Feds Converting Fleet to E85; Not Enough Pumps, Ethanol
The federal government is converting its fleet of vehicles to more fuel-efficient cars and trucks. The stated goal is to reduce dependence on imported oil. To meet the government's requirement for fuel- efficient vehicles, E85 will be an important part of the strategy. Currently, however, there are not enough E85 fuel pumps nationwide to achieve this target and ethanol producers are not converting enough corn to blend with gasoline.
Used Vehicle Values Skyrocket for Retail and Wholesale Segments
Used vehicle prices have hit record highs at both the retail and wholesale levels, according to reports from Kelley Blue Book and Manheim. Fuel-efficient vehicles lead the way as gas prices surge upward, however there's lack of used vehicle supply and high demand for both new and used vehicles.
NHTSA Expanding Investigation of Fuel Leaks on Ford F-150 Pickups
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has increased the number of Ford F-150 pickups for review to 2.7 million to investigate reports that leaking fuel caused two fires. No injuries have been reported, and Ford is cooperating with the investigation of the 1997-2001 pickups that has not been named a recall.
Natural Gas Fleets Create Trade Association
Fleets using or considering using natural gas have formed an association, NGV Fleet Forum, to share information regarding the use of natural gas to fuel fleet vehicles. NGV Fleet Forum was created this year after the 2011 Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo.
Managing EV Charging Process to Avoid Power Grid Crash
Trade group Utilities Telecom Council is reporting that electric vehicles will require a 16-fold increase in power usage in the next decade. The impact on grid overload will depend on popularity of plug-in electric vehicles in concentrated neighborhoods and the time that consumers choose to charge the battery. Education and incentives will be needed to make the grid work.
