Fuels & Fuel Prices

This story comes from the 04/21/08 issue of AutoWeek magazine. You can't approach a neighborhood electric vehicle the same way you'd approach a typical gasoline-powered, fully functioning car. NEVs are meant to fill a gap in the transportation chain for clean city vehicles. (NEV is a federal category for electric cars that don't exceed 25 mph. Big carmakers are likely to use them to help meet coming zero-emissions-vehicle requirements.) They are nowhere near as solid, sturdy or safe as even the flimsiest Fiat. However, they are-and this one, in particular, is--well north of the golf-cart category.

ZENN stands for „zero emission, no noise,“ and that's pretty much what you get, as long as you figure electricity off the grid as zero emissions. The ZENN EV seats two people and can haul 13 cubic feet of luggage in something that is far more substantial than the golf-cart-like GEM e4 we wrote about four years ago („A Glimpse of Future Past,“ AW, June 28, 2004). The ZENN is a three-door hatchback („fully enclosed!“) with an aluminum spaceframe covered in plastic body panels. An AC electric motor spins the front wheels. With all of its torque available at 0 rpm, the ZENN, like many electric conveyances, launches from stops with squealing authority. The problem after launch is that federally mandated 25-mph NEV speed limit. Most customers make the technically illegal software change to increase top speed to 35 mph and thus increase their chances of coping in urban traffic. Our test car had no such software assistance, and we found ourselves regularly ducking out of traffic and crawling along curbs to avoid everything else coming up behind us. Nothing goes 25 mph in Los Angeles, no matter what the posted speed limit says. ZENN lists its range as either 35 miles or 30 to 50 miles, depending on where you read it. We found that to be a bit of a stretch.We traveled 11 miles from home to EV Motors in Glendale and used well more than half the indicated charge. Power comes from six 12-volt lead-acid glass-mat batteries. The brushless AC motor makes 7.5 hp, which, on paper, doesn't seem like enough to move the 1280-pound car around, but it behaved better than most gasoline powered cars off the line and across the intersection. It was just after that where the ZENN faltered. The car bounced and wallowed more than a typical Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, and the very skinny 13-inch wheels and tires were easily overwhelmed. But you adapt your driving style accordingly. The four-wheel discs, along with regenerative braking, meant that slowing was a little choppy. Inside, the ZENN is much more like a real car than the GEM. The doors, dash, seats and instrumentation were far better and more carlike than those in the GEM, which we described as being „like a really well-engineered“ port-a-potty. Our test ZENN had the optional power cloth sunroof ($1,195) and stereo ($195) and the standard power windows, heater and defroster. We didn't have the $2,200 electric air conditioning. Base price is $15,995. ZENN knows it can't market this car the same way you'd market a Pontiac or a BMW. „This is a car for the urban pioneer,“ said ZENN regional sales director Bill Williams. „The urban pioneer is a young college grad with a job who needs to wear a suit to work yet lives in and around this downtown core center.“ There are now 34 dealers in and around downtown core centers, including the pioneering guys at www.environmen­talmotors.com in Glendale, California, where we got this car. To find your ZENN, visit Zenn AutoWeek | Updated: 04/17/08, 3:46 pm et

Don't be shocked Electricity can be used to power electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles directly from the power grid. Vehicles that run on electricity produce no tailpipe emissions. The only emissions that can be attributed to electricity are those generated in the production process at the power plant. Electricity is easily accessible for short-range driving.

What is an electric vehicle? In an electric vehicle (EV), a battery or other energy storage device is used to store the electricity that powers the motor. EV batteries must be replenished by plugging in the vehicle to a power source. Some electric vehicles have onboard chargers; others plug into a charger located outside the vehicle. Both types, however, use electricity that comes from the power grid. Although electricity production may contribute to air pollution, EVs are considered zero-emission vehicles because their motors produce no exhaust or emissions.

The vehicle specifications provided below are intended to provide an introductory description of the vehicle. Please note that the information provided on this page and in the associated cost analysis should not be used in making vehicle purchase decisions. Always consult the dealer directly to get actual vehicle information and costs. Dynasty Motorcar Corporation Dana Spicer Dealer Locator Phone 866–818–1688

ZENN Motor Company Helical gear transmission Dealer Locator Phone 877–817–7034

Miles Automotive Dealer Locator Phone 866–742–6274

National Clean Diesel Campaign U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Phone (734) 214–4955 Fax (734) 214–4869

Office of Rural Development U.S. Department of Agriculture Phone (202) 690–4730

Clean Fuels Grant Program The Clean Fuels Grant Program assists designated ozone and carbon monoxide air quality nonattainment and maintenance areas in achieving or maintaining the National Ambient Air Quality Standards through grant funding. The program accelerates the deployment of advanced bus technologies by supporting the use of low-emission vehicles in transit fleets. The program assists transit agencies in purchasing low-emission buses and related equipment, constructing alternative fuel stations, modifying garage facilities to accommodate clean fuel vehicles, and assisting with the use of biodiesel. For more information, see the Clean Fuels Grant Program fact sheet

Federal Transit Administration, Office of Program Management U.S. Department of Transportation Phone (202) 366–4020

U.S. Department of Energy Phone (800) 342–5363 Fax (202) 586–4403

State Energy Program (SEP) Funding The SEP provides grants to states to assist in designing, developing, and implementing renewable energy and energy efficiency programs. Funding from the SEP is directed to state energy offices, and each state�s energy office manages all SEP-funded projects. States may also receive project funding from technology programs in the U.S. Department of Energy�s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) for SEP Special Projects. EERE distributes the funding through an annual competitive solicitation to state energy offices. For more information about the SEP, including SEP project descriptions, visit the SEP Web site

Clean Cities The mission of Clean Cities is to advance the energy, economic, and environmental security of the United States by supporting local initiatives to adopt practices that reduce the use of petroleum in the transportation sector. Clean Cities carries out this mission through a network of more than 80 volunteer coalitions, which develop public/private partnerships to promote alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, and idle reduction. Clean Cities provides information about financial opportunities, coordinates technical assistance projects; updates and maintains databases and Web sites, and publishes fact sheets, newsletters, and related technical and informational materials. For more information, visit the Clean Cities Web site.

SmartWay Transport Partnership The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a voluntary partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the ground freight industry. It was designed to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution through increased fuel efficiency. EPA provides Partners with benefits and services that include fleet management tools, technical support, information, public recognition, and use of the SmartWay Transport Partner logo. The SmartWay Transport Partnership is working with states, banks, and other organizations to develop innovative financing options that help Partners purchase devices that save fuel and reduce emissions. Grants are available to states, nonprofits, and academic institutions to demonstrate innovative idle reduction technologies for the trucking industry SmartWay Transport Partnership U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Phone (734) 214–4767 Fax (734) 214–4052

Vehicle Incremental Cost Allocation The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is required to allocate the incremental cost of purchasing alternative fuel vehicles across the entire fleet of vehicles distributed by GSA. This mandate also applies to other federal agencies that procure vehicles for federal fleets. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 13212 ©) U.S. General Services Administration Phone (703) 605–5630 AFVteam (at) gsa­.gov

Vehicle Acquisition and Fuel Use Requirements for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets Under the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992, certain state government and alternative fuel provider fleets are required to acquire alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). Compliance is required by fleets that operate, lease, or control 50 or more light-duty vehicles within the U.S. Of those 50 vehicles, at least 20 must be used primarily within a single Metropolitan Statistical Area/Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area. Those same 20 vehicles must also be capable of being centrally fueled. Covered fleets earn credits for each vehicle purchased, and credits earned in excess of their requirements can be banked or traded with other fleets. Additionally, fleets that use fuel blends containing at least 20% biodiesel (B20) in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles may earn credits toward their annual AFV acquisition requirements.

On March 20, 2007, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a final rule on Alternative Compliance (Section 703 of EPAct of 2005), which allows fleets the option to choose a petroleum reduction path in lieu of acquiring AFVs. Interested fleets must obtain a waiver from DOE by proving that they will achieve petroleum reductions equivalent to that achieved by having AFVs running on alternative fuels 100% of the time. For more information, visit the EPAct State and Alternative Fuel Provider Rule Web site, or contact the Regulatory Information Line at (202) 586–9171 or regulatory_in­fo (at) afdc.nrel­.gov.(Referen­ce 42 U.S. Code 13251 and 13263a, and 10 CFR 490) State and Alternative Fuel Provider Rule U.S. Department of Energy Phone (202) 586–6116 linda.blueste­in (at) hq.do­e.gov

U.S. EPA Raises the Renewable Fuels Standard for 2008 February 7, 2008. In response to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), signed into law by President Bush in December 2007, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has subsequently the increased the 2008 Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) to 7.76% in order to meet the new requirement that all transportation fuels sold contain a minimum of 9 billion gallons of renewable fuel in 2008, as set by the EISA. To determine these volumes, EPA calculates the percentage-based standard annually, which applies to refiners, importers, and non-oxygenate blenders of gasoline. The new RFS supersedes the 2008 RFS that EPA published in November 2007, prior to the enactment of the EISA.

The EISA requires an increase in the overall volume of renewable fuels that must be blended into transportation fuels each year, increasing to 36 billion gallons per year by 2022. In addition, beginning in 2013, a certain percentage of the renewable fuels must be advanced and/or cellulosic based biofuels and biomass-based diesel. For more information on these requirements and the RFS program, visit the EPA�s RFS Program Web site as well as the RFS information on the Federal Incentives & Laws Web site.

Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands Program The Alternative Transportation in the Parks and Public Lands Program provides funding to support public transportation projects in parks and on public lands. The goals of the program include conservation of natural, historical, and cultural resources, and reduced congestion and pollution. The Federal Transit Administration administers the program while partnering with the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service to provide for technical assistance in alternative transportation options. Eligible projects include capital and planning expenses for alternative transportation systems such as clean fuel shuttle vehicles. For more information, see the Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands fact sheet. (Reference 49 U.S. Code 5320) Federal Transit Administration, Office of Program Management U.S. Department of Transportation Phone (202) 366–4020

Loan Guarantee Program The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) provides loan guarantees to eligible projects that reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases, and support early commercial use of advanced technologies, including biofuels and alternative fuel vehicles. The loan guarantee program is not intended for research and development projects. DOE may issue loan guarantees for up to 100% of the amount of the loan for an eligible project. For loan guarantees of over 80%, the loan must be issued and funded by the Treasury Department's Fe­deral Financing Bank. For additional program guidelines and solicitation announcements, please visit the Loan Guarantee Program Web site. (Reference 42 U.S. Code 16513)

U.S. Department of Energy Phone (800) 342–5363 Fax (202) 586–4403

Biodiesel Income Tax Credit An entity that delivers pure, unblended biodiesel (B100) into the tank of a vehicle or uses B100 as an on-road fuel in their trade or business, may be eligible for a nonrefundable income tax credit in the amount of $1.00 per gallon of agri-biodiesel (e.g. biodiesel made from soybean oil), or $0.50 per gallon of pure biodiesel made from other sources (e.g. waste grease). The volumetric excise tax does not apply to the sale or use of B100. Eligible entities must have a certificate from the biodiesel (B100) producer or importer identifying the product as biodiesel or agri-biodiesel, confirming that it is properly registered as a fuel with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and that it meets the requirements of American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) specification D6751. (Reference Internal Revenue Code 40A) Point of Contact U.S. Internal Revenue Service Phone (800) 829–1040 or (800) 829–4933

Biodiesel is a liquid fuel made up of fatty acid alkyl esters, fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), or long-chain mono alkyl esters. It is produced from renewable sources such as new and used vegetable oils and animal fats and is a cleaner-burning replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel. It is nontoxic and biodegradable. Biodiesel has physical properties similar to those of petroleum diesel:

Like petroleum diesel, biodiesel is used to fuel compression-ignition (diesel) engines. Low-level blends of biodiesel with petroleum diesel also provide benefits.

What are alternative fuels and their names? these fuels are defined as alternative fuels and are currently, or have been, commercially available for vehicles.

Biodiesel Electricity Ethanol Hydrogen Methanol Natural Gas Propane Other Fuels

Several emerging fuels are currently under development. Many of these fuels are also considered alternative fuels and may have other benefits such as reduced emissions or increased energy security.

Biobutanol Biogas Biomass to Liquids (BTL) Coal to Liquids (CTL) Fischer-Tropsch Diesel Gas to Liquids (GTL) Hydrogenation-Derived Renewable Diesel (HDRD) P-Series Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel

If your fuel economy is excessively low, your vehicle may need to be serviced or repaired. You may want to contact your dealer or a reputable repair facility to check your vehicle. The following are some of the diagnostic checks a mechanic will typically conduct for poor mpg:

Perform „On-Board Diagnostic System Check“ for diagnostic trouble codes (sensors or actuators which may be malfunctioning) Check for dragging brakes Check transmission shift patterns for slipping, use of all gears, lock-up operation Check ignition timing Check owner's driving habits including A/C usage, hard accelerations, carrying heavy loads Check emission control system Check vacuum hoses for leaks, kinks, proper routing Check tire pressure Check fuel type, quality, and alcohol content Check fuel pressure and fuel system for leaks Check air cleaner element Check coolant level Check ignition system for wet plugs, cracks, wear, improper gap, burned electrodes, or heavy deposits, cracking or improperly connected ignition wires Check for proper calibration of speedometer In extreme cases, there may be engine problems such as poor compression or faulty fuel injectors

Gas Guzzler Tax on the sale of new model year vehicles whose fuel economy fails to meet certain statutory levels. The gas guzzler tax applies only to cars (not trucks) and is collected by the IRS. The fuel economy figures used to determine the Gas Guzzler Tax are different from the fuel economy values provided on this web site and in the Fuel Economy Guide. The tax does not depend on your actual on-the-road mpg, which may be more or less than the EPA published value. The purpose of the Gas Guzzler Tax is to discourage the production and purchase of fuel inefficient vehicles. The amount of any applicable Gas Guzzler Tax paid by the manufacturer will be disclosed on the automobile's fuel economy label (the window sticker on new cars).

Gasoline sold at retail outlets Gasoline Sources and Markets BP Amoco Corporation Operates over 18000 BP, Amoco and ARCO stations in the US Chevron Corporation Chevron is a leading marketer of petroleum products Conoco Corporation Exxon Mobil Corporation Operates stations world wide as Exxon, Mobil and Esso Phillips66 Phillips Petroleum Company is a major, integrated oil company based in the United States with worldwide operations Royal Dutch/Shell Group Operating in more than 135 countries, Shell is engaged in the core businesses of Exploration and Production , Oil Products, Chemicals, Downstream Gas and Power and Renewables. Texaco Corporation

Biofuels are a balanced energy solution

Earth Biofuels, Inc. is a vertically integrated renewable energy company and one of the first of its kind in the biofuels industry. As a producer, distributor, and marketer of biodiesel fuel, the company operates at each level of the supply chain from raw materials to the retail level. Through an exclusive licensing agreement, the Company markets its biodiesel under Willie Nelson's brand name biodiesel, „BioWillie“.

If you believe there may be price-gouging or price-fixing, please contact your local authorities and fill out the Department of Energy's Gas Price Watch Reporting Form.