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The purpose of the Idaho Petroleum Reduction Leadership Project was to assist with the establishment of compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel availability and use in the State of Idaho. Republic Services achieved a significant reduction in diesel fuel by converting a portion of their trash and recycling truck fleet in the Boise area to CNG fuel, as well as installing CNG fueling infrastructure at the company's fleet facilities in Boise and Nampa. The project resulted in the establishment of the first permanent public CNG fueling facilities in Idaho. It also included conducting outreach efforts to encourage other fleet operators and the public in the Boise area to use CNG.

This project will pursue improved safety and reduced cost associated with handling and transporting reclaimed lithium-ion batteries.

Independence National Historical Park, the home of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, tells the story of ideas that have shaped our nation. In 2015, the park replaced six of its conventional mowers with propane mowers, as well as three of its conventional refuse-collection vehicles with those that run on electricity. Over the course of the next 10 years, the park expects to save nearly $20,000, all while demonstrating how these technologies are helping to protect one of America's most important historic sites.

The Initiative for Resiliency in Energy through Vehicles (iREV) project aims to bolster emergency management and response through utilizing existing AFV fleet vehicles for emergency situations. The project addresses this need by equipping emergency planners with the tools, information, and intra- and inter-state coordination strategies necessary to incorporate alternative fuels into emergency management and preparedness operations, including state and local energy security and assurance efforts. The National Association of State Energy Officials will work with its network of State Energy Offices, the National Governors Association and the International Emergency Managers Association to help incorporate alternative fuel and advanced vehicles into multiple emergency preparedness plans that address varied geographies and potential incidents.

Heavy-duty fuel cell electric vehicles still face technological and market challenges that need to be overcome to advance the adoption and commercialization of hydrogen technologies. In particular, the integration and packaging of the different components of a fuel cell electric powertrain is complex and remains costly. In addition, hydrogen fuel prices remain high, the cost of fuel cell stacks and hydrogen fuel storage solutions is still high, and there is a need to increase hydrogen storage energy density. Cummins proposes to design, build, test, and demonstrate a fuel cell electric powertrain for heavy-duty trucks and buses that can help reduce costs and advance the commercialization of hydrogen vehicles. The proposed fuel cell powertrain technology offers the following benefits: 1) Vertically integrated powertrain, 2) Modular and scalable, 3) Highly integrated and manufacturable, 4) Increased driving range, 5) Increased fuel economy, 6) Rapid refueling, 7) 1:1 replacement of conventional vehicles, and 8) Total cost of ownership reduction.

For more information on this project, check the Technology Integration 2021 Annual Report or Annual Merit Review presentation.

This project will explore micro-transit solutions for public transit resulting in coordinated multi-modal movement of people.

In California's Central Valley, high auto ownership costs, limited transit service, and increasing housing costs are an accessibility triple threat for low-income populations in rural communities. These residents need more affordable, clean, safe, and reliable travel modes that fill the wide accessibility gaps between existing transit service and personal vehicle ownership. Many of these residents struggle to access essential opportunities (education and jobs) and essential services (health care, recreation, and healthy food). In rural communities, high-quality transit services (fixed route and dial-a-ride) are challenging to provide because of low-density, dispersed development patterns. These conditions provide an opportunity to meet local needs with highly efficient alternative fuel vehicles. The project involves a volunteer ride program (Míoride) using electric vehicles from a local electric vehicle carsharing organization (Míocar). Volunteer drivers use the electric vehicles to provide critical rideshare services for low-income communities in rural Tulare and Kern Counties in exchange for use of the electric vehicles for their own transportation needs, demonstrating the value of these vehicles in effectively meeting the needs of rural communities. The project team is collecting operational data from the vehicles and charging stations to assess the energy efficiency of the rideshare system.

For more information on this project, check the Technology Integration 2020 Annual Report or Annual Merit Review presentation.

The objective of this project is to develop and conduct a pilot launch of a nationwide network of public institutions for higher education (IHEs) and career and technical education institutions (CTEs) that will provide a sustainable, standardized, hybrid online/in-person training. The training will focus on electric vehicle (EV) maintenance for the current automotive technician workforce that work outside Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) dealership networks and/or those workers seeking to transition from legacy energy and transportation jobs to new green energy jobs. Upon completion of the training, the participant will be prepared to take a hybrid/EV specialist test, such as the L3 administered by the ASE Education Foundation of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The project will incorporate equity considerations to ensure inclusiveness that embraces traditionally underserved and marginalized communities in alignment with the Department of Energy’s Justice40 initiatives. The goal is a “one-stop-shop” where individual technicians or small groups of technicians such as in fleet maintenance are seeking EV training within easy geographic reach of their employers.

The Lake Michigan Corridor Alternative Fuel Implementation Initiative, which includes southeastern Wisconsin, greater Chicago, and Northern Indiana, will work to make existing municipal fueling stations available to other fleets; create vehicle conversion inspection criteria; and train and educate fuel retailers, first responders, vehicle mechanics, code officials, measurement agencies, and fleet operators.

Leadership of Employers for Electrification Program (LEEP) is an equity-centered national workplace charging program with best practice certification. This program offers employers electric vehicle (EV) charging guidance and streamlines the process of logistical collaboration with industry suppliers. Forth leverages partnerships with leading key organizations nationwide, to implement regional employer-centered charging guidance. LEEP will engage thousands of workplaces in achieving the goal of installing at least 20,000 chargers across the United States in three years. This coordinated, user-friendly approach toward education, outreach, and technical assistance will encourage employers to make the necessary investment in EV charging.

For more information on this project, check the Technology Integration 2022 Annual Report or Annual Merit Review presentation.