CNG as SEXY

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Ideas to generate more public awareness of CNG as a viable and available motor-fuel

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Latest Activity: Nov 13

I saw today's ( Monday, Oct. 13, 2008) interview with Jay Leno on pickensplan.com/news , and he said something that I've been thinking for as long as I've been involved with CNG. Most of the public has absolutely no idea that natural gas can be used as a vehicle fuel. They see buses, or fleet vehicles, or 4 door Hondas and some of the others that are or have been available in the past, and they don't even notice. These vehicles are, lets face it, boring. No one looks twice at them. They have no "WOW" factor, and they disappear into the background. So the availability of fuel to run their cars, literally at their doorsteps, is largely unknown.

As a member of the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition in the mid 90s, I saw exactly the same thing, or lack of the same thing. That's when I started thinking that the vehicle in the picture could be a vehicle to help build public awareness of CNG as a fuel, at-home refueling appliances like FuelMaker / Phill , and the ability to convert existing vehicles to run on clean natural gas. I had intended to introduce it during the Atlanta 1996 Olympics, but personal, financial and health problems prevented that from happening. The idea has just as much merit, if not more, now.

The vehicle is called Solo / UCV (urban commuter vehicle) and I designed it ( with Paul Gaines, of Composite Solutions, also a member) as a high performance, single seater to offer a new idea in personal transportation. I can go on and on about how silly it is to use 2500 pound (minimum) 4 or 5 passenger vehicles to take one person back and forth to work, or to run simple errands. The disadvantages are obvious to all of us here. And while car pooling and mass transit work well for many people, they lack the flexibility and freedom provided by the private car that Americans have come to take for granted.

An ultra-light, highly fuel efficient single seat vehicle offering the performance, comfort and safety of a conventional vehicle could provide a rational and responsible alternative to established means of surface transportation, while addressing a number of drawbacks of the car as we know it.

To achieve very high fuel efficiency ( target: 100mpg@60MPH cruise), the Solo is aerodynamically clean, and of low mass. The shape borrows heavily from fiberglass sailplanes (gliders), arguably the most aerodynamically efficent vehicles yet devised by humans.

There are obvious safety concerns surrounding a vehicle so small and light (target weight: 600lbs), and a sailplane's structure is not appropriate for anything sharing its operational environment with SUVs. Innovative, proprietary uses of composite materials and unorthodox construction techniques can however, produce a structure providing occupant protection comparable to that of a small car. Designed as an all-composite, stressed skin unit utilizing glass, carbon and aramid fibers, it provides a rigid, protective energy-absorbing cocoon.

Having infinite fatigue life and not being subject to corrosion, a tired but un-crashed Solo could be effectively recycled by stripping the mechanical parts, refinishing the shell, and reassembling with new or reconditioned components. The total-life-cycle energy cost savings of this "Coke bottle" recycling approach are apparent as compared to conventional automotive practice, which is essentially to melt the whole thing down and start over.

Predictable handling, braking and a comfortable ride are achieved utilizing a combination of off-the-shelf components and hardware with proprietary suspension geometry. Additionally, as the vehicle is designed to be entirely modular to facilitate servicing, repair and recycling, production need not be entirely centralized. Containerized kits could be distributed to remote locations for final assembly using common tools, providing employment for medium-skilled workers far from the factory.

Originally conceived in 1984 to be powered by a small displacement gasoline engine, the Solo can be easily reconfigured to use any gaseous fuel, or other power plants including battery-electric or IC/electric hybrid ( where CNG may not be available). While classified as a motorcycle (anything with less than 4 wheels) and allowed to use existing HOV lanes, the vehicle provides full weather protection , and can be fitted with high-efficiency vapor-cycle air conditioning.

I have the partially completed full-scale mock-up at my home, and all the parts, facilities and people are available to make it happen. Any comments, interest, anything? William Engwer

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The SOLO / UCV as a vehicle to raise public awareness of CNG 2 Replies

Started by William Engwer. Last reply by William Engwer Aug 25.

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Comment by Richard Barnard on November 13, 2009 at 11:36am: William - President Bush said yesterday that he will be pushing for natural gas drilling in America. We now have Mr. Pickens and President Bush both from Texas and both oil men promoting NG. This is good - one has billions and the other influence.

Comment by Dave Clement on October 20, 2009 at 2:55pm: CNG National RoadshowClick here for the website and schedule
Traveling accross the USA starting next month, several CNG vehicles and crew will showcase natural gas vehicles. If it stops close to you, please help!!

Comment by amy oconnor on August 28, 2009 at 5:10pm: NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- Natural-gas futures fell sharply to end at a fresh seven-year low on Friday as a glut in supplies and weak demand encouraged traders to continue to sell natural gas. September natural-gas futures fell 14.10 cents, or 4.8%, to finish at $2.804 per million British thermal units on the New York Mercantile Exchange. That is the lowest closing level for a front-month contract since Aug. 9, 2002, when prices ended at $2.761, according to data from CME Group. For the week, natural-gas prices tumbled 43.40 cents, or 13.4%, from last Friday's closing level of $3.238.

Comment by William Engwer on August 25, 2009 at 2:09pm: As of today, I've started actively chasing funding to get this done. Any ideas?

Comment by William Engwer on August 25, 2009 at 2:06pm: Here's the Leno interview. It's right on target.http://www.pickensplan.com/news/2008/10/13/americas-favorite-mechanic-weighs-in-on-the-pickens-plan/

Comment by amy oconnor on August 19, 2009 at 1:18pm: thanks for the heads up, i am now following it

H1622 - this is a "postponed suspension vote" what does that mean ?

This appears to be great - i wonder why as many are opposed to it as are in favor of it ?? i wish opencongress allowed reasons to be posted as to why -
could it be that big oil has little secret bloggers who want to slant toward the negative ?

(a) In General- The Secretary of Energy shall conduct a 5-year program of natural gas vehicle research, development, and demonstration. The Secretary shall coordinate with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, as necessary.
(b) Purpose- The program under this section shall focus on--
(1) the continued improvement and development of new, cleaner, more efficient light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty natural gas vehicle engines;
(2) the integration of those engines into light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty natural gas vehicles for onroad and offroad applications;
(3) expanding product availability by assisting manufacturers with the certification of the engines or vehicles described in paragraph (1) or (2) to Federal or California certification requirements and in-use emission standards;
(4) the demonstration and proper operation and use of the vehicles described in paragraph (2) under all operating conditions;
(5) the development and improvement of nationally recognized codes and standards for the continued safe operation of natural gas vehicles and their components;
(6) improvement in the reliability and efficiency of natural gas fueling station infrastructure;
(7) the certification of natural gas fueling station infrastructure to nationally recognized and industry safety standards;
(8) the improvement in the reliability and efficiency of onboard natural gas fuel storage systems;
(9) the development of new natural gas fuel storage materials;
(10) the certification of onboard natural gas fuel storage systems to nationally recognized and industry safety standards; and
(11) the use of natural gas engines in hybrid vehicles.
(c) Certification of Conversion Systems- The Secretary shall coordinate with the Administrator on issues related to streamlining the certification of natural gas conversion systems to the appropriate Federal certification requirements and in-use emission standards.
(d) Cooperation and Coordination With Industry- In developing and carrying out the program under this section, the Secretary shall coordinate with the natural gas vehicle industry to ensure cooperation between the public and the private sector.
(e) Conduct of Program- The program under this section shall be conducted in accordance with sections 3001 and 3002 of the Energy Policy Act of 1992.
(f) Report- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide a report to Congress on the implementation of this section.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2010 through 2014 to carry out this section.
(h) Definition- For purposes of this section, the term `natural gas' means compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, biomethane, and mixtures of hydrogen and methane or natural gas

Comment by William Engwer on August 19, 2009 at 12:07pm: This is important. http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h1622/news?sort=toprated

Comment by Dave Clement on June 25, 2009 at 9:15am: Tune in to American Chopper on TLC, Thursday, June 25, at 9/8c to watch the crew from Orange County Choppers (OCC) build the world's first natural gas-powered chopper. Built to show America the promise of natural gas as a clean energy resource, and in conjunction with Chesapeake Energy's 20th anniversary, the talented crew from the hit TV show American Chopper partnered with the company to build a natural gas-powered bike. The episode covers the bike's production process as Paul Sr. and crew visit a drilling rig and learn how natural gas can power everything form a semitruck to a custom chopper.

See the bike in person. Follow the journey of the OCC natural gas chopper on Facebook and Twitter. It may be visiting your area soon.

Thursday, June 25 at 9/8c
Spread the word!
This is the kind of show that can get the message accross about CNG!!

Comment by younkin on February 14, 2009 at 5:23pm: Thousands of Safe CNG Vehicles

In 2008, more CNG vehicles were sold or converted in the state of Utah than in the rest of the nation. This influx of CNG Vehicles onto Utah’s highways increased the need to ensure that CNG vehicles are safe and running clean.

Anticipating the need for trained CNG Technicians, approximately 120 CNG Technicians in the state of Utah were Trained and Certified as CNG System Inspectors and installers in 2008. There are now more Certified CNG Inspectors and installers in the State of Utah than any other State. These technicians have the repair facilities, experience and training necessary to carry out the CNG Inspections for both Safety and Emissions.

In an attempt to address public concern over the safety of CNG vehicles, in January of 2009 the Utah Highway Patrol ruled that if a CNG system was not “EPA approved” it was “unsafe” and not qualified for licensing, while a CNG system with a sticker of EPA approval was “safe”. This misguided ruling threw the fledgling but promising CNG industry in the state of Utah into death throws. It suddenly put thousands of conscientious citizens outside the law if they wanted to continue driving their clean running, safely converted CNG vehicles.

The proposed UHP 2009 inspections did not take into account the fact that all CNG systems, whether EPA approved or not, need to be verified safe and clean running by people trained and qualified to make that evaluation.

Who are CCATS and where did they come from?

CCATS (Certified CNG Automotive Technicians for Safety) was officially organized on January 13, 2009. It was formed in response to the UHP ruling that non EPA Certified CNG Installs were automatically unsafe and illegal to drive in Utah. CCATS members contend that ALL CNG INSTALLS whether EPA or not need to be tested for Safety and Emissions. If an install is safe and clean it should be legal.

CCATS currently has 8 members on its Governing Board and is open to any number of supporting members, contributing members and specialists.

Our Governing Board has in excess of 250 combined years of automotive experience. There are members on the Governing Board who have been doing safety and emission testing for the state of Utah since the inception of these programs. All voting members are certified or qualified in testing and repair of CNG systems, ASE certified A1, A6, A8, F1 and are certified CSA Inspectors for High Pressure Cylinder systems.

Our goal here at CCATS is to put thousands of safe, clean running CNG vehicles on the road and have Utah take the lead in demonstrating a viable, efficient system of certifying these vehicles on a regular basis. CCATS feels that education is the key to accomplishing this goal; educating the UHP, working with and educating various state agencies as well as educating the general public are all vital to our overall goal. CCATS will provide this education through our website, informational seminars, technical training, brochures and videos. (For more information about CCATS email: safecng@gmail.com or contact any board member)

Certified Automotive Technicians for Safety (CCATS) Proposes:

1- Providing CNG informational materials to share with the general public.

2- Creating Safety and Emission inspection procedures for CNG vehicles.

3- Providing CCATS training programs for UHP Inspectors, CNG Mechanics and CNG repair shops.

The implementation of these programs will:

1- Encourage more people to safely convert to CNG.

2- Contribute to safer highways and better air quality.

We all want clean air and safe vehicles. This proposal provides a way to encourage more CNG vehicles on the road, not less. Implementing this program can set an example to the United States and the rest of the world. Our CNG training, testing, certification and informational materials can be shared with others to promote clean, economical, safe fuel alternatives, and help reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

Sincerely,

Jim Younkin
Secretary CCATS
younkin@gmail.com
801-427-2284

For more information email safeCNG@gmail.com

Comment by Dave Clement on February 3, 2009 at 11:11am: Please join us for a kickoff luncheon for Pima Association of Governments' Sustainability and Energy Expo. Richard Kolodziej, president of NGVAmerica (Natural Gas Vehicles), will present "America's Fuel: Natural Gas, The Right Choice Right Now" at noon, March 6, at the Manning House.
NGVAmerica is a national organization dedicated to the development of a growing, sustainable and profitable market for vehicles powered by natural gas and biomethane. NGVAmerica represents more than 100 engine, vehicle and equipment manufacturers; fleet operators and service providers, natural gas companies, and environmental groups and government organizations interested in the promotion and use of natural gas and biomethane as transportation fuels.
Prior to joining the NGVAmerica in 1996, Mr. Kolodziej was group vice president of the American Gas Association where he held a number of senior positions including vice president of planning, vice president of communications, and senior vice president of marketing and communications.
Mr. Kolodziej serves on committees of a number of energy and alternative fuel vehicle organizations. He is the president of the International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles, president of the American Biogas Alliance and a member of the Alternative Fuels Committee of the Transportation Research Board. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the National Energy Foundation, and the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
RSVP by Feb. 20. (Cost is $40 per person and $400 per table). Please print out invitation and mail back the bottom portion with your payment or credit card information or call 729-1093, ext. 423, to reserve your seat today!
Ensuring a reliable energy supply for American has never been a more timely topic. Hope you can join us to hear what a leader at the front lines of the energy transformation has to say!
Sheila Storm
Communications Director
177 N. Church Ave., Suite 405
Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: (520) 792-1093
PAG's Sustainability and Energy EXP09 Coming Soon! More than 5,000 people are expected to visit the EXPO at the TCC on March 6 and 7. Join us for a film festival, expert panel discussions on green building, living sustainably and more, and see our display of alternatively fueled vehicles. Raffle prizes include a scooter! For details, visit www.TucsonAltEnergyExpo.com or www.PAGnet.org.