Technology Committee

The Technology Committee met on March 28, 1997. Major items discussed included updates on OEM Electric Vehicles, TDM Vehicles, and an Emission Surcharge for Stationary Source Technology; a review of Technology Advancement items reflected in the regular Board Agenda for the April Board Meeting; and distribution of the Technology Advancement Plan for the Clean Fuels Program and Technology Advancement Annual Report. A summary of these topics with the Committee's comments is provided, together with an attendance roster. The next Technology Committee meeting is April 25, 1997 at 11:30 a.m.

Receive and file this report.

Update on Introduction of Original Engine Manufacturer (OEM) Electric Vehicles

General Motors introduced the EV1 last December, and will soon introduce the E-10, an electric S-10 pick-up truck. Honda will sell the EV Plus in May, 1997 and Toyota will offer the RAV-4 EV in October, 1997. These last two EVs use nickel-metal-hydride advanced batteries which give a range of over 100 miles. Ford will introduce the electric Ford Ranger pick-up truck in October, 1997. Like the GM EVs, it will use advanced lead-acid batteries. Chrysler, Nissan and Mazda have not specified any EV introductions. All seven manufacturers are obligated to the ARB to place in service the equivalent of 3,750 EVs with advanced, long-range batteries before the year 2000.

Update on TDM Vehicles

The prototype World Electric Vehicle will be introduced April 7 at the 1997 Environmental Vehicles Conference and Exposition in Detroit, Michigan. The vehicle will then be shipped to ARB for performance testing and evaluation. At that time the vehicle will be available to the AQMD for limited demonstration.

Emission Surcharge for Stationary Source Technology

Staff has proposed a new emission fee to generate revenues that will be used to support, manage, and administer the development of advanced technologies for stationary sources for which resources were not previously available. The technologies and stationary sources to be considered for support will address VOC, NO_x, SO_x, and/or PM. This fee rate will be assessed on facilities emitting 10-250 tons per year and will be implemented in two steps over a two-year period. This new fee is proposed to sunset in 2009, consistent with the Clean Fuels Program funding and the projected attainment of clean air standards in the Basin.

Committee Topics

1. Execute Contracts with Acurex Environmental Corporation and CARB to Cost-Share Demonstration of Fuel-Borne Catalyst System to Reduce NO_x and Particulate Emissions from Diesel-Fueled Vehicles - Acurex Environmental Corporation has proposed a demonstration of an innovative heavy-duty diesel technology in a California fleet application. The technology, developed by Rhone-Poulenc, Inc., simultaneously achieves low NO_x and particulate levels by utilizing a cerium-based diesel fuel additive to achieve regeneration of a particulate aftertreatment filter. Total project cost is $1.3 million. AQMD cost-sharing is $225,000. The Committee reviewed the information presented, and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

2. Execute Contract with New Emission Reduction Associates and CARB to Cost-Share Evaluation of In-Use Vehicles Retrofitted with Advanced Aftermarket Catalytic Converters - The effectiveness of vehicle catalytic converters decreases as mileage increases. In this project, New Emission Reduction Associates (New ERA) will evaluate the effectiveness of replacing factory-equipped catalytic converters from in-use vehicles with advanced aftermarket units. This strategy could ultimately be used to generate emission reductions which could be used towards compliance with AQMD rules. Total project cost is $140,000. AQMD costsharing is $70,000. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

3. Execute Contract with ARB to Develop and Demonstrate Automatic Charging System for Electric Vehicles - Vehicle manufacturers are introducing battery-powered EVs in response to ARB regulations and other agreements. When manually connecting electrical charging cords to EVs, some consumers are concerned about possible electric shock. This activity is also inconvenient and may unnecessarily expose consumers to electromagnetic fields. The ARB, in cooperation with the AQMD, has proposed to develop an automated, hands-off charging system that improves overall consumer-friendliness of battery-powered EVs. AQMD funding for this $483,650 project will be $150,000. The Committee reviewed the information presented and noted their approval of staff’s recommendation.

4. Execute Contract with California Electric Transportation Coalition to Identify Public Charging Sites for Electric Vehicles - The California Electric Transportation Coalition has proposed to identify prime public charging sites for EVs within the South Coast Air Basin. Such sites will be those most visible and useful to EV owners and also will promote and encourage EV ownership. These sites will also assist utilities in preparing the electricity infrastructure to support EVs. AQMD funding for this $87,000 project will be $40,000. Two Committee members left the meeting early and, therefore, less than three members were present. Pursuant to the Procedures for Standing Committees of the Governing Board, the Committee provides this communication but no recommendation.

5. Execute Contract with Gladstein & Associates to Cost-Share Phase II of the Interstate Clean Transportation Corridor and Support the Local Government Clean Fuels Outreach Program - Gladstein & Associates proposes to continue the Interstate Clean Transportation Corridor (ICTC) project and to initiate a clean fuels outreach program to local governments. ICTC Phase II will continue to implement clean fuel trucks and infrastructure on interstate corridors. This effort will be expanded to increase awareness and involvement of local governments in clean fuel vehicles, with particular emphasis on designated Department of Energy Clean Cities to facilitate use of clean fuel vehicles in the public and private sectors. Total AQMD funding will not exceed $133,000. Two Committee members left the meeting early and, therefore, less than three members were present. Pursuant to the Procedures for Standing Committees of the Governing Board, the Committee provides this communication but no recommendation.

6. Execute Contract with Battelle Memorial Institute to Cost-Share Feasibility Study of Butane-Propane Blend Fuel in Heavy-Duty Engines - Because of fuel formulation requirements of California Phase 2 gasoline, refiners are accumulating excess butane. Butane is a cleaner-burning fuel than gasoline or diesel, and because of excess supply, could be priced lower than propane. Battelle Memorial Institute has proposed to investigate the feasibility of butane-propane blend as a motor vehicle fuel through optimization and laboratory testing of a heavy-duty engine and development of fuel level and composition sensors. Total project cost is $342,000 with AQMD cost-sharing of $162,000. Two Committee members left the meeting early and, therefore, less than three members were present. Pursuant to the Procedures for Standing Committees of the Governing Board, the Committee provides this communication but no recommendation.
Other Business

7. Distribution of Technology Advancement Plan for the Clean Fuels Program and Technology Advancement Annual Report - Andy Abele distributed copies of these documents to all Committee members.
Public Comment Period - There was no public comment.
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