RAQC Announces EV/EVSE Funding

 

The RAQC is pleased to announce funding to support the acquisition of electric vehicles (EVs) and installation of electric vehicle charging stations (EVSE).

The RAQC and Colorado Energy Office (CEO) have partnered to provide this opportunity in an effort to improve air quality and encourage the deployment of electric vehicles across the State of Colorado.

Applicants should note a number of changes have been made to the application. Applicants are encouraged to review the updated application carefully. To access the application and a summary of funding amounts, criteria, eligibility and how to apply, please click here.

Advanced Fleet Technology Forum

    

On November 14, 2012, public and private fleets came together at Sports Authority Stadium at Mile High to dig into dynamic fleet technologies and discover new equipment, upcoming programs and important funding opportunities available to fleets. Find breakout presentations below or click here to see the day’s agenda.

●    Public Fleet Efficiency Track
●    Private Fleet Efficiency Track
●    Natural Gas Vehicle & Infrastructure Track
●    Program & Policy Development
●    Finance Panel
●    Electric Vehicle & Infrastructure Track
●    SmartWay

Click here to view a slideshow with pictures from the event.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Advanced Fleet Technology Forum a success. 

Technology

Please see the Diesel, Gasoline, Electric Vehicle, Natural Gas and Other tabs for more information on how to implement these technologies on your fleet. 

Idle Reduction Technologies

Engine and Hydraulic Preheaters

Engine and hydraulic preheaters warm engine fluids to operating temperature to eliminate idling. The units can be installed in tandem with the hydraulic heater to heat hydraulic fluids at the same time. In addition, there are options available for in-cab heating. The units provide up to 80% fuel savings compared to idling the engine and significantly reduce engine wear and tear and the need for costly engine rebuilds. These units cost $1,300 – $5,000 depending on a number of factors. Depending on funding availability, the RAQC will install this technology on local government and public works, school district, private, off-road and over-the-road fleet vehicles. 

Brochure
Spec Sheets

Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)

APU’s provide air conditioning, heating and electrical power for over-the-road trucks to reduce the need for idling. The units provide up to 80% fuel savings compared to idling the engine and significantly reduce engine wear and tear and the need for costly engine rebuilds. APUs cost up to $10,000. Depending on funding availability, the RAQC will install this technology on over-the-road fleet vehicles.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

Installation of GPS tracking units allow fleet management to reduce idling time, fuel usage and streamline routing which can reduce congestion and wasted vehicle operating hours.

Truck Facility Electrification

 

Emissions Control Technologies

Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC)

The DOC is a simple muffler replacement that reduces particulates by 20% – 40% and costs $1,000+ depending on vehicle horsepower. Depending on funding availability, the RAQC will install this technology on local government and public works, school district, private and off-road fleet vehicles.

Closed Crankcase Filtration Unit (CCF)

CCFs units close the crankcase through a closed loop system that re-circulates and filter crankcase emissions reducing in-cab emissions and costs $400+ depending on vehicle horsepower. Depending on funding availability, the RAQC will install this technology on local government and public works, school district, private and off-road fleet vehicles.

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)

The DPFs are muffler replacements that provide 90% emissions reductions. The units require periodic maintenance and the use of ULSD fuel. DMFs cost $9,000+ depending on vehicle horsepower. The technology can be installed on local government and public works, school district, and private fleet vehicles.

New Vehicles

Diesel/Hydraulic Vehicles (HLA)

The EPA has developed an innovative new hydraulic hybrid system to provide cost-effective, ultra-clean and efficient vehicles.  This new hybrid system provides “launch assist” by capturing most energy lost during braking and uses it to propel the vehicle after its next stop. 

Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

 

 

Natural Gas & Propane

Program Overview

Funding is available for natural gas and propane vehicles through the ALT Fuels Colorado Vehicle Program to help public and private fleets achieve clean, cost effective, and efficient operations. The program has helped many public, non-profit, and private fleets in Colorado’s ozone non attainment area and carbon monoxide maintenance areas to transition their fleets to natural gas and propane vehicles. To view a full list of projects awarded through ALT Fuels Colorado Vehicle Program to date, please click here.

Funding Availability

RAQC is currently taking applications for natural gas and propane vehicle funding through our ALT Fuels Colorado Vehicle Program. In most cases, the RAQC has funding for 80% of the incremental cost between the alternatively fueled vehicle and the equivalent conventionally fueled vehicle. A 20% match on the vehicle cost is required to participate in the program. The RAQC does not have funding for natural gas or propane infrastructure. For more information on funding for natural gas or propane infrastructure, please see the Refuel Colorado website, run by the Colorado Energy Office.

Eligibility

Interested fleets must operate in the seven county metro Denver area or along the Colorado Front Range. Please visit our ALT Fuels Colorado Vehicle Program page or contact the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) to determine if your fleet is eligible for funding.

Eligible vehicles include school buses, trash trucks, water trucks, delivery vehicles, transit buses and other on-road vehicles greater than 6,001 GVW.

Application

Please visit our ALT Fuels Colorado Vehicle Program page or  contact RAQC staff for application materials.

Benefits

Using natural gas vehicles can benefit a fleet’s bottom line and help improve air quality in Colorado. The following list outlines a number of benefits to natural gas fleet vehicles.

– Natural gas is domestically produced and decreases United States reliance on foreign oil
– Natural gas is less expensive than diesel
– When compared to conventional fuel sources, natural gas vehicles emit fewer harmful pollutants
– Natural gas vehicles promote greening government initiatives

 

For a complete listing of the many benefits associated with reduced emissions and improved air quality, please see the Benefits tab.

Electric

Program Overview

Starting in late 2012, Clean Air Fleets began to roll out its new Charge Ahead Colorado program to provide funding for electric vehicles (EV) and electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). EV and EVSE implementation can help public and private fleets achieve clean, cost effective, and efficient operations. Electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are fueled by electricity that comes directly from the power grid. All electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions and can provide fleets with great fuel savings. At this time, the RAQC has funding for both EV and EVSE implementation with priority directed to those organizations that are excluded from the Colorado state tax credit. Please click here for a list of Charge Ahead Colorado awardees.

Funding Availability

At this time, the RAQC has funding to pay 80% of the incremental cost differential between a gasoline vehicle and the EV up to $8,260. In addition, the RAQC has funding to pay 80% of the cost of EVSE up to maximums determined by charger level and type.

Eligibility

Interested fleets must operate in the seven county Denver Metro Area (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas or Jefferson Counties). Fleets operating outside of the Denver Metro Area may be eligible for electric vehcile infrastructure funding through the Colorado Energy Office. Please see the application for more information on fleet eligibility or contact the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC).

For a more detailed description of eligible projects, please see the application.

Application

For more information on funding amounts, criteria, eligibility and how to apply, please click here.

Applications will be due three times a year and will be reviewed by an Electric Vehicle Implementation Working Group (EVIWG).

Benefits

The Charge Ahead Colorado program aims to reduce the negative impacts of mobile sources in the region. Electric Vehicle implementation provides many benefits to the Denver Metro Area. Find several of these benefits below:

– Reduced harmful air pollutants;
– Reduced greenhouse gas emissions;
– Transformation of the region’s transportation system by incentivizing the development of geographically dispersed EVSE charging infrastructure;
– Increased energy security through reduced petroleum usage and implementation of clean, reliable alternative transportation;
– Technological innovation;
– Advanced fleet sustainability; and
– Promotion of greening government initiatives.

For a complete listing of the many benefits associated with reduced emissions and improved air quality, please see the Benefits tab.

EPA Smartway

Information on EPA’s Smartway – a voluntary partnership between freight companies and US EPA to achieve cleaner, more efficient and cost effective transportation.

American Lung Association

Information to help to people living with asthma, emphysema and other lung diseases. ALA in Colorado confronts lung disease at the root level, educates kids about the dangers of smoking, pushes for more smoke-free workplaces and works to reduce air pollution.

Colorado Energy Office

Information on the State’s Energy Office that promotes sustainable economic development in Colorado through advancing the State’s energy market and industry.