BOARD MEETING DATE: May 6, 2005
AGENDA NO. 8

Execute Contract to Cosponsor the Conversion, Demonstration, and Certification of a Light-Duty CNG Pick-up Truck

SYNOPSIS:

As part of the overall efforts to expand the deployment of the cleanest vehicle technologies in the South Coast Air Basin, the AQMD has supported the demonstration and deployment of alternative fueled engine technologies for various vehicle applications. Currently, there are no certified light-duty CNG trucks. This action is to co-sponsor the development and integration of a natural gas engine conversion of a Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon. The project will apply for SULEV certification of the 2005 and 2006 model year vehicles. Staff recommends AQMD support for this project in an amount not to exceed $52,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.

COMMITTEE:

Technology, March 25, 2005, Recommended for Approval

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

Authorize the Executive Officer to execute a sole-source contract with Clean Tech, LLC to cosponsor the development, demonstration, and certification of gasoline to CNG conversion of a light-duty pick-up vehicle in an amount not to exceed $52,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund.

Barry R. Wallerstein, D.Env.
Executive Officer

Background

The AQMP identifies the use of alternative clean fuels in mobile sources as a key air quality attainment strategy. The Clean Fuels Program is an integral part of the AQMD effort to achieve clean air standards by supporting and funding the development and implementation of low and zero emission technologies. Currently, there is no compressed natural gas (CNG) light-duty pickup truck available through an original equipment manufacturer (OEM). The light-duty truck has a wide variety of applications for many municipalities as well as private entities. This project proposes to develop, integrate, and demonstrate a CNG fuel conversion system for the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon. The gasoline version of this vehicle is currently CARB certified to ULEV standards. This project proposes to apply for CARB certification for model years 2005 and 2006 and achieve SULEV standards for these vehicles.

Proposal

This project proposes to develop, integrate, and certify a gasoline to CNG conversion system for two new GM light-duty trucks (the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon). This project will demonstrate the viability of converting a gasoline-fueled, 3.5 liter, inline 5-cylinder, 220 horsepower engine to operate on CNG and apply for CARB certification as a SULEV vehicle. Once certified, the vehicle will qualify for inclusion on the Clean Car Choice vehicle list.

The proposed project will proceed in six steps over the course of 18 months:

• Development and Integration of Engineering Prototype
• Retrofit of Testing Prototype
• Preliminary Emission Tests
• Presentation to CARB
• Secondary Emission Tests and CARB Follow-Up, and
• Performance Trials

The project will focus on low emissions, performance, and durability to provide a conversion system that is transparent to the user, utilizing advanced gaseous multi-port fuel injection technology and lightweight fuel storage components.

Clean-Tech is proposed to be the retrofit manufacturer of record and installer and will provide a complete maintenance and warranty package for this vehicle. Clean-Tech is partnering with Eco Fuels, Inc. to provide a substantial amount of direct and in-kind cost sharing for the development and installation of the two prototype vehicles. The baseline vehicles that will be modified for this proposal are two newly designed GM light-duty pickup trucks. The models are a Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon, both of which use a 3.5 liter, 5-cylinder inline, 220 HP, gasoline-fueled engine. One of the vehicles is owned by Clean-Tech, LLC and the other vehicle is owned by Eco-Fuels, Inc.

Staff is requesting the Board’s approval to execute a contract with Clean-Tech, LLC at a cost not to exceed $52,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund to develop and certify the two CNG vehicles.

Benefits to AQMD

The proposed project is identified in the 2005 Plan Update of the Clean Fuels Program under Emission Control Technology - "Investigate and Demonstrate Near-Term Emissions Control Technologies." This project will expand the availability of light-duty utility vehicles and provide municipal and fleets with an alternative fuel vehicle option.

Sole Source Justification

Section VIII.B.2 of the Procurement Policy and Procedure identifies four major provisions under which a sole source award may be justified. This request for a sole source award is made under provision B.2.d.(1): other circumstances, including projects involving cost-sharing by multiple sponsors.

Resource Impacts

The total project costs are expected to be $152,000, and the requested amount from the AQMD will not exceed $52,000 from the Clean Fuels Fund. This cost-share represents one-third of the total project cost. Clean-Tech LLC and Eco Fuels, Inc. will share the balance of costs and provide in-kind services and equipment for the project.

The project duration is approximately 18 months with the converted vehicles continuing in-service operation beyond the time frame of the project. Clean-Tech LLC will provide a complete maintenance and warranty package for the vehicles and will continue monitoring and recording performance, including durability and maintenance data. The partners and cost-share are provided in the table below.
 

Sufficient funds are available from the Clean Fuels Fund, established as a special revenue fund resulting from the state-mandated Clean Fuels Program. The Clean Fuels Program, under Health and Safety Code Sections 40448.5 and 40512 and Vehicle Code Section 9250.11, establishes mechanisms to collect revenues from mobile sources to support projects to increase the utilization of clean fuels, including the development of the necessary advanced enabling technologies. Funds collected from motor vehicles are restricted, by statute, to be used for projects and program activities related to mobile sources that support the objectives of the Clean Fuels Program.

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