The use of low-emission alternative fuel vehicles in lieu of conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles is an effective strategy for reducing air pollution from motor vehicles. For alternative fuel vehicles to be viable, supporting infrastructure is required to dispense the fuel. Under this project, the City of Costa Mesa purchased 3 CNG pick-up trucks and installed two compressed natural gas time fill fueling stations.
216174.00
Specifications were developed by the City of Costa Mesa for the desired replacement vehicles. The City advertised a competitive bid for three medium-duty alternative fuel pick up trucks. At the time of bidding, the only manufacturer of CNG-powered pick up trucks was the Ford Motor Company. Subsequently, Ford model F-150 ton pickup trucks were purchased by the City. Additionally, the City purchased and installed, through contract, two Fuel Maker CNG time fill fueling stations. The stations were installed at two City-owned maintenance facilities. The equipment at each location supplies two fueling panels and four fill hoses, allowing eight vehicles to fill at any one time. The vehicles fill during off-duty hours, primarily at night.
The objective of this project was to replace three aging gasoline-powered public works maintenance trucks with three alternative-fuel medium duty trucks which would meet the needs of the City and reduce air pollution emissions within the South Coast Air Basin. To fuel the new trucks, the City installed two CNG fueling stations.
The three new vehicles have a life expectancy of eight to ten years and travel an average distance of 12,000 miles per year. Emission reduction calculations were not required under this application.
All three vehicles were placed into service, with excellent results. The two fueling stations are in use. Due to their limited time-fill capabilities, the fueling stations are not available to the public. The Final Report includes a Scope of Work, Summary and Conclusions, and Recommendations.