BOARD MEETING DATE: April 12, 1996

AGENDA NO. 15

Proposal:

Purchase Low-Emission Vehicles and Two Electric-Assist Bicycles

Synopsis:

Six existing vehicles in the AQMD's AFV Fleet (Lease) Demonstration Program need to be replaced. Four new low-emission vehicles and two electric-assist bicycles can be purchased at a cost estimated not to exceed $100,000, including tax and license. The low-emission vehicles are: a Ford Taurus fuel flexible vehicle powered by methanol and one natural-gas-powered version of each of the following: Ford Crown Victoria, Ford F-Series pickup truck, and Dodge Ram pickup truck.

Committee:

Technology, March 21, 1996. Chair Leonard Paulitz and member Jon Mikels communicate their concurrence with the Executive Officer's recommendation.

Recommended Action:

1. Authorize transfer of $100,000 from Services and Supplies Major Object, Professional and Special Services for Technology Advancement to the Fixed Asset Major Object for Technology Advancement in the FY 1995-96 budget.

2. Authorize the Chairman to execute purchase orders as needed, not to exceed a total of $100,000, for the purchase of one M85 Ford Taurus FFV, two Ford CNG vehicles, one CNG Dodge Ram pickup truck, one electric bicycle from AeroVironment, and one electric bicycle from the Electric Bicycle Company.

James M. Lents, Ph.D.
Executive Officer

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Background

The AQMD operates a number of alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), including those powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), propane, methanol (M85), ethanol (E85), and electricity. Most of these vehicles are assigned to AQMD inspectors or utilized in the AQMD's motor pool. Many of these vehicles perform "double-duty" as part of the AQMD's car pool program.

Several of the AQMD-owned AFVs are used in the Technology Advancement Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fleet Lease Demonstration Program. This program makes these vehicles available to public and private organizations on a short-term lease, no-cost basis, so that potential purchasers may familiarize themselves with available alternative technologies. This program also makes AFVs available to legislators to familiarize them with clean fuel vehicle technologies. These vehicles are made available by AQMD staff for demonstration and display at meetings, conferences, and workshops. To be most effective, the lease program must include the most advanced, commercially available AFVs to be test driven by prospective purchasers. Electric bikes are becoming popular with security organization and large facilities. The bikes will be loaned to police departments, colleges and manufacturers.

Proposal

Staff recommends Board authorization for up to $100,000 in total to purchase four new vehicles and two electric-assist bicycles. These vehicles will replace six existing vehicles in the Technology Advancement Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fleet Lease Demonstration Program. The vehicles to be replaced are two 1993 Ford Taurus FFVs, two 1993 Dodge Intrepid FFVs, and two 1993 Eagle Vision FFVs, all powered by M85. The vehicles being replaced are no longer commercially available or have been dramatically redesigned and will be transferred to the AQMD's motor pool.

Specifically, it is recommended that the AQMD issue purchase orders for:

• One M85 Ford Taurus FFV - ARB-certified as a transitional low-emission vehicle (TLEV) and has been redesigned for the 1996 model year. The 1996 model features a revised catalyst, an Electric Thermactor Air (ETA) system, new steel fuel tank (18 gallon capacity), a revised fuel composition sensor, and a new in-tank fuel delivery module. The estimated cost of this vehicle is $20,000.

• Prior year models have been successfully sold to rental fleets and private, sales-oriented fleet operators, that is, fleets which do not operate on a daily fixed route schedule.

• One CNG-powered Ford Crown Victoria - ARB-certified as a ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) and is the first CNG-powered sedan offered for sale by a major auto maker. The estimated cost of this vehicle is $25,000.

• This model is particularly attractive because of its broad use as a police and taxi cab fleet vehicle in the South Coast Air Basin.

• One CNG-powered Ford F-Series pickup truck - This truck is Ford's first CNG-powered pickup. This model features the Ford 4.9L I-6 Gaseous Fuel Prep Engine and is offered with either a bi-fuel or dedicated fuel system. Both versions will be certified at the low emission vehicle standard. Staff recommends the purchase of the dedicated fuel system design with an estimated vehicle cost of $25,000.

• One CNG-powered Dodge Ram pickup truck - ARB-certified as a ULEV and is Chrysler's first CNG-powered pickup offering. This model features the Dodge 5.2 V-8 natural gas engine and a dedicated fuel system. The estimated cost of this vehicle is $25,000.

• Pickup trucks are attractive for airport and municipal truck pools, delivery trucks, couriers, utilities, and vehicles for trades such as plumbers, electricians, and carpenters.

• One AeroVironment AV Patroller - This bicycle has been successfully demonstrated by the Monrovia Police Department. It has 21 speeds, 0.5 horse power, and has a reasonable weight-to-power of 112 lbs/hp. The estimated cost of the bicycle is $2,000.

• One Electric Bicycle Company EV Warrior Deluxe - This bicycle was developed by Malcom Brinklin and Malcom Currie in conjunction with CALSTART. This unit has a very high power of 1.2 hp and a better weight-to-power of 96 lbs/hp. The estimated cost of the bicycle is $1,500.

• Electric-assist bicycles are beginning to build a niche market, particularly with police departments who use them in congested, downtown areas and in parks to arrive at a scene quickly without the need for a motor vehicle.

This proposed project is included in the Technology Advancement Plan for the Clean Fuels Program in two sections, for the CNG and M85 vehicles as MS-11, "Development and Demonstration of Low Emission, Alternative Fuel Technologies for On-Road Applications," and for the electric-assist bicycles as MS-13, "Development and Demonstration of Advanced Electric Vehicle Technologies." The expected benefits of this project are direct emission reductions during the demonstration period, evaluation of technical performance, and increased public awareness. The goal is to evaluate real-world technical performance, including reliability, durability and safety, while at the same time identifying barriers to broader commercialization. Staff will be investigating electric vehicles, such as General Motors' EV1, during Fiscal Year 1996-97.

Sole Source Justification

Section II, Step 3(C) of the Consultant Selection Policy and Procedures identifies four provisions under which the Executive Officer may award a sole-source bid: (1) cost to prepare documents exceeds cost for consultant, (2) delay would result in the endangerment of public health, (3) services are only available from sole-source, (4) other circumstances exist identifying sole-source as in the best interests of the AQMD. This request for sole-source bid is made under provision #3.

The objective of the Technology Advancement Alternative Fuel Vehicle Fleet Lease Demonstration Program is to make available the most advanced, commercially available vehicles for test driving by prospective purchasers. Ford Motor Company and the Chrysler Corporation are the only automakers to currently market certified low-emission, CNG and M85-powered vehicles. AeroVironment and the Electric Bicycle Company are local, Southern California-based companies offering high-powered electric-assist bicycles. There are a number of electric-assist bicycles on the market, produced both in the U.S. and in other countries. AeroVironment and Electric Bicycle Company produce the only products with adequate power and range to meet a variety of terrain and application requirements necessary for this project.

Resource Impacts

Total estimated cost of these four vehicles and two electric-assist bicycles, including tax and license, will not exceed $100,000. Sufficient funds are available in FY 1995-96 Budget to fund this project.

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