Utility fleet managers respond to emission standards and a tough economy.
Utility fleet managers are making tough choices as they keep the wheels rolling despite tightened emissions standards and the extended economic downturn. Emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles have been a continuing challenge for all truck operators, but the 2010 models are presenting a new wrinkle to utility fleet managers.
The 2010-compliant models feature two distinct apporaches to reducing nitrogen oxides: Navistar International Corp.'s advanced exhaust gas recirculation system, which sends cooled exhaust gas back to the cylinders to displace oxygen; and a selective catalytic reduction technology developed by other manufacturers. SCR uses the heat of the exhaust and a catalyst known as diesel exhaust fluid to convert the pollutant into harmless nitrogen and water vapor.
Light & Medium Truck contacted six utility fleet managers for this story - Jerry Pilla with Westar Energy, Topeka, Kan.; Wesley Keller, PPL, Allentown, Pa.; George Jones, Portland General Electric, Ore.; Chuck Dutton, PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, Andalusia, Ala.; Gerald Owens, Oncor Electric Delivery, Fort Worth; and Alan Riddle, Southern California Edison, Pomona.
All but Pilla and Keller said they were selecting International for their medium-duty trucks, in part to avoid the weight, expenses, hassles and uncertainties of storing and using DEF.
"You'd like to take advantage of the learning curve from those that go before you rather than being the pioneer for the whole situation in that respect," Owens said.
From Light & Medium Truck - June 2010. By Steve Brawner