Archive for the ‘Impala’ tag
State of Oklahoma Signs Up for Fleet Conversion to CNG
The State of Oklahoma’s Department of Central Services Fleet Management Division recently entered into an agreement with Oklahoma based Tulsa Gas Technologies, Inc. (TGT), and CNG conversion technology manufacturer NaturalDrive Partners, LLCÂ to provide Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified OEM-style compressed natural gas (CNG) conversion technology for use in its vehicle fleets. TGT will provide the equipment and training necessary for fleet conversion.
DCS Fleet Management is projected to perform 60 conversions to run as dedicated natural gas vehicles for participating State agencies during the next year. Using NaturalDrive conversion technology, these full-size alternative fuel vehicles will be utilized in a variety of state government applications.
Oklahoma’s government entities with formalized CNG vehicle conversion targets in this group include the Oklahoma legislative branch, Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma Department of Commerce, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality and Oklahoma Department of Central Services.
Laboratory results for the State’s “first in class†model year 2008 CNG Impala showed a 75% reduction in oxides of nitrogen, the primary cause of smog and haze in metropolitan areas as well as a 66% reduction in carbon monoxide for a combined reduction of harmful environmental pollutants of 222 pounds over the life of the vehicle.
NaturalDrive design innovations include an advanced fuel injection control system that works in concert with the vehicle’s OBD-II (onboard computer system) to ensure emissions and fuel efficiency meet or exceed both environmental protection agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration CAFE standards.
Oklahoma State University to Buy 10 Alternative-Fuel Vehicles
Oklahoma State University soon will buy 10 alternative fuel sedans for the school’s motor pool. The Chevrolet Impala sedans will cost about $160,5000 and will have a compressed natural gas conversion option. OSU transportation services manager Chris Hoffman says the vehicles will be used locally and for trips under 250 miles. He says an original equipment manufacturer in Oklahoma will perform the CNG conversion on the vehicles. OSU President Burns Hargis already has said the university plans to build a CNG fueling station on its Stillwater campus. OSU also is considering buying CNG-powered buses for on-campus use. Hoffman says OSU now has no hybrid vehicles but expects that some will be purchased in the future.