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Are Electric School Buses Safe?

Are Electric School Buses Safe?

While extremely rare, school bus fires are possible with any type of school bus. In general, electric vehicle fires are much less common than fossil fuel vehicles. A 2016 USDOT study found that school bus fires in the U.S. occur, on average, slightly more than daily, mostly starting in the engine area, running gear, or wheel area.

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Wisdom From Early Leaders in CT School Bus Electrification

Wisdom From Early Leaders in CT School Bus Electrification

Early leaders of Connecticut’s transition to school bus electrification shared their wisdom with CT’s school districts in a November 6th roundtable hosted by Greater New Haven Clean Cities (GNHCC). The panelists included Connecticut Technical High School System...

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ACES Up: a Connecticut Partnership Easing the Road to School Bus Electrification (Webinar Recording & Slides)

ACES Up: a Connecticut Partnership Easing the Road to School Bus Electrification (Webinar Recording & Slides)

On Wednesday, July 27, 2022, GNHCCC held a web meeting with Brendan Sharkey of ACES Up and Daisy Solutions to learn about a peer-to-peer school bus electrification support offered by Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES), the regional education service center for 25 school districts in south central Connecticut. ACES UP is rolling out a network of dedicated EV chargers, and provides grant application, design & installation, and solar & storage solutions for school districts across Connecticut to support the statewide deployment of electric school bus transportation.

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About Us

The GNHCCC brings together stakeholders in the public and private sectors to deploy alternative and renewable fuels, idle-reduction measures, fuel economy improvements, and emerging transportation technologies. Our goal is to improve air quality, support economic development, increase energy security, and reduce dependence on petroleum. We do this by providing education and training, technical expertise, networking opportunities, and funding assistance to our stakeholders.

Nationally, there are nearly 100 Clean Cities coalitions that advance the nation’s economic, environmental, and energy security by supporting local actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and cut petroleum use in transportation.

Learn how the national network of Clean Cities coalitions works today to create the transportation system of tomorrow.

National network of Clean Cities coalitions celebrates 25 years
Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition logo - CT state outline with outline of New Haven county.

Why Clean Cities?

The United States consumes approximately 20 million barrels of petroleum per day, about three-fourths of which is used for transportation.

Support U.S. Economy and Energy Security

Transportation accounts for nearly one-sixth of the average American household’s expenses PDF (second only to housing). Improving efficiency and reducing costs in this sector can make a notable impact on our economy.

Reduce emissions impacting air quality and public health

Widespread use of alternative fuels and advanced vehicles could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions, smog-forming compounds, particulate matter, and other air pollutants that impact our air quality and public health.

Greater New Haven Clean Cities Team

Paul Wessel, Director

wessel@nhcleancities.org

Lee Grannis, Board Chair

grannis@nhcleancities.org

 

Peter Cyr, Program Manager / Fleet

cyr@nhcleancities.org

Josh Davis, Administrator

davis@nhcleancities.org

Geremy Schulick, Program Manager / EVs and Charging Infrastructure

schulick@nhcleancities.org

Ana Semeghini, Intern / Clean School Bus

ana@nhcleancities.org

Dan Ciarcia, Consultant

dan@twowillowsconsulting.com

 

GNHCCC Stakeholders

Nearly 13,000 stakeholders contribute to Clean Cities’ goals and accomplishments through participation in nearly 100 Clean Cities coalitions across the country. Private companies, fuel suppliers, local governments, vehicle manufacturers, national laboratories, state and federal government agencies, and other organizations join together under Clean Cities to implement alternative-transportation solutions in their communities.

Technology

We work with fleets of all vehicle sizes, vehicle numbers, and vocations to find ways to reduce petroleum consumption through the use of alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, and other fuel-saving measures.

Alternative and Renewable Fuels

Many different fuel options exist which can help displace petroleum consumption and reduce emissions. These fuels are defined in the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) including biodiesel, electricity, ethanol, hydrogen, natural gas, propane. Alternative fuels may include both renewable and non-renewable fuels, and interest in their use is expanding among the general public as well as large fleets. Although availability of different fuels has sometimes been a challenge in the past, refueling infrastructure is expanding throughout the country and specifically Connecticut to meet the growing demand.

icon_biodiesel_greenBiodiesel is a domestically produced, renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease for use in diesel vehicles. Biodiesel’s physical properties are similar to those of petroleum diesel, but it is a cleaner-burning alternative. Using biodiesel in place of petroleum diesel, especially in older vehicles, can reduce emissions. To find out more about biodiesel, visit the US Department of Energy’s biodiesel website or you can download a PDF fact sheet to print out.
icon_electricity_greenElectricity can be used to power all-electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). These vehicles can draw electricity directly from the grid and other off-board electrical power sources and store it in batteries. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) use electricity to boost fuel efficiency. Using electricity to power vehicles can have significant energy security and emissions benefits. To find out more about powering cars with electricity, visit the US Department of Energy’s electricity website or you can download a PDF fact sheet to print out.

You can download a list of available EVs, PHEVs, and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) with data including make, model, year, range, MPGe, MSRP, federal tax credit, and the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) incentive amounts.

icon_ethanol_greenEthanol is a renewable fuel made from corn and other plant materials. The use of ethanol is widespread—almost all gasoline in the U.S. contains some ethanol. Ethanol is available as E85—a high-level ethanol blend containing 51%-83% ethanol depending on season and geography—for use in flexible fuel vehicles. E15 is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as a blend of 10%-15% ethanol with gasoline. It is an approved ethanol blend for model year vehicles 2001 and newer. To find out more about ethanol, visit the US Department of Energy’s ethanol website or you can download a PDF fact sheet to print out.
Hydrogen, when used in a fuel cell, is an emissions-free alternative fuel that can be produced from diverse domestic energy sources. Research and commercial efforts are under way to build the hydrogen fueling infrastructure and produce hydrogen fuel cell vehicles that are practical for widespread use. To find out more about hydrogen, visit the US Department of Energy’s hydrogen website.

You can download a list of available EVs, PHEVs, and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) with data including make, model, year, range, MPGe, MSRP, federal tax credit, and the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) incentive amounts.

icon_natgas_greenNatural gas is a domestically produced gaseous fuel, readily available through the utility infrastructure. This clean-burning alternative fuel can be used in vehicles as either compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), renewable natural gas (RNG), or biogas. To find out more about natural gas, visit the US Department of Energy’s natural gas website or you can download a PDF fact sheet to print out.

icon_lpg_greenPropane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or propane autogas, has been used worldwide as a vehicle fuel for decades. It is stored as a liquid, and propane fueling infrastructure is widespread. To find out more about propane autogas, visit the US Department of Energy’s propane website or you can download a PDF fact sheet to print out.

Alternative Fuel Prices

Compare the latest quarterly national average price report.

Vehicle Search

Find and compare alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), engines, and hybrid systems for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles.

Fuel Station Locator

Find a fueling station near you.

Gallons of gasoline equivalent saved in 2017

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

As vehicle technology continues to advance, the variety of vehicle types available is increasing rapidly. Consumers and fleets can now choose to purchase vehicles that use an alternative fuel, an advanced hybrid powertrain, all-electric vehicles, energy-efficient diesel, or simply a highly efficient conventional gasoline engine. More choices, such as fuel-cell vehicles are on the horizon. The Department of Energy provides a list of energy-efficient technologies that are offered on many vehicles available today. AFVs are available either as conversions or as original manufacturer equipment, and come in both light-duty passenger vehicles and heavy-duty vehicles and equipment. Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), as defined by the EPAct, include any dedicated, flexible-fuel, bi-fuel, or dual-fuel vehicle designed to operate on at least one alternative fuel. To the right are the definitions of each type.

Dedicated

Designed to run only on the alternative fuel.

Flexible-fuel

Capable of operating on gasoline, E85, or a mixture of the two.

Bi-fuel

Designed with two separate fueling systems that allows for operation on natural gas or propane and conventional gasoline.

Dual-fuel

Requires both alternative fuel and diesel fuel storage and delivery systems. Mainly developed for heavy-duty applications-usually out of warranty.

Success Stories & Case Studies

Find case studies and other information about fleets that have successfully adopted alternative fuels and advanced vehicles

Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Search

Find and compare alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), engines, and hybrid systems

Clean Cities Guide to Alternative Fuel & Advanced Medium- & Heavy-Duty Vehicles

Overview the individual medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, listed by application

Model Year 2018: Alternative Fuel and Advanced Technology Vehicles

Read through the list that provides a snapshot of the vehicles available. The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) hosts an online database (afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/search) that is regularly updated and may contain more vehicles and data than were available when originally published.

Fuel-Saving Measures

More than 250 million vehicles consume millions of barrels of petroleum every day in the United States. On-road passenger travel alone accounts for more than 2.5 trillion vehicle miles traveled each year. You can use strategies and techniques to conserve fuel which will save money.
box_fuel_econ_greenSave money, reduce climate change, reduce oil dependence costs and increase energy sustainability
box_idle_red_greenFind out how to reduce fuel costs, engine wear, emissions, and noise. Connecticut anti-idling regulations prohibit vehicles of all kinds from unnecessary idling for more than 3 minutes. You can find out about more Connecticut anti-idling efforts.

Projects

GNHCCC and its stakeholders have received several grants throughout the past few years! Click on the tabs below to find out what projects are being funded thanks to these awards.

The Greater New Haven Clean Cites Coalition, Inc. (GNHCCC) partnered with Plug in America to promote and demonstrate plug-in electric vehicle (PEV) use by establishing local Connecticut showcases that provide a hands-on consumer experience and in-depth education in a variety of venues. The project will help promote the use of PEVs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on petroleum in transportation. The project also covers the Northeastern states Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Vermont. Visit www.FairfieldEVshowcase.org to see our first event of the project.

Public fleets are seeing huge benefits from the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs). By eliminating fuel consumption, EVs reduce costs to fleets, promote energy independence and help protect the environment. Although EVs are increasingly becoming a successful application for fleets, higher incremental costs, procurement processes, and insufficient charging infrastructure remain as critical barriers to adoption.

EV Smart Fleets seeks to address these barriers by aggregating state and local fleet purchases for EVs and charging stations through a multi-state aggregated EV solicitation and procurement agreement. EV Smart Fleets will leverage the purchasing volume of public fleets across the country in order to reduce vehicle and infrastructure costs, improve contract terms, provide access to a wider range of EV models, and expand access to charging infrastructure. This multi-state procurement will be issued and managed by the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) through its ValuePoint Program.

CTCCFFThe Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition, Inc. (GNHCCC), together with over 30 partner organizations will develop and implement a state-wide, fuel-neutral effort that will deploy 269 alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) through incremental funding and provide fueling capability for 21 additional fleet vehicles and infrastructure necessary to directly support the vehicle deployments as part of the Connecticut Clean Cities Future Fuels Project. The project will increase the utilization of alternative fuels; strengthen the availability of alternative fuels for fleets and commercial consumers along major corridors in the state; raise awareness and foster greater understanding of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies through a targeted outreach and education effort; create and retain jobs; reduce dependence on foreign oil; reduce harmful emissions; and contribute to a sustainable alternative fuels market.
BioWatz_Logo_FinalFunded in FY2008, the BioWatz Project allowed the GNHCCC to work with Chris Glynos at BioPur, Inc., located in Bethlehem, CT, to build on the biodiesel production facility operated by Glynos. The project engaged an integrated team to design, develop and deploy a Power Generation System at the BioPur facility which would enable the production of electricity with biodiesel. The project proved to be very successful, allowing Glynos to sell his renewable power to the local power company — after he uses some of it to provide power for the biodiesel production facility. The project collected data through a system designed and installed by Sabre Engineering of Colorado and Innovation Drive, the project management firm provided support to the growth of this operation. The federal project officially ended in late 2010.
TrolleyLineThe City of New Haven in conjunction with the GNHCCC deployed an electric trolley system in downtown New Haven during the early 2000’s. E-Bus of Downey, California built four 22 foot dedicated electric trolley replicas that had the capability of both standard battery charging and fast charging. The batteries were charged with “Green Electric Power” derived from waterpower, wind and solar. The project provided a clean alternative fuel for public transportation. Everywhere the electric trolleys were put into service, mass transportation ridership increased dramatically because people appreciated the electric power train’s smooth, quiet, non-polluting ride. By going with the electric trolley technology, a reduction in dangerous soot particles associated with standard diesel powered buses was realized, as well as reducing the number of fuel trucks carrying foreign fuel to the vehicle refueling locations.

Fleets in New Haven county using alternative fuels

Tons of greenhouse gas emissions avoided in 2017

Get Involved

Click on the tabs below for more information on how you and your organization can get involved.

Becoming a member of the Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition (GNHCCC) provides stakeholders access to a variety of benefits that promote their success. Industry-wide networking, access to expert technical advice, statistical data and funding opportunities through state and federal sources represent just a few key benefits of membership. Simply stated, being a stakeholder in a Clean Cities Coalition means being a member of the largest group of committed individuals and organizations in a nation supporting energy independence, petroleum reduction and environmental consciousness. If you are interested in becoming a stakeholder with the Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition, please fill out the contact form or contact Paul Wessel at wessel@nhcleancities.org
Contribute to Greater New Haven Clean Cities Coalition to continue our efforts to achieve a more energy independent and cleaner air future. Your tax-deductible contribution ensures our ability to decrease petroleum consumption. We thank you for your continued support. To donate, please email Lee Grannis at grannis@nhcleancities.org.
NAFANAFA’s Sustainable Fleet Accreditation Program is the distinctive accreditation program that provides the tools that help automotive fleets measure and track improvements in their environmental impact. Watch NAFA’s Sustainable Fleet Accreditation Program video

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Relationship to Coalition

Upcoming Events

Videos

Click on the tabs below to watch our videos. You can find all of our videos and more on our YouTube Channel at GNHavenCleanCities.

CT Alternative Fueling Stations

Contact Us

Phone 203-200-0246

P.O. Box 26, New Haven, CT 06510

Connecticut Clean Cities Coalitions logo - CT state outline with points at the three coalition locations: Fairfield, New Haven, and Hartford.

The Connecticut Clean Cities Collaborative

Three Clean Cities Coalitions  cover the entire state, according to your county.

Greater New Haven Clean Cities

Serving New Haven, Middlesex and New London Counties

Paul Wessel

203-200-0246

wessel@nhcleancities.org

Capital Clean Cities of Connecticut

Serving Hartford, Tolland and Windham Counties

Craig Peters

800.255.2631

craigpeters82@gmail.com

Connecticut Southwestern Area Clean Cities

Serving Fairfield and Litchfield Counties

Daphne Dixon

203.536.4695

daphne@livegreenct.org

A U.S. Dept. of Energy Designated Clean Cities Coalition