. Few gas stations in the U.S. carry alternative fuels, though an increasing number of gas stations offer E-85 pumps.

It also comes down to what the consumer wants. In this case, contractors still look primarily for vehicles that meet their needs: trucks or vans that can haul tools and equipment, supply their technicians with what they need at various jobsites, and keep tools and equipment safe. Fuel efficiency isn't necessarily a top concern.

But that is changing because of government mandates and a slowly developing consumer demand for better fuel efficiency and cleaner-burning vehicles.

"Gasoline no longer has anything on diesel," says Nick Cappa, manager of advanced technology communications, Chrysler. "The newer diesel engines on the market no longer produce the black smoke or smell."

Cappa adds that by 2012 half the fleet vehicles Chrysler will build will use E-85 or similar fuel energy.

Currently about two million trucks on the road are E-85 capable, though they can still run on unleaded. By 2010, half the trucks will be E-85 capable, says Robert Minton, communications director, GM Fleet and Commercial Operations.

"We are producing a broad range of fuel solutions," Minton says. "Diesel engines like our DuroMax to E-85 to hybrid vehicles. We strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependence on foreign oil through bio-diesels and fuels such as E-85, which help U.S. agriculture."

Chrysler's experimentation with a plug-in Dodge Sprinter for the NewYork Times will help the manufacturer in its research and development process. The test data collected will help determine technologies that need to be incorporated into a production design, which will help facilitate efforts to make plug-in hybrid vehicles commercially available.

Because the Dodge Sprinter is a popular option for contractors, testing plug-in hybrid Sprinters made sense. Chrysler says plug-in hybrids can operate in all-electric or hybrid mode. They have larger batteries, which allow them to travel long distances in electric-only mode.

On short urban routes with a lot of stop-and-go driving, the vehicle can operate for most of the day in zero-emission electric mode. In hybrid mode, the vehicle performs like traditional hybrids, with improved fuel economy and lower emissions. The plug-in technology lends itself to commercial applications.

The plug-in hybrid Sprinter plugs into a 220-volt AC outlet. It features advanced lithium-ion battery technology, a regenerative braking system, and improved fuel economy and lower emissions.

"So far the results from the Sprinter-N.Y. Times experiment have been great," Cappa says. "The main thing is the battery technology applied to a different powertrain. Batteries are the most significant challenge for auto manufacturers—no matter the type of battery and application."

He says batteries are a challenge because they can be temperamental, fail early, software issues and a lack of experience working with such batteries. In other words, the technology is still new.

Meeting contractor needs

A major trick for the auto manufacturers is to meld the increasing need for fuel-efficient trucks and vans with the requirements contractors need and look for in their service vehicles. Contractors are more concerned about a vehicle that gets the job done than they are about its fuel efficiency.

"We produce a 'tool' for every job," says Ford's Sherwood. "At the end of the day, we have to provide vehicles that the customer needs to get their jobs done."

GM's Minton echoes that sentiment. "The vehicle is a tool and that tool has to do a job."

Sherwood explains that if fuel economy is the top priority for the contractor then Ford has diesel-powered trucks and vans, or smaller and lighter vehicles such as the F-150 or F-250. He notes that reinforced cargo walls are popular, which can run counter to fuel efficiency aims.

"Some customers look for towing and hauling capabilities," Sherwood adds. "If they can tow or haul more stuff and make fewer trips or even more service calls each day because of towing and hauling capacity, then we have equipment to meet those needs. Basically it comes down to a dollar and cents issue, and often it's more than just fuel efficiency."

Minton notes that add-ons add mass and weight, which affects fuel economy. Vehicle design also impacts fuel efficiency. For instance, windshield angle and front-end styling provide better aerodynamics.

Enhanced safety also is a concern. GM, for instance, offers the StabiliTrak, which is an electronic stability control system. Using sensors, the StabiliTrak detects the difference between the steering wheel angle and the direction the drive actually is turning. It also applies quick, precise force to the appropriate brakes to help the driver control the vehicle's direction to keep it on course.

Sherwood adds that service vehicles often serve a dual purpose as they are used for personal use too. "We continually upgrade features for personal/family use. Contractors want all the bells and whistles on their service vehicles too," he notes.

Here are the 2008 trucks and vans:

Chevrolet Colorado

The 2008 Chevy Colorado saw minimal alterations following 2007's changes. It's available in regular cab, extended cab and crew cab, and 2WD and 4WD options.

Regular and extended cab models have a 6-foot, 1-inch pickup bed with taller sides, providing more volume for deeper storage and higher payload. Crew cab bed lengths are 5-foot, 1-inch. Both beds offer two-tier cargo loading, with lockable and removable tailgates.

Chevrolet Express

Chevrolet Express is a reliable and durable commercial cargo van. For 2008, Express delivers a higher level of safety, a freshened interior that includes a new driver information center and the dependable performance of small-block V8 engines.

Its roster of safety features is enhanced for 2008 with the inclusion of a standard tire pressure monitoring system, as well as new flat and convex exterior mirrors that offer a wider field of vision. Other safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brake system with Hydroboost, dynamic rear proportioning, StabiliTrak, driver and front-passenger air bags.

Chevrolet Silverado

The 2008 Chevy Silverado soldiers on with revisions that enhance its value as it delivers segment-topping fuel economy.

The Silverado is built on an all-new platform that was introduced last year. A lineup of powerful small-block V8 engines complements the stronger chassis to deliver the light-duty segment's highest-rated towing capacity for the higher-volume crew and extended cab. There are three cab styles and three cargo box lengths.

Chevrolet Silverado HD

Silverado heavy-duties are offered in a range of 2500HD (three-quarter-ton) and 3500HD (one-ton) models. The 6.6L Duramax diesel engine is capable of running on B20 biodiesel. Cargo boxes are made of all steel, including hydroformed sheet metal outer fenders. They have a smooth, integrated appearance and enhanced strength. All Dually models feature marker lights on box side panels and sleek cab roof lights.

Dodge Dakota

The 2008 Dodge Dakota, a mid-size pickup, features a new engine that offers 31 percent more horsepower and 13 percent more torque. It also has better fuel economy and increased refinement.

The 4.7-liter Flex Fuel V8 offers more power and torque, plus more than 5 percent better fuel economy than the previous 4.7-liter engine. Refinement improvements result from revisions to the induction system, a lightweight piston/rod assembly and reduced accessory drive noise through lower accessory drive speed.

Dodge Ram 1500

With its bold styling, HEMI power, superior ride and handling, safety features and long list of creature comforts, the 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 offers much. It features an all-new 4.7-liter V8 that produces more horsepower and torque with better fuel economy and refinement than the engine it replaces; and the V8 that offers the first-ever fuel-saving Multi-displacement System (MDS) cylinder deactivation technology offered on a pickup truck. Its 4.7-liter V8 produces 310 horsepower (231 kW), a 31-percent increase of torque, while using less fuel and providing smoother operation. The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 produces 345 horsepower (257 kW) of torque and is equipped with the fuel-saving MDS that provides up to 20-percent fuel savings.

Dodge Ram Chassis Cabs

The Chassis Cabs for the Ram 3500/4500/5500 models are larger versions than the 3500/4500/5500 models. They offer a new front-frame with heavy-duty suspension components, steering gear, new rear axle and suspension, new 19.5-inch tires and wheels with 10-bolt attachment, standard exhaust brake system, and Power Take-Off capability for manual and automatic transmissions.

Dodge Ram Mega Cab

The Dodge Mega Cab is available in 1500, 2500 and 3500 models. Power comes from a 6.7-liter Cumins turbodiesel engine that is optional for the 2500 models but standard on the 3500. As clean as it is powerful, the 6.7-liter turbodiesel includes several technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce unburned hydrocarbons. In addition to the NOx adsorber and the diesel particulate filter, the engine includes a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system that combines with a piston combustion bowl and a high-flow, electronically controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger.

Dodge Sprinter

The 2008 Dodge Sprinter has been "supersized," offering more choices, features, versatility and innovations. It is available in three vehicle lengths on two wheelbases. It also features up to 600 cubic feet of cargo space, payload that exceeds 5,600 pounds, interior roof height up to 7 feet and a wide rear door opening.

The Sprinter also features and electronic stability program that can determine the mass and the center of gravity, allowing adaptive ESP to intervene with even greater sensitivity and precision.

Ford Ranger

The 2008 Ford Ranger gets even better fuel economy thanks to improved aerodynamics delivered by an updated front-bumper design. It also features upgrades to the FX4 Off-Road model, including standard heavy-duty Rancho twin-tube gas shocks, increased rear spring rates and Class III Trailer Tow Package, with a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. Four series are available.

Ford E-Series

The 2008 E-Series commercial van gets a makeover inspired by the F-Series Super Duty. Safety and security is improved with the addition of available traction control and features such as the E-Guard Cargo Protection System for door-lock security.

The E-Series includes an improved chassis and upgrades to braking, suspension and steering systems as well as an improved ride and handling. E-Series vans are available in E-150 regular length, and E-250 and E-350 regular- and extended-length models.

Ford F-Series Super Duty

The new 2008 Ford F-Series Super Duty will get new features in respond to strong initial customer demand. The F-Series Super Duty offers maneuverability improvements as Ford F-350 dual-rear-wheel models can be outfitted with the F-450's front suspension. The line offers best-in-class payload, gross vehicle weight ratings and trailer tow ratings. It is offered in three cab styles two bed lengths.

The F-450 pickup widens the capability gap, offering a maximum payload of more than 6,000 pounds and towing capacity of more than 24,000 pounds—a 5,000-pound increase over the F-350.

GMC Savana

The GMC Savana offers safety features enhanced for 2008 such as a standard tire pressure monitoring system, and new flat and convex exterior mirrors that offer a wider field of vision. A standard feature is the head curtain side air bags, providing a higher level of protection in the event of a side impact or a vehicle rollover.

Other safety features include four-wheel antilock disc brake system with Hydroboost, dynamic rear proportioning, StabiliTrak, driver and front-passenger air bags and daytime running lamps.

GMC Sierra

The 2008 Sierra lineup is the strongest, most capable in history, with segment-leading fuel economy, capability and power. Sierra 1500 is available in several trim packages, including Work Truck, SL (crew cab only), SLE (SLE1 and SLE2 models) and SLT, along with 2WD and 4WD configurations. Three cab styles and three cargo box lengths are offered.

Nissan Titan

The 2008 Nissan Titan full-size pickup features the addition of a new Long Wheelbase version and a new Titan PRO-4X model. It is offered in four models, two body styles, two drive configurations four bed sizes and with Flexible Fuel Vehicle capability (E-85 Ethanol).

Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma comes in three styles: Regular Cab, Access Cab and Double Cab Pre-Runner. They are equipped with fiber-reinforced sheet-molded composite inner bed with steel outer panels, storage compartments, rail caps and removable tailgate. Features vary, but deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats, fixed cargo bed tie-down points and dual rear-hinged access doors are standard.

Toyota Tundra

The Tundra comes in three styles: Regular Cab, Double Cab and Crew Max. The Tundra is geared for heavy-duty construction work and off-road driving. Standard features include automatic limited slip differential, easy lower and lift tailgate, deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats, rail caps and front tow hooks.