David A. Kolman, editor, Fleet Maintenance

Kolman’s Korner: Exposing myths about alternative fuels

March 9, 2015
What to believe.

There a number of myths circulating around the industry about alternative fuels.

In a recent post, Joe Puff, vice president of truck technology and maintenance for NationaLease – a full-service North American truck leasing organization – discussed some of the misconceptions. Here is a summary of some of what he had to say.

- Myth – Hydrogen is highly explosive and much more dangerous than gasoline.

Although hydrogen is flammable, gasoline is more likely to cause a fire or an explosion, especially when confined in tight spaces. Hydrogen is a lighter-than-air gas which allows it to vent quickly, unlike gasoline.

- Myth – Electric vehicles are actually dirtier than gasoline vehicles.

The reality is fully electric vehicles emit zero tailpipe emissions and are much more energy efficient than gasoline-fueled vehicles – 85 to 90 percent vs. 20 to 30 percent.

- Myth – Diesel fuel is more expensive and smells a lot worse than gasoline, and its emissions are dirtier.

This might have been true in the past, but by 2010, all diesel for highway use had to be refined to ultra-low sulfur standards. That got rid of the foul smell and newer exhaust treatment systems eliminated most of the dirtier emissions.

- Myth – Ethanol is cheaper than gasoline.

If  comparing the cost of a gallon of gas to a gallon of ethanol, that would be true and the statement would still be wrong. That’s because ethanol is fully one-third less energy dense than gasoline so you wouldn’t get as far on a gallon of ethanol.

Fuel type

“Myths don’t grow out of thin air,” said Puff. “They have some basis in fact, even though the facts change the actual story. The important thing to remember is that there is not one solution to the best fuel type.”

He noted that each fleet is faced with a myriad of considerations – both now and in the near future, such as:

- Vehicle acquisition price.

- Resale value.

- Fuel availability.

- Fueling time.

- Available service network.

- Technician training.

- Shop retrofits and tooling.

- Various fuel type prices.

“You need to look at all the information and then make your informed conclusions.”

About the Author

David A. Kolman | Contributor - Fleet Maintenance

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