Arkansas Energy Office Transportation
The Arkansas Energy Office is strongly involved in driving transportation in Arkansas to a cleaner, greener, more fuel efficient age. Energy conservation in the transportation sector is a diverse and ever-changing topic. The list below will direct you to valuable transportation related information.
Please choose from the categories below to view:
Save Money and Energy
Transportation Tax Credits
Gas Prices
The links below will take you to some valuable information on gas prices in the state.
Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fuel Vehicles
An Alternative Fuel is a fuel that aims to replace or complement traditional petroleum burning fuels to improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. Included in this list are ethanol, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, biodiesel, electricity, p-series and methanol.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles are designed to run on these unique fuels. Today, alternative fuels and their vehicles make a small contribution to the energy economy in the transportation sector, but advances are being made.
Hybrid vehicles are becoming popular in personal commuting. In fact, some analysts predict annual sales of about 350,000 vehicles a year through 2008.
Biodiesel, one of several biofuels, is a viable alternative to petroleum diesel for powering public and commercial transit fleets. This fuel burns significantly cleaner than diesel, lowering the emissions of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, particulate matter and sulfur dioxide.
IRS Provides Guidance on Tax Credits for Efficient Vehicles
Toyota Motor Sales announced that the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid will be available in May with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $25,900. That's a premium of about $6,450 over the cost of the four-cylinder 2007 Toyota Camry LE, but the hybrid version has more kick with 187 horsepower, compared to 158 horsepower in the four-cylinder Camry. The Camry's Hybrid Synergy Drive System combines a 40 horsepower motor with a four-cylinder, Atkinson-cycle engine that delivers 147 horsepower to the vehicle's continuously variable transmission. The Camry Hybrid is expected to achieve 40 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 38 mpg on the highway, for a combined fuel economy of 39 mpg, a 40 percent improvement over the standard four-cylinder Camry. Toyota expects the Camry Hybrid to be certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), the California Air Resource Board's most stringent emissions classification for fuel-burning vehicles. See the Toyota press release.
IRS Releases Tax Credit Figures for Ford and Toyota Hybrids
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced the official dollar amounts for federal tax credits earned with the purchase of Toyota and Ford hybrid vehicles. Anyone who purchased a new 2005 or 2006 Toyota Prius since January 1st may receive a credit of $3,150 on this year's taxes, while smaller credits can be earned by buying the Toyota Highlander Hybrid or the Lexus RX400h. For Ford, the 2006 Escape Hybrid with front wheel drive earns the largest credit, at $2,600, while the four-wheel-drive Escape Hybrid and Mercury Mariner Hybrid earn a credit of only $1,950. The agency has not announced the tax credit figures for Honda, but since the earlier estimates by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) proved accurate for Ford and Toyota, those estimates are probably a reliable guide for Honda. After each automaker sells 60,000 hybrid vehicles, the tax credits will begin to phase out. See the IRS press releases on the Ford and Toyota hybrids, and for Honda, see the ACEEE estimates (PDF 74 KB).
The typical Arkansas vehicle is driven more than 15,000 miles a year and uses about 1,200 gallons of fuel. Almost 2 million vehicles are registered in our state, so this adds up to a lot of fuel. Each of the following tips may not have much impact alone but when taken together and followed consistently, they can result in significant savings.
Drive Sensibly
Speeding, rapid acceleration and frequent braking waste gas. Drive at an even speed whenever possible. Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going. The U.S. Department of Energy says fuel economy decreases by 7% for each 5 mph you drive over 65 mph.
When Handle Clicks, Stop
Don’t top off the gas tank. When the handle clicks off, stop pumping. Gas is lost in fumes. And try not to buy gas mid-day. Gas is sold by volume, and you get more when it’s cool outside.
Check Tire Pressure Often
Under-inflated tires increase gas consumption by 2% for each pound of pressure under the recommended amount.
Use THE AC Wisely
Once the car is cool inside, adjust the temperature up slightly and run the fan at a higher speed.
Watch Your Driving Speed
Fuel efficiency is best between 35 – 55 mph. It drops dramatically over 55 mph. See chart:
Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. The larger the car engine, the more gas is wasted when idling. If your wait will be longer than a minute, turn off the engine and restart it when you move again.
Use Cruise Control
Using CC on the highway helps maintain a constant speed and saves gas. But using CC on hilly terrain causes a vehicle to speed up faster than it would by operating the gas pedal yourself.
Other Points to Consider
Using top quality radial tires, especially steel belted, result in 5 – 20% savings. A light exterior and interior color along with tinted windows can reduce heat build-up. Unnecessary weight in the trunk or on the roof cuts fuel economy. If you’re shopping for a new car, consider a hybrid-electric – they increase fuel economy by 40–80%.
For more information on how to save money while driving on the road, click here.
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Transportation: Gas Mileage Tips
Here are some tips to help you reduce the amount of gas you use. If you are already following these tips, you are probably getting the best gas mileage your car can deliver.
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Arkansas Alternative Fuels Projects -- Current work in these fields.
The Arkansas Energy Office has initiated several alternative fuels projects in an effort to demonstrate the benefits of using these fuels:
- In 2002 the AEO sponsored the Biodiesel Conference to discuss the economics and legislation regarding biodiesel fuel. The conference included a presentation by Conway County farmer Robert Stobaugh on his positive experiences with the use of biodiesel to fuel his farm equipment.
- We recently partnered with other agencies to support the Little Rock Airport CNG Vehicles Project. The goal of this project is to power the Little Rock Airport fleet entirely on compressed natural gas (CNG), a cleaner burning fuel than gasoline or diesel.
- The Energy Office has also recently purchased a Toyota Prius, a hybrid vehicle to be used for statewide presentations on hybrid technologies. The car has been exhibited at schools and other functions, and is ideal for introducing the public to hybrid technology.
- The Fuel Cell Energy Program has been started to teach high school students about fuel cell technology. The students learn about the science behind fuel cells, as well as the environmental benefits.
- Alternative Fuel Training, will begin in 2005 to introduce teachers to fuel cell technologies, so that they may spread awareness of other fuels to their students around the State.
- Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell technology will be demonstrated to universitiy and utility representatives in 2005. This technology will be used as an educational tool for engineering classrooms throughout the spring.
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Understanding Alternative Fuels
"Alternative fuel" is a government term that describes any fuel that can be substituted for traditional gasoline or diesel fuels. The Federal Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct92) recognizes seven fuels - compressed natural gas (CNG), methanol, ethanol (E-85), propane, electricity, biodiesel (B-20) and hydrogen. These are used as either a replacement for gasoline or are used in conjunction with it. Ethanol and methanol for example, can be missed with gasoline, and other alternatively fueled vehicles (bi-fuel) vehicles use gas and another fuel (usually CNTG) from two separate tanks, one fuel at a time. Dual-fuel vehicles use two different fuels (gas and CNG/LPG) from two different tanks which inject both fuel simultaneously into the engine combustion chamber.
All the alternative fuels recognized by EPAct92 are domestically produced, and most provide significant air quality benefits when used as a vehicle fuel.
Available Alternative Fuels
Compressed Natural Gas
CNG is an odorless, colorless, non-toxic gas found in conjunction with petroleum deposits. CNG runs through pipelines and is compressed to obtain greater volumetric storage capacity.
The use of CNG as an alternative fuel reduces vehicle emissions substantially. The relative cleanliness of the fuel also means that maintenance can be extended from 3,500 miles to over 6,000 miles. It generally costs less than gasoline at the pumps.
Despite rumors to the contrary, it is an inherently safe fuel. Since it is lighter than air, it rises from a punctured tank and dissipates quickly into the air. Gasoline fumes, on the other hand, are heavier than the air. If a gas tank ruptures, fumes collect near the vehicle making explosion through sparking a very real possibility. CNG vehicles are available through all the major automobile manufacturers and on average, cost approximately $3,500 more than gasoline run vehicles.
Propane
A product of petroleum refining, propane (or liquefied petroleum gas, LPG) is an odorless, nontoxic, colorless gas. Propane has a high octane rating and may extend engine life. It is a proven fuel, as propane distributors and farmers have used it for over 60 years. In addition, many auto manufacturers make propane vehicles. The cost is approximately $3,000 more than a gasoline run vehicle.
Like CNG, the use of propane reduces both carbon monoxide and hydrocarbon emissions. Since it is a liquid fuel, gas stations can carry it with no modifications to their existing infrastructure. The distribution infrastructure for propane is well developed, and many stations carry the fuel due to its popularity in farm and recreational vehicles.
Biodiesel
This fuel is produced from vegetable oil, mostly soybeans, an Arkansas resource. When blended with 80% regular diesel, it is called B-20. This blend is recognized as an alternative fuel under EPAct92. Biodiesel in any blend can be used in any diesel vehicle. Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated on tank walls and pipes from previous diesel fuel storage. The release of deposits may clog filters initially, but long term use of biodiesel results in lower maintenance costs.
Ethanol
Ethanol is manufactured exclusively from biomass primarily agricultural grain products. Midwestern states such as Nebraska, Sough Dakota, Iowa and Illinois produce most of the ethanol used in the United States, 85% ethanol is mixed with 15% gasoline, making E-85 fuel. Vehicles that can run on E-85 or gasoline are called "flex-fuel" vehicles. Many auto manufacturers now feature the flex-fuel capability as a standard feature. For a complete listing of these vehicles, visit the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition website.
Flex-fuel vehicles cost the same as a gasoline vehicle, and the fuel can be made available at refueling stations without extensive modifications.
Electricity
Auto manufacturers worked during the 1990's to bring electric vehicles (EVs) to the market. These vehicles were powered solely by batteries that recharged overnight. However, battery technology did not advance sufficiently for these manufacturers to continue making on-road EVs. Now, their use is mainly restricted to neighborhood low-speed vehicles.
Most major auto manufacturers are producing and selling hybrid vehicles which run on an internal combustion engine which drives an electric generator and batteries that run the car. These vehicles are highly rated by EPA for both emissions and gas mileage of about 50 miles per gallon. For more information on hybrid vehicle technology click here.
