The Vons Companies has successfully deployed thirty (30) liquefied natural gas (LNG) Class 8 tractors for use in grocery delivery operations, and has completed installation of a 13,000 gallon LNG refueling station at their Santa Fe Springs distribution center. In addition, Vons purchased and deployed two low-emission liquefied petroleum gas (propane) off-road yard hostlers. The thirty Class 8 tractor-trailers are equipped with the Caterpillar C-12 pilot ignition LNG engine. The system includes a 119-gallon LNG tank and a smaller 50-gallon diesel tank. The engine operates in a dual fuel mode, where a small quantity of diesel fuel acts as a liquid spark plug to ignite under compression the main fuel charge of natural gas. This results in a high efficiency "diesel" cycle engine that still meets the California Air Resources Boards Optional NOx standard of 2.5 g/bhp-hr.
3200000.00
Santa Fe Springs, El Monte and all of the South Coast Air Basin.
This deployment of 16 on-road class 8 tractors is expected to yield the following air quality benefits: 31,154 pounds of Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx) annually.
An analysis of the vehicle procurment process and a detailed fuel analysis.