All three companies are already positioning the upcoming conversion as a win-win solution to current issues. The armored vehicles can still do their job of hauling money around the LA area but with a claimed 99.9 percent reduction in emissions from the current diesel engines. Generally, the vans make frequent stops while at work but must stay running for security reasons. This can potentially run afoul of California’s rule not to let diesels idle more than five minutes. With this upcoming version, drivers will be able to go electrically between stops and then will use the natural gas when cruising.
This work combines the strengths of both firms working on these vehicles. North American Repower already specializes in natural gas engine management and conversions, and Efficient Drivetrains is very familiar with the world of plug-ins. The funding for the project includes a $3-million grant from the California Energy Commission, plus the same amount in private funds.
Collaboration reduces emissions by 99.9 percent
OCEANSIDE, Calif. & MILPITAS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Two global leaders in developing and manufacturing advanced transportation vehicles have teamed up to manufacture a first-of-its-kind fleet of Class-5 armored vehicles that combine the benefits of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and zero emission Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) technology.
“We’re excited to be partnering with EDI on this breakthrough innovation”
North American Repower—California’s leading natural gas engine management and conversion technology company— and Efficient Drivetrains, Inc.—a global leader in developing high-efficiency Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle solution—will convert a fleet of six 26,000 pound, Class-5 medium-duty armored vehicles operated by Sectran Security into PHEV vehicles that run on electricity and renewable natural gas—known as “Zero Emission with Range Extension” vehicles. The collaboration supports the dramatic acceleration in California toward a zero emissions environment.
Today, the Sectran Security trucks make frequent stops as part of their highly congested urban routes. At each stop, the engines are kept idling for security purposes, but now risk violating California’s strict diesel idling regulations, which prohibit idling the engine for more than five minutes. With the modernized trucks, Sectran can completely eliminate engine idling by operating in all-electric mode during stop-and-go operations on urban routes and in hybrid-mode during highway operations. When complete, the vehicles possess impressive performance statistics—the demonstration trucks will enable Sectran to reduce annual diesel consumption by 31,000+ gallons, significantly reduce annual fuel costs, and reduce emissions by 99.9 percent.
“We’re excited to be partnering with EDI on this breakthrough innovation,” said John Reed, CEO of NAR. “We believe integrating our renewable natural gas system with EDI’s PHEV technology will enable fleet managers to quickly move from petroleum-based fuels to domestically available, cleaner-burning natural gas and electricity. We’re particularly excited to be demonstrating this technology in a vehicle that by its very nature requires exceptional reliability in a high security environment.”
“The integration of NAR’s natural gas conversion technology with EDI’s high-efficiency PHEV solutions is extremely valuable to the marketplace as it extends options available to commercial fleet operators as they look to green their fleets and comply with California’s emissions reduction requirements,” said Joerg Ferchau, CEO of EDI. “Our partnership enables organizations to focus on their immediate need to comply with regulations, while also benefitting from reduced fuel costs and full vehicle performance.”
The technology represents tremendous potential for commercial viability and can play an essential role in helping California meet its long-term carbon reduction and short-term zero-emissions goals.
The collaboration gained additional support from the California Energy Commission, which approved a $3 million grant award from its Energy Research and Development Division, leveraging an additional $3 million in private investment and creating 5 advanced vehicle jobs.
About North American Repower:
North American Repower, Inc. is the world’s leading natural gas engine management company that deploys disruptive and innovative conversion technologies to reduce emissions. NAR designs, manufactures, installs, and distributes for the natural gas engine market. Our goal is to minimize our company’s carbon footprint and to support American workers and their families. Visit www.northamericanrepower.com for more information.
About EDI:
Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI) develops and markets a range of state-of-the-art proprietary drivetrain products and technologies that have direct application in PHEVs, HEVs, and BEVs worldwide. EDI’s leading-edge hybrid-electric drivetrain systems and technologies enable zero-emissions driving and provide significant cost and efficiency advantages for parallel and series hybrid drivetrain architectures across nearly all platform classes and configurations. EDI is currently active in automotive projects throughout North America and the APAC region. Visit www.efficientdrivetrains.com for more information.
About Sectran Security Inc.:
Since 1982, Sectran has provided fully insured and licensed armored transportation services to thousands of customers in retail, banking, and private industries throughout Southern California. The company provides leading edge products and services to its customers, including ATMs, SmartSafes, and outsourced Cash Vault Solutions. Sectran is excited to be taking the lead in the industry by implementing first-of-its-kind near-zero emission vehicles in its fleet. Visit www.sectransecurity.com for more information.
