natural gas
Alternative Financing: Will your lender buy in to alternative fuel?
MONTREAL, QC -- Trucks that run on alternative fuels promise to be easier on the environment, but the equipment itself can be tougher on a capital budget. Consider natural gas. It’s historically cheaper than diesel, but the trucks that use it can cost an extra $50,000 to $100,000 over the price of their conventionally fueled counterparts, depending on the spec’s.
Quebec renews support for natural gas trucks
MONTREAL, QC - Quebec's latest budget has renewed the Ecocamionnage (green trucking) program until 2020 and offers more financial support to those who want to fuel up with natural gas. And $20.5 million continues to be available to expand the fueling network.
Canada’s emission goals take center stage
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Canada's is embracing an "ambitious" climate change objective that by 2030 would eliminate more Greenhouse Gases than come from every vehicle on the road today, according to Jody Proctor, Transport Canada's director - clean air policy analysis. Almost ¼ of the nation's Greenhouse Gas emissions come from transportation, and 80% of that comes from on-road vehicles, she said during a panel discussion at the annual Green Truck Summit. Trucks account for about 30% of that. "Transportation clearly needs to be part of our climate change solution," she told the crowd, stressing that climate change will cost Canadians $21-43 billion per year by 2050.
IN PRINT — Natural Investments: Will carbon taxes boost natural gas trucking?
Times were different when C.A.T. signed the deal for 100 trucks that run on Compressed Natural Gas. The Canadian and U.S. dollar were essentially valued at par, increasing the fleet's buying power on U.S.-made equipment. Quebec's provincial government also pledged $15,000 per truck, helping to offset any sticker shock around the emission-friendly designs, and natural gas was clearly cheaper than diesel when oil was close to $100 per barrel.
A price on carbon, but support for natural gas?
TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association wants the provincial government to offer up to $60,000 per natural gas vehicle in a bid to offset purchase prices that are higher than diesel equipment -- but it's also asking funders to consider more than vehicle and fuel station costs alone.
Diesel Dilemma: Are the days of our favorite fuel numbered?
Rudolf Diesel must be rolling in his grave. The 19th-century inventor gave birth to the engine that bears his name. Now the country where he did the work is looking to bring the technology to an end. German legislators recently passed a resolution that calls for a ban of all internal combustion engines as early as 2030.
Ontario to invest in green trucks, natural gas network
TORONTO, ON - Ontario has unveiled a five-year Climate Change Action Plan that includes funds to adopt greener commercial vehicles and build a province-wide natural gas fueling network. A new Green Commercial Vehicle Program to launch in 2017 will include up to $170 million in incentives for adopting electric and natural gas commercial vehicles, aerodynamic devices, anti-idling devices, and electric trailer refrigeration. The funding available for specific technologies is not referenced. Another $75-$100 million will be used to build a province-wide natural gas fueling network, which will be developed with input from the Ontario Trucking Association, Union Gas, Enbridge Gas, and others. Natural gas has a lower carbon content than diesel.