Fleet Support

Current Idling Regulations in the USA. Salt Lake County Idle Policy Salt Lake City Idle Policy Alternative fuel vehicle fleets and niche markets Although air quality and energy security are high on the list of reasons why fleets switch to alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), the bottom line is economics when it comes to purchasing vehicles. For AFVs to substantially penetrate the market, fleets must concentrate its efforts on applications where AFVs make sense...and cents. Incorporating AFVs into niche markets is a good way for fleets to come out economically ahead of the game. High-mileage, centrally fueled fleets-such as taxis and shuttle services-are good examples of appropriate niche markets. That's because these types of fleets consume large quantities of fuel, so, over time, fleet managers enjoy the cost savings associated with less expensive alternative fuels. Similarly, low-mileage, high-use vehicle fleets-such as airplane tugs and baggage carts that idle or repeatedly start and stop-are good niche markets. The niche market approach is a strategy based on a sound and sustainable infrastructure plan, rather than one based on regional vehicle acquisitions. Although both are equally important, niche markets represents an important shift in the strategic mindset of alternative fuel marketing-one that is critical to long-term success. Utah is fortunate to have one of the largest natural gas refueling infrastructure in the country. Fuel is available on Interstate 15 and in Salt Lake Valley. Because natural gas is convenient, shuttle services drive natural gas vehicles (NGVs.) Companies such as Questar and Utah Power also have large numbers of NGVs. The Salt Lake International Airport operates a large NG fleets, including their shuttle buses. Jordan School District operates a large portion of their school buses on CNG. Because natural gas costs considerably less than petroleum, the best fleet use is with vehicles that have high mileage and high fuel consumption.