Advancing the nation’s economic, environmental and energy security by supporting local actions to reduce petroleum consumption in transportation
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Clean Cities program advances the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local actions to cut petroleum use in transportation. Part of DOE’s Vehicle Technologies Office, Clean Cities has saved more than 8.5 billion gallons of petroleum since its inception in 1993.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory provide support to Clean Cities by conducting studies and informing the scientific community about the costs and effects of idling.
Argonne also manages the Clean Cities University Workforce Development Program (CCUWDP) to provide the automotive and energy sectors with skilled and knowledgeable talent to help shape the future of on-road transportation.
Featured Publications
AFLEET: Assess the Impacts of Conventional and Alternative Fuel Vehicles
The free AFLEET tool simplifies the task of estimating the environmental and economic impacts of both conventional and alternative fuel vehicles.
Using Checklists to Assess Your Transition to Alternative Fuels - Technical Reference Report and Brochure
Argonne National Laboratory has prepared a set of checklists to assist stakeholders charged with determining a feasible alternative fuel or fuels for highway transportation systems of the future.
An Assessment of Causes of PEV Success across U.S. Metro Areas
Using 2014 U.S. light duty PEV registrations by make and model, this paper assesses the causes of Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) success across U.S. states focusing on areas that had incentive and utility programs supporting PEV adoption. Paper from 2016 Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition in Montréal, Canada.
Cargo Handling Equipment at Ports
Historically, most port equipment has been powered by diesel or gasoline, contributing to poor air quality and greenhouse gas emissions. However, increasingly, port equipment may be powered by electricity or fuels that are less polluting. This fact sheet describes types of cargo handling equipment (CHE), their functions, and the fuel types currently available to power them.
Case Study -- Propane School Bus Fleets
Argonne-authored study conducted for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program highlights five school districts that used propane-fueled school buses successfully.
Comparison of Value Retention of Plug-in Vehicles and Conventional Vehicles and Potential Contributing Factors
Plug-in Electric vehicle (PEVs) value retention rate (the ratio of resale value to the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, MSRP) has been reported to be lower than that of their conventional and hybrid electric (HEV) counterparts by the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) and Kelley Blue Book (KBB). Based on a series of reports published by NADA, this study analyses the retention rates of selected PEV models and compares them with conventional and HEV models by vehicle size class taking into account federal and state incentives. Paper from 2016 Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition in Montréal, Canada.
Cow Power: A Case Study of Renewable Compressed Natural Gas as a Transportation Fuel
Cow Power: A Case Study of Renewable Compressed Natural Gas as a Transportation Fuel explores the production and use of R-CNG—derived from dairy farm manure—to fuel heavy-duty milk tanker trucks operating in Indiana, Michigan, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The case study describes the joint endeavor of Fair Oaks Farms, an Indiana-based large dairy cooperative, and ampCNG, a provider of natural gas refueling infrastructure.
Implications of Successes and Failures of BEV-Focused Incentive Support for PEVs in the U.S., Canada and Europe
An international comparative analysis of causes of variation of PEV sales rates per capita in selected U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and European Nations is conducted. 2014-15 light-duty PEV registrations/sales by make and model are examined, drawing heavily on 2014 data for aggregate comparisons. States, provinces, and nations with PEV success, but with widely varying PEV purchase incentives and charging infrastructure installations are examined. The paper focuses particularly presence or absence of long daily distance charging options for PEVs. Paper from 2016 Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition in Montréal, Canada.
Plug-in Vehicle Attributes’ Influence on U.S. Sales in 2014 in States without Preferential Incentives for ZEVs
Influence of vehicle attributes on U.S. sales of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) — plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in year 2014 are analyzed. Attributes examined are price-related market segment, acceleration, range, and number of driven wheels. Paper and presentation from 2016 Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition in Montréal, Canada.
Waste-to-Fuel: A Case Study of Converting Food Waste to Renewable Natural Gas as a Transportation Fuel
Waste to Fuel: A Case Study of Converting Food Waste to Renewable Natural Gas as a Transportation Fuel examines the production and use of R-CNG—derived from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste—to fuel heavy-duty refuse trucks and other natural gas vehicles in Sacramento, California. It highlights the joint endeavor of Atlas Disposal Industries, a waste management and recycling services company, and CleanWorld, a technology provider specializing in anaerobic digesters.
