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MIT’s Experience with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Vehicles in Fleet Operations

Steven M. LanouProgram Manager for Sustainability Initiatives

MIT Environmental Programs Office617-452-2907 slanou@mit.edu

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Two CNG Vehicles in Use

2000 GMC Box Truck 2002 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van

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Why Do We Have Them?

• To Act on the Institute’s Commitment to Reduce the Environmental Impact of its Operations

• Road Test the Technology• Demonstrate Leadership in and Feasibility of

Campus Applications of Alternative-Fuel Vehicles

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How Did We Choose CNG?

• Best Available Technology• No Gasoline-Electric Hybrids• No Biodiesel• No Appropriate Electric Options• Required a Duel-Fuel Technology to Reduce Risk

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How Has CNG Worked for Us?• Excellent performance – No Compromises• No Additional Maintenance or Maintenance Costs• Less Expensive Fuel - $80-$100 vs. $160/week• Fast Filling Rate – Same as Gas• Only Weekly Fill Required (Recycling Truck)• No Dead-Heading for Recycling Truck Fuel Trips• Builds Awareness of and Recognition for

Environmentally Responsible Action

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What Are the Drawbacks?• Increased Cost for CNG Retrofits • No Local Fueling Locations – Everett, MA• High Cost and Political Barriers to Local Filling

Station Siting• Limited Scalability with No Local Filling• May Not be Competitive with Newer Technologies:

• Environmental Performance (GHG/methane)• Ease of Use / Convenience (vs. hybrid, etc.)

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What Does the Future Hold?• Should Periodically Assess Options• CNG May Not be the Choice in the Future• Other Technologies Now Viable

• Clean Diesel / ULSD• Biodiesel• Gas-Electric Hybrid, Other?

• Have to Consider Local Situation & Opportunities, e.g. Cambridge DPW

• Need for Campus-Wide Alt. Vehicle Guidance

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University Innovations May Lead to New Solutions for Greening Our Transportation Infrastructure …