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Economics is one of several key factors that must be considered by fleet operators and other decision makers as they move towards initiating or increasing the use of various alternative fuels in their fleet applications. Accordingly, the CleanFleet demonstration project was structured to generate and present a full set of comparable cost information for several of the leading alternative fuels. The cost information included the costs to acquire and modify vehicles, personnel training, facility modifications, capital and operating costs for fueling stations, and vehicle operating costs. These costs were used as the starting point for an analysis of the costs that a fleet operator might face in the 1996 time frame for implementing the use of compressed natural gas, propane gas, Phase 2 reformulated gasoline, or methanol (M-85). The cost estimates were incorporated into a popular spread-sheet used on personal computers to facilitate examining various options available to fleets.

The CleanFleet project was a 24-month demonstration of five alternative motor fuels and a control gasoline in 111 FedEx delivery vans. Delivery vans from Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford were operated on compressed natural gas (CNG), M-85 (methanol containing 15 percent RFG), propane gas, and California Phase 2 reformulated gasoline (RFG). Control vans for each fleet were operated on gasoline. Electric vans on loan from Southern California Edison were also used by FedEx. Data were gathered on vehicle emissions, fleet operations, and facility and vehicle capital and operating costs. This paper focusses on vehicle reliability and maintenance. Maintenance experience is described, vehicle utilization is discussed, the results of oil analysis are presented, and future engine teardown and inspection plans are described.

The CleanFleet project was a 24-month demonstration of five alternative motor fuels and control gasoline in 111 FedEx delivery vans. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-supplied vans from Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge were operated on compressed natural gas, propane gas, California Phase 2 reformulated gasoline (RFG), and methanol (M-85 containing 15 percent RFG). Electric vans on loan from Southern California Edison were also used by FedEx. Data were gathered on fleet operations, vehicle emissions, and facility and vehicle capital and operating costs. This paper focusses on implementation of 24 months of fleet operations. Vehicle activity is documented for each fuel. Practical issues resolved during the demonstration for use of each fuel by a commercial fleet operator are summarized. Topics include procuring vehicles, fueling vehicles, storing vehicles indoors, maintaining vehicles, and training drivers and mechanics.