Cleaner trucks are risky business

May 8, 2014

LONG BEACH, CA. Calling current efforts to promote cleaner transportation fuels and technologies “scattered and fragmented,” Denny Slagle, executive vice president of Volvo Group, said “it is risky for a manufacturer to bring new technology.

“With all the excitement around natural gas, one would have to ask why none of the major North American truck manufacturers except Volvo are planning to introduce their own natural gas engines,” Slagle said during the keynote address at the 2014 Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo.

The answer to speeding up development and adoption of alternative fuels, he told the group, “is a clearer path on technology and at least the promise of scale and return on investment.  We need a runway to more easily bring technologies that will reduce the burden of low-volume introductions for all OEMs.”

Offering examples of well-intentioned rules that could stifle progress, Slagle pointed to requirements for onboard diagnostics (OBDs) for all new heavy duty engines. “OBDs are not emissions reduction components,” he said. “They just monitor engine emissions.”

With testing and certification of new OBD systems approaching half the cost of developing a new technology like a heavy-duty natural gas engine, that requirement “could sink a new idea before it leaves the drawing board,” Slagle said. Volvo is currently working with government officials on a proposal that would allow low-volume production of trucks using new technology before OBDs would be required, he said.

Slagle also suggested that tax incentives could help both producers and truck users explore the feasibility of alternative fuels. “And we need to straighten out federal excise taxes (FET) by reducing them on expensive new technologies like CNG tanks,” he said. “We should not be penalizing the pioneers.”

Similarly, fuel taxes also need to be updated to acknowledge new options, moving from a tax on volumes to a tax on energy density, he said.

For any solution to be sustainable, ”it must be economically sustainable,” he said.

Calling it “an exciting time for clean transportation,” Slagle ended on an upbeat note. “The business world has never been more ready to find sustainable solutions and accept changes that improve the economy.”

About the Author

Jim Mele

Nationally recognized journalist, author and editor, Jim Mele joined Fleet Owner in 1986 with over a dozen years’ experience covering transportation as a newspaper reporter and magazine staff writer. Fleet Owner Magazine has won over 45 national editorial awards since his appointment as editor-in-chief in 1999.

Sponsored Recommendations

Tackling the Tech Shortage: Lessons in Recruiting Talent and Reducing Turnover

Discover innovative strategies for recruiting and retaining tech talent in the trucking industry at our April 16th webinar, where experts will share insights on competitive pay...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

Stop Sweating Temperature Excursions

Advanced chemical indicators give you the peace of mind that comes from reliable insights into your supply chains. Compromised shipments can be identified the moment they arrive...

How Electric Vehicles Help You Prolong the Life of Your Fleet

Before adopting electric vehicles for commercial/government fleets, prioritize cost inquiries. Maintenance is essential; understand the upkeep of EV fleets. Here’s what you need...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!