December Question of the Month

Question of the Month: What are the major electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) networks, and how can plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) drivers access their stations? What are the costs associated with each network?

Answer:

Most PEV charging occurs at home, but for those who have a need to charge at a public location, it’s important to understand available charging networks. While EVSE networks and charging infrastructure are frequently evolving, the major networks currently include AeroVironment, Blink, ChargePoint, GE WattStation Connect, Greenlots SKY, NRG eVgo, SemaConnect, and Tesla. Each network has a unique model, with the most common approaches being monthly subscriptions, pay-as-you-go (i.e., pay per charge), and free (free to charge and no subscription fee required).

To determine which charging networks have EVSE along your regular routes and close to your frequent destinations, use the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Station Locator (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/locator/stations/) and the Plan a Route function (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/locator/stations/route/). Select a station, click “more details,” and refer to the “electric charging network” field. Please note that many public EVSE are not networked and do not require specific access cards.

EVSE Networks

For detailed information on each charging network, see below.

AeroVironment (http://evsolutions.avinc.com/services/subscriber_network/)

·        Access: Monthly subscription, pay-as-you-go. Unlimited monthly access is provided for a monthly rate, or you may pay-as-you-go. To subscribe, call the company or fill out a form online. You will receive a key fob in the mail, which is needed to initiate a charging session. A one-time activation fee of $15 is required for new subscribers.

·        Contact: 888-332-2148, evscs@avinc.com

Blink (Car Charging Group) (www.blinknetwork.com)

·        Access: Pay-as-you-go. Start by registering a credit card with a Blink account. There are no required annual or monthly membership fees, and no minimum credit card balance. Once registered, you will receive an “InCard” and can initiate a charge using the card. Guests can also initiate a charge with Blink’s mobile application.

·        Contact: 888-998-2546, support@blinknetwork.com

ChargePoint (www.chargepoint.com)

·        Access: Pay-as-you-go, free. Sign up for free by submitting your credit card information via the website. You will receive an access card in the mail. If you initiate a session at a networked station that requires a fee, ChargePoint will assess an initial deposit of $25. Stations can be activated by using the ChargePoint card or your registered credit card. Users who do not have a ChargePoint card can use the EVSE by calling the number provided below, which is also listed on the EVSE.

·        Contact: 888-758-4389, support@chargepoint.com

GE WattStation Connect (www.gewattstation.com/connect/)

·        Access: Pay-as-you-go. To start charging with WattSation Connect, register and log in through the website. You will then be asked to link your account to PayPal for payment, and download the WattStation Connect mobile application.

·        Contact: 855-443-3873, wattstation.support@ge.com

Greenlots SKY (www.greenlots.com)

·        Access: Monthly subscription, pay-as-you-go. To start charging with the Greenlots SKY network, download the Greenlots mobile application, which will allow you to search for stations, view real-time status and pricing, and choose between a prepaid monthly subscription or pay-as-you-go.

·        Contact: 888-751-8650, support@greenlots.com

NRG eVgo (www.nrgevgo.com/)

·        Access: Monthly subscription, pay-as-you-go. NRG eVgo provides multiple charging network plan options, including a monthly subscription and an option to pay-as-you-go. To subscribe, visit the website and sign up for a charging plan in your area.

·        Contact: 855-509-5581, support@evgonetwork.com

SemaConnect (www.semaconnect.com/) 

·        Access: Pay-as-you-go. To sign up, log on to the SemaConnect website and open a new account with a $20 balance charged to a major credit card. You will receive a “SemaCharge Pass” radio-frequency identification (RFID) card that can be used to initiate charging at any SemaConnect location. SemaConnect also offers mobile payments via its smartphone application, toll-free number, or via a QR code scan.

·        Contact: 800-663-5633

Tesla (www.teslamotors.com/supercharger)

·        Access: Free.Tesla Superchargers do not require an access card; Tesla Model S owners can drive up and plug in. The chargers are compatible with Model S vehicles equipped with the 85 or 60 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack that have been configured to use Superchargers. Note that other PEV models cannot access Tesla Superchargers.

·        Contact: 877-79-TESLA

The table below provides an overview of the access type and costs associated with each network.

	Network Access	Cost
AeroVironment	Monthly subscription; Pay-as-you-go	$19.99 per month $4.00-$7.50 per charge
Blink	Pay-as-you-go	$0.39-$0.79 per kWh OR $6.99-$9.99 per charge
ChargePoint	Pay-as-you-go; Free	$25 initial fee Cost per charge varies
GE WattStation Connect	Pay-as-you-go	Cost per charge varies
Greenlots SKY	Monthly subscription; Pay-as-you-go	Subscription costs and cost per charge vary
NRG eVgo	Monthly subscription; Pay-as-you-go	Cost per charge varies by region
SemaConnect	Pay-as-you-go	$20 initial fee Cost per charge varies
Tesla	Free	N/A

Multi-Network Access

Some companies have teamed up to facilitate access to multiple charging networks with one access/payment card. Nissan LEAF drivers, for example, can enroll in the EZ-Charge program (www.ez-charge.com) and use EVSE on the AeroVironment, Blink, ChargePoint, Greenlots, and NRG eVgo networks in certain markets.

Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team

technicalresponse@icfi.com

800-254-6735

Lancer Automotive Group & GPS Insight Sign Partnership

GPS Insight enters installation, distribution
partnership with Lancer Automotive Group.
18 December 2014

GPS Insight, a top GPS fleet tracking provider, signed a non-exclusive,
installation and distribution partnership agreement with Lancer Automotive
Group, a leader in the intermountain west for alternative fuel conversions.
Lancer Automotive will add the GPS Insight fleet tracking solution to its CNG,
LPG and EV products, providing a one-stop shopping experience for
commercial fleets that are looking to reduce their dependence on petroleum
based fuels.

Lancer Automotive Group will work with fleets to leverage the fleet
operations data provided by the GPS Insight fleet tracking solution, to
reduce emissions as part of an Idle Free Campaign and to lower fuel
consumption. As part of Lancer Automotive Group’s Green Fleet program,
they will donate $5.00 for each unit sold to the Clean Cities Coalition in the
state which the GPS Insight tracking device is used.

“Idle reduction strategies is a key part of the Clean Cities program. The
partnership between GPS Insight and Lancer Automotive Group will enhance
our idling program by providing the additional training needed for fleets. The
donations provided by Lancer Automotive Group will help us purchase
additional idle reductions supplies for our schools throughout the state. Big
thank you!”  -Robin Erickson, Executive Director Utah Clean Cities

The capability of the GPS Insight system makes economic sense for our fleet
customers, offering a quick return on investment. This partnership provides
a great way for our fleets to use Idle Free training reduce fuel costs, with a
reduction emissions.—Scott Brandeberry, VP Lancer Automotive Group

We are very excited about our partnership with Lancer Automotive Group.
Lancer Auto Group are experts in using GPS based operations data to lower
greenhouse gas emissions for commercial fleets. We have found that the
fleets that measure their greenhouse gas emissions, and implement
programs to reduce them, are by far the most successful in minimizing their
carbon footprint.—Harold Leitner, VP of Business Development at GPS Insight
GPS 

Insight is a fleet and asset tracking software that allows fleet
management professionals to have complete visibility into mobile operations
to reduce costs, reduce risk and increase revenue. GPS Insight provides
highly flexible solutions, which include a wide range of customized reports,
alerts, and other innovative features that Lancer Automotive Group can
tailor to meet specific customer requirements and ensure maximum return
on investment.

To learn more about GPS Insight or to request a demonstration of the
software, contact Scott Brandeberry (scott@lancerautogroup.com) at Lancer
Automotive Group 801-268-8862 or Ryan Driscoll, Marketing Director at GPS
Insight (Ryan.Driscoll@gpsinsight.com) 866-477-4321 x8003

November Question of the Month

Question of the Month: How can I determine whether an alternative fuel conversion system or other aftermarket device claiming to improve fuel economy or reduce emissions has been appropriately certified or verified?

Answer: To ensure an aftermarket system or device is legitimate, you must first confirm that it has been properly vetted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and any applicable state authority, such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB). There are a number of ways to do this, as described below.

Certified Conversion Systems

Always request documentation! Conversion system manufacturers should be more than willing to provide a copy of their EPA-issued Certificate of Conformity (or CARB Executive Order) upon request. For vehicles falling into EPA’s “intermediate age” and “outside useful life” categories, the manufacturer should be able to prove the company has satisfied demonstration and notification requirements.

You can consult EPA’s Alternative Fuel Conversion website (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/fuels/altfuels/altfuels.htm) for files listing “EPA-Compliant Conversion Systems.” All conversion systems listed on this website comply with EPA’s conversion regulations (Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 85, Subpart F). Keep in mind that each system is designed for a specific group of vehicles. Since conversion systems are only listed on this page at the request of system manufacturer, there may be other certified systems, so contact the EPA Compliance Information Hotline for more information (734-214-4343; complianceinfo@epa.gov).

California has its own compliance requirements for conversion systems sold within the state.  For information about California’s requirements, see the CARB Aftermarket, Performance, and Add-On Parts Regulations website (http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/aftermkt/altfuel/altfuel.htm), Note that several other states that have adopted the same regulations.

SmartWay and Other Emission Reduction Technologies

Ask manufacturers of other emissions- and fuel-saving devices whether their products have been reviewed by EPA.

EPA evaluates the fuel-saving benefits of devices such as idle reduction devices, aerodynamics technologies, and low rolling resistance tires. The SmartWay Verified Technologies website (http://epa.gov/smartway/forpartners/technology.htm) provides more information about specific products and models. EPA verifies and approves diesel retrofit technologies for use in its engine retrofit programs and provides information about emissions reductions. See the Verified Technologies List (http://epa.gov/cleandiesel/verification/verif-list.htm). It is important to note that EPA does not endorse these or any other commercial products.

EPA’s Gas Saving and Aftermarket Retrofit Device Evaluation Program, also called the “511 Program” (http://www.epa.gov/oms/consumer/reports.htm), evaluates aftermarket retrofit devices that claim to improve automobile fuel economy and/or reduce exhaust emissions in cars and light trucks. The most recent test report from this voluntary evaluation program is dated 2005, indicating a lack of recent interest, but the program is still relevant.

Check with your state environmental or energy department to confirm whether they have similar programs.

For more information on aftermarket system and device evaluation, see the following websites:

·         AFDC Vehicle Conversions (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/conversions.html)

·         Fact Sheet: Devices and Additives to Improve Fuel Economy and Reduce Pollution - Do They Really Work? (http://www.epa.gov/otaq/consumer/420f11036.pdf)

·         Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information: “Gas-Saving” Products (http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0057-gas-saving-products)

Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team

technicalresponse@icfi.com

800-254-6735

Alternative Fuel Vehicle Awareness Month

2014 Odyssey Day

Wednesday October 22, 2014

Utah State University Eastern

Thanks again to all of those who participated and joined us in celebrating Alternative Fuel Vehicles! 

October Question of the Month

Question of the Month: How does the federal plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) tax credit phase-out work, and has it begun for any vehicle manufacturers? What is the status of other federal alternative fuel tax credits?

Answer: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Qualified Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Tax Credit begins to phase out for a manufacturer when at least 200,000 qualifying vehicles produced by that manufacturer have been sold for use in the United States, based on sales after December 31, 2009. Many of the other federal tax credits, such as the Alternative Fuels Excise Tax Credit and the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit, expired at the end of 2013 and have not been extended or renewed. Additional tax credits have or will expire this year.

Federal PEV Tax Credit Phase-Out

Each manufacturer must report quarterly to the IRS on their vehicle sales. According to the IRS Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Credit Quarterly Sales page (http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/IRC-30D-Plug-In-Electric-Drive-Motor-Vehicle-Credit-Quarterly-Sales), no manufacturers have reached the 200,000 cumulative PEV sales mark. This means all qualified vehicles are still eligible for their full credit amounts.

The phase-out period stretches over one year, beginning in the second calendar quarter after the quarter in which the manufacturer hits the 200,000 vehicle sales mark. From there, all qualifying vehicles sold by the manufacturer are eligible for 50% of their specified credit for the first two quarters and 25% of the credit for the next two quarters. For example if a manufacturer sells its 200,000^th vehicle in the first quarter (Q1) of 2015, the credit amounts for all of that manufacturer’s eligible vehicles would phase out as shown in the table below.

Quarter	Credit
Q1 2015	Full amount
Q2 2015	Full amount
Q3 2015	50% of full amount
Q4 2015	50% of full amount
Q1 2016	25% of full amount
Q2 2016	25% of full amount
Q3 2016	No credit

Also see the phase-out example on FuelEconomy.gov (http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/taxphevb.shtml).

Below are some other helpful facts about the federal PEV tax credit:

• Tax credit amounts range from $2,500 to $7,500 based on the vehicle’s battery capacity and weight. Details can be found on the IRS Qualified Vehicles page (http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Qualified-Vehicles-Acquired-after-12-31-2009).
• To file for the credit, you must complete IRS form 8936 (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f8936.pdf) and attach it to your federal tax return.
• To qualify for the credit, you must own the vehicle. This means that if you lease a vehicle, you are not eligible. That said, the lessor may decide to pass the discount along to you.
• Only new vehicles are eligible; the vehicle may not have been titled before.

For more information, see the Plug-In Electric Drive Vehicle Credit page (http://www.irs.gov/Businesses/Plug-In-Electric-Vehicle-Credit-(IRC-30-and-IRC-30D).

Other Federal Tax Credits

Several tax credits expired after December 31, 2013, including:

• Alternative Fuel and Alternative Fuel Mixture Excise Tax Credits
• Biodiesel Income Tax Credit and Biodiesel Mixture Excise Tax Credit
• Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit
• Qualified Two- or Three-wheeled Plug-in Electric Drive Motor Vehicle Tax Credit

Even more recently, both the Hydrogen Fuel Excise Tax Credit and the Hydrogen Fuel Mixture Excise Tax Credit expired as of September 30, 2014. The Fuel Cell Motor Vehicle Tax Credit and Hydrogen Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit are set to expire on December 31, 2014.

There have been several bills introduced to extend these tax credits during the 113^th Congress. For example, the EXPIRE Act of 2014 (S. 2260; http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.uscongress/legislation.113s2260) proposed to extend the tax credits for 2- or 3-wheeled plug-in electric vehicles, biodiesel and renewable diesel fuel mixtures, alternative fuels, hydrogen, fuel cell vehicles, and alternative fuel infrastructure through 2015. However, none of the bills have been enacted as of October 2014.

For more information on federal incentives for alternative fuels and vehicles, see the following websites:

• Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Federal Laws and Incentives page (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/fed_summary).
• AFDC Expired, Repealed, and Archived Federal Incentives and Laws (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/laws_expired?jurisdiction=US).

Finally, please note that the Technical Response Service recommends consulting a qualified tax professional or the IRS before making any tax-related decisions.

You can contact the Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team by emailing technicalresponse@icfi.com or calling 800-254-6735.

Questar Fueling Announces Opening of CNG-Fueling Station in Dallas

DALLAS – Questar Fueling Company, a subsidiary of Questar Corporation (NYSE:STR), opened its newest compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station at 4243 Duncanville Road in Dallas, Texas. The public-access station will provide fast-fill CNG fueling for Frito-Lay and other fleet operators with medium- and heavy-duty trucks.

“We are pleased to be a part of Frito-Lay’s goal to be the most fuel-efficient fleet in the country,” said Craig Wagstaff, Questar Fueling executive vice president and COO. “Our transportation customers want clean fuels like reliable, low-cost natural gas for their fleets and they don’t have time for delays. That’s why our high-speed, high-volume CNG-fueling stations have captured their attention. Some of the nation’s largest fleet operators like Frito-Lay are transitioning to clean-burning natural gas, and we’re committed to developing the CNG-fueling infrastructure that keeps them on the road at lower cost.”

This is Questar Fueling’s third CNG station in Texas, with other stations in Houston and DeSoto. The company recently opened two stations in Kansas and, over the next 12 months, expects to open other stations along major U.S. transportation corridors in California, Connecticut, Nevada, Missouri, Ohio, Illinois and Georgia. Companies such as Frito-Lay, Swift Transportation, Central Freight Lines, Dart Transit and many others operating medium- and heavy-duty trucks are finding it easier to fill up with clean-burning natural gas. The new Dallas CNG station offers six high-speed fueling lanes for large trucks. The station will also be open to members of the general public who drive natural gas-powered vehicles. The price for CNG is currently about $2 per equivalent gallon compared to about $3.65 per gallon of diesel fuel.

There are over 15 million natural gas vehicles on the road worldwide – but only 140,000 are in the United States. Now that the U.S. has become the world’s largest natural gas producer, the transportation industry is accelerating its integration of natural gas-powered trucks.

Questar (NYSE: STR) is a Rockies-based integrated natural gas company with an enterprise value of about $5.5 billion and three complementary lines of business: retail natural gas distribution, interstate natural gas transportation and natural gas and oil development and production www.Questar.com

Idle Free Awareness Season

September Question of the Month

Question of the Month: What are the new credit allocations that were established under the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE)’s Alternative Fuel Transportation Program (Program) earlier this year? How can I help spread the word on these new Energy Policy Act (EPAct) compliance pathways?

Answer: DOE issued a final rule on March 21, 2014, that establishes credit levels for additional means by which covered state and alternative fuel provider fleets operating under the Program’s StandardCompliance (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/epact/state_standard_compliance.html) option may earn credits. These credits may be used toward compliance with a fleet’s alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) acquisition requirements. DOE promulgated the rule pursuant Congress’ direction, set forth in Section 133 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

Vehicles
The new credit allocations address the acquisition of various types of electric drive vehicles and allow covered fleets to earn credits under Standard Compliance for some vehicles that do not meet the EPAct 1992 definition of an AFV. Newly eligible vehicles include the following (with their credit allocations):

• Certain hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) – one-half credit
• Plug-in electric vehicles – one-half credit
• Fuel cell electric vehicles – one-half credit
• Neighborhood electric vehicles – one-fourth credit

Medium- and heavy-duty HEVs are also eligible for one-half credit after a fleet has met its light-duty AFV acquisition requirements.

Infrastructure
Acquiring the electric drive vehicles noted above is not the only new way to earn credits under EPAct Standard Compliance. Fleets may now earn credits for investments of their own funds (not grant funds or other monetary awards) in qualified alternative fuel infrastructure. For every $25,000 invested, a covered fleet may earn one credit, with a limit of five credits available per fleet per model year for private infrastructure investment, and ten credits per fleet per model year for public infrastructure investment.

Other Investments

Fleets may also earn credits for investments in alternative fuel non-road equipment and/or emerging technologies associated with the Section 133-identified vehicles. The credits for non-road equipment are similar to infrastructure – one credit for every $25,000 invested and a maximum of five credits may be earned per fleet per model year. Emerging technologies investments will earn a covered fleet two credits for the initial investment of $50,000 and one credit for every $25,000 invested thereafter, with a limit of five credits per fleet per model year.

Fleets may begin taking advantage of these new credit allocations for their efforts undertaken in model year 2014 and future model years.

How Can You Spread the Word?

Are you aware of any covered utility or state fleets that are building new fueling infrastructure?

• Inform them they can earn EPAct credits.

Do you have an EPAct covered fleet stakeholder that needs an extra push to buy or lease HEVs?

• Let them know that certain HEVs are now eligible for EPAct credits.

Do you or your stakeholders have questions regarding EPAct compliance?

• Contact the Regulatory Information Hotline: regulatory.info@nrel.gov or 202-586-9171.

Note that covered fleets are currently compiling their Program reports for model year 2014 (September 1, 2013 to August 31, 2014) activities, which are due by December 31, 2014.

For more information, refer to the following resources:

• EPAct Frequently Asked Questions for State and Alternative Fuel Provider Fleets website (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/epact/faqs.html)
• Final rule (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-03-21/pdf/2014-06044.pdf))
• EPAct Transportation Regulatory Activities Statutes and Regulations website (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/epact/statutes_regulations.html)
• Webinar: Final Rule on Electric Drive Vehicles and Infrastructure (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9LixPTkA7M)