5 of Top 10 Fastest Growing Alternative Technology Vehicles of 2020 Were Diesel-Powered

This past weekend we read a news story that had a fairly striking statistic. It said, "Sales of pickup tucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) with diesel engines grew 28 percent during 2020, even as overall auto sales declined by over 14% for the year."

Sometimes we can't even see what's right in front of our faces because of all the other distractions. Of course, this is one of the tricks of the magicians trade. It's called misdirection. While we're watching his left hand he pockets the coin that he'd transferred to his right.

This, however, is what's interesting: "Among alternative fueled vehicle offerings, vehicles with diesel engines held 5 of the top 10 rankings for fastest growing sales (2019-2020), according to the Diesel Technology Forum based on data and analysis provided by Alan Baum and Associates."

Monday's Street Insider story drew from information released by the Diesel Technology Forum earlier that day. 

That diesels have been popular is nothing new. Full-size pickups have been among the best-selling vehicles in American for years. What's noteworthy, according to Allen Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum (DTF), was the 28% growth in sales last year, which shows how much consumers are embracing the new generation of diesel technology.  

Schaeffer pointed out several stats that some people would find eye-opening, especially in this period in which we're striving to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve fuel economy. The fuel economy savings on the more than 140,000 new diesels sold last year helped boost fuel efficiency by 16 to 25 percent. If every full-size pickup sold in the U.S. were equipped with an advanced diesel engine, the U.S. could save 500 million gallons of fuel per year. "Greater fuel economy from diesel engines means using less fuel, saving money and fewer greenhouse gas emissions, benefits everyone can value." 

The trend toward SUVs and pickup trucks has been picking up for more than a decade. "What is new," Schaeffer said, "is the growing number of more fuel-efficient offerings for car and truck buyers than ever before, ranging from battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, full hybrid and even hydrogen fuel cell options, although diesel continues to dominate in the alternative fuel segment. That five of the top ten fastest selling alternative fuel vehicles sold in 2020 are diesel-powered, is a very strong statement that consumers value what the new diesel engines offer.”

The article went on to describe the 13 diesel options available in mid, full-size and heavy-duty pickup trucks beginning in 2020. “In the vehicle segments more Americans now prefer, more diesel options are turning out to be a win-win because diesel is a fuel-efficient choice that requires no compromises in fuel efficiency, vehicle utility or performance. With readily available fuel at more than two-thirds of all stations, highway ratings of as much as 33 mpg along with driving ranges that can exceed 500 miles on a single tank, the diesel option presents great overall value for consumers in these larger vehicles,” said Schaeffer.

In short, one of the primary strengths of diesel at this point in time is the ready availability of fuel. The infrastructure is in place and the benefits are many. You can read the full Street Insider story Here.

Diesel Technology Forum is a not-for-profit association representing manufacturers of diesel engines and equipment, key suppliers of emissions control and other technologies, and fuel producers. The press release that the Street Insider story drew from has additional information and a great chart at the end which you should check out. The DTF release is titled DIESEL SALES UP 28% IN 2020 BOOSTING TRUCK SEGMENT FUEL ECONOMY. Read it HERE.

* * * 

Do you have diesel news or good diesel story?
Tell us about it. Send it to our Blue Flame director Karl Dedolph III @ kdedolph@championbrands.com

National Biodiesel Conference Sees Future of Renewable Diesel as Looking Up.

According to an article in Biodiesel Magazine the future of the industry is on an upward trajectory. The article, by the National Biodiesel Board, is titled Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel Industry on the "RISE" in 2021.

Last week the National Biodiesel Board "hosted more than 550 biodiesel and renewable diesel producers, distributors, retailers, and other industry advocates virtually to share the direction of the industry now and in the future. During the National Biodiesel Conference & Expo, NBB celebrated the many achievements for the industry in the face of adversity."  

During the conference NBB CEO, Donnell Rehagen praised the industry's tenacity, never giving up in the face of great headwinds caused by Covid and the economic turbulence. “Our members continually beat expectations year after year and there is a lot to be excited for moving forward," he said.

During the conference, updates were shared for each of its core program areas. Attendees got a glimpse of the future direction and influences for the industry. Here's a brief summary of what was shared regarding these core program areas.

 

Federal Affairs 
“As a new Congress and new administration take shape in Washington, emerging proposals to decarbonize the energy and agriculture sectors, modernize transportation infrastructure, and incentivize research and development of cleaner fuel sources can provide new market opportunities for the biodiesel industry,” said Kurt Kovarik, Vice President of Federal Affairs. “NBB’s federal affairs team is monitoring the policy environment and preparing members to RISE to the occasion.”

State Affairs 
“State programs and incentives are driving the demand for a low carbon future,” shared Floyd Vergara, Director of State Governmental Affairs. “We continue to see a growing number of aggressive carbon policies coming out of various states, regions, and even municipalities that help set the stage for monumental industry growth. States like California, expected to reach a milestone of one billion gallons of biodiesel consumed last year, realized our industry message – Biodiesel: Better, Cleaner, Now – was right on target for seeing environmental benefits immediately.”

Sustainability 
“The science supporting the carbon reduction potential of renewable fuels grows in importance by the day,” said Matt Herman, Director of Environmental Science. “Studies documenting the lifecycle emissions of biodiesel--including feedstocks, potential indirect land use change, and the fuel production process -- show that the carbon reduction potential of our member’s products is increasing. Our consistent message to all stakeholders, Biodiesel: Better, Cleaner, Now, is backed resoundingly by current science. Our sustainability team will continue efforts to ensure laws, regulations, and voluntary carbon reduction pledges properly reflect the sustainable nature of the fuels our members produce.”

Communications 
“Storytelling remains top of mind in 2021,” shared Samantha Turner, Communications Manager. “Awareness and positive impressions of biodiesel and renewable diesel among key audiences help maintain critical support for the industry -- the number one goal of NBB's communications efforts. We want to RISE this year, and in years to come, with increased outreach on our Vision and mission, sharing with our industry how we will grow from three billion to six billion gallons.”

Technical 
“The fuels industry continues to reinvent itself. With sweeping changes to emissions, aftertreatment devices, and limits, as well as electricity generated from renewable resources, NBB works to ensure biomass-based diesel fuels provide the performance and benefits required by users, regulators, and the public,” said Scott Fenwick, Technical Director. “We designed each element of our technical program to help ensure higher volumes of biodiesel and renewable diesel may be used in every diesel market segment, growing market access for our members.”

Outreach and Development 
“With our Vision in mind, we depend on today’s and tomorrow’s farmers and oilseed processors. A six billion gallon industry in 2030 will demand more than 18 billion pounds of soybean oil each year. However, we will need our other leading feedstocks to aid in that production as well,” explained Tom Verry, Director of Outreach and Development. “Our U.S. farmers will continue to lead the way in producing the feedstocks necessary to provide a better, cleaner future. Given the push to reduce carbon, we predict growing momentum for our Vision throughout 2021 and the years to come.”

* * *

The program ended with confidence that goals will be achieved and an invitation to next year's National Biodiesel Conference and Expo, which will mark the 30th anniversary of the industry on January 17-20, 2022 in Las Vegas.

NOTE: NBB is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel and renewable diesel value chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers, and fuel distributors.

LINKS

Biodiesel, Renewable Diesel Industry on the "RISE" in 2021

The NBB Mission and Vision

http://www.biodieselmagazine.com/articles/2517357/biodiesel-renewable-diesel-industry-on-the-undefinedriseundefined-in-2021  

The 2021 Is First Escalade To Have a Diesel Option, but Not the First Cadillac: A Stroll Through History

When we think "Cadillac" the first word that comes to mind for most of us is "Luxury." At least that's how it is for me. I suppose a few other words come to mind as well, including Money and Status. A word that doesn't come to mind for most is the word Diesel. Nevertheless, Cadillacs and diesel engines have had a history together as this article by Conner Golden in Automobile magazine points out.

In his February 2020 story Golden recounts the circumstances that led GM to marry a diesel-powered drivetrain with a Cadillac in the first place. What prompted him to write this article was GMs new Cadillac Escalade that would give buyers the diesel option if desired.

* * *

The context for GMs first foray into diesel powered Cadillacs took place in the '70s. Part of it was driven by the growth in diesel-powered passenger cars in Europe. Automakers like Mercedes-Benz, VW and Peugeot were all producing diesel cars and it appeared to be a trend that would continue. These were also the days when gas shortages and other pressures led to the then-new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations. Things were changing.

GM's first diesel experiment took place in the Oldsmobile line. Golden writes, "Oldsmobile was tapped for a diesel powertrain that would proliferate through GM's entire passenger car portfolio, as this was still of the era when GM's various branches developed proprietary engines."

Unfortunately, these new moves were occurring at a time when GM was implementing a massive cost-cutting program, which Golden describes as "GM at-its-worst." The result was a series of decisions whose consequences would only appear later. Quoting Golden again:

"To reduce development time and keep the budget as small as possible, engineers essentially dieselized the existing Oldsmobile 5.7-liter (350 ci) small-block gasoline V-8 with the intention of keeping shared tooling between the diesel and gasoline versions. The block was strengthened for the diesel variant, but the head bolt pattern carried over from the gas V-8, resulting in common head bolt failures across the board thanks to the diesel's much higher-compression nature. GM also left a fuel-water separator out of the final design, leading to corroded injector pumps and ruined fuel system componentry."

The makeover was so successful that 60% of the diesel cars in the U.S. were GM. Unfortunately, when the problems began to emerge, a class action lawsuit followed in which the company had to pay 80% of the costs to replace engines. Ouch. If you ever need an example of the maxim "Haste makes waste" or "A stitch in time saves nine," this is a story to illustrate that.

The article is alive with vivid language. Conner Golden writes, "Production of the Olds diesel ended in 1985, but not before it slithered under the Cadillac crest." The first Cadillacs to receive this ignominious blessing was the 1978 Seville. Eventually these diesel engines were offered to the entire Cadillac roster.

To say that this experience left a sour taste in people's mouths is an understatement. On the other hand, a lot of water has passed under the bridge. My personal feeling is that GM learned an invaluable lesson through that tumultuous experience. It's unlikely the company will want to repeat it. 

In its 21 year history, the 2021 Cadillac Escalade is the first in the family to offer a diesel engine option. More towing oomph and fuel efficiency are just two of the benefits that come with this choice.  

READ THE FULL STORY HERE:
https://www.automobilemag.com/news/cadillac-diesel-history/#:~:text=Production%20of%20the%20Olds%20diesel,to%20a%20pathetic%20105%20hp.

Champion Oil Introduces a Professional Grade 80% Ether Starting Fluid

If you've ever used it, you know what it is. Starting Fluid is an extremely flammable product that can get you out of many a jam. It works like a pinch hitter when all else fails. 

Earlier this week Champion Oil announced a Professional Grade 80% Ether Starting Fluid that's designed for both gas and diesel engines in cold weather. What follows is information from the press release.

“Starting fluid is a volatile, flammable liquid which is used to aid the starting of internal combustion engines, especially during cold weather or in engines that are difficult to start using conventional starting procedures,” stated Karl Dedolph of Champion Brands, LLC. “It is typically available in an aerosol spray can, and may sometimes be used for starting direct injected diesel engines or lean burn spark engines running on alcohol fuel. 
https://www.championbrands.com/80-ether-starting-fluid/

 

“Modern starting fluid products contain mostly volatile hydrocarbons such as heptane, (the main component of natural gasoline) with varying portions of diethyl ether and carbon dioxide as the propellant helping start internal combustion engines because of its low 160 °C (320 °F) autoignition temperature.” 

 

“Starting fluid is sprayed into the engine intake near the air filter, or into the carburetor bore or a spark plug hole of an engine to get added fuel to the combustion cylinder quickly”, added Dedolph. “Using starting fluid to get the engine running faster avoids wear to starters and fatigue to one's arm with pull start engines, especially on rarely used machines."

 

Other uses include cold weather starting, vehicles that run out of fuel and thus require extra time to restore fuel pressure, and sometimes with flooded engines. Mechanics sometimes use it to diagnose starting problems by determining whether the spark and ignition system of the vehicle is functioning; if the spark is adequate but the fuel delivery system is not, the engine will run until the starting fluid vapors are consumed.

 

“It is used more often with carbureted engines than with fuel injection  systems. Caution is required when using starting fluid with diesel engines that have preheat systems in the intake or glow-plugs installed, as the starting fluid may pre-ignite, leading to engine damage,” Dedolph added.

 

Champion Professional Grade 80% Ether Starting Fluid works great on gas and diesel engines, allowing faster starts and reducing wear on batteries. It contains upper cylinder lubricant for added protection. Use of personal protective equipment as required. Wash face, hands any exposed skin thoroughly after handling. 
https://www.championbrands.com/80-ether-starting-fluid/

 

Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. Use only outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. Wear eye/face protection. Do not breathe dust/fumes/gas/mist/spray/vapors. Keep away from heat/sparks open flames/hot surfaces. This product is compliant for sale in North America. Part# 4580K 12/11 oz.

 

About the Company
Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion also produces and blends over 350 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information about Champion Products contact your nearest Champion Distributor, or call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, 64735 or go to http://www.championbrands.com

Diesel Emissions Reduction Act Brings Funding to Upgrade the Nation's Diesel Fleets

Diesel powered trucks are becoming cleaner and more efficient than ever.

If someone were to write a history of the last half century of the transportation industry, it really has been a remarkable era of change. Emerging technologies of all kinds have been and are being incorporated into our vehicles of today and tomorrow. How many sensors were there in a first generation F-Series pickup? Considering where things were at the end of the muscle car era, when some clattering over-the-road trucks were still spewing black contrails, it's remarkable how far the industry has come.

It's not that the automakers are opposed to making adjustments, but the technical hurdles have been many. Nevertheless, as the saying goes, "We've come a long ways, baby." And EPA incentivizing doesn't hurt any.

As everyone knows, incentives matter. So it was gratifying to see a story this past week about the EPA announcing 46 million dollars in grant money to implement projects that reduce emissions from our nation's existing diesel fleets.

Key points are summarized in this blog article but you can find the official EPA announcement here: EPA Announces $46 Million Available to Reduce Emissions from Diesel Engines.

The January 15 announcement is titled the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) with grant funding to be awarded to eligible applicants. The initial focus will be on "areas facing air quality challenges."

According to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler the EPA has provided nearly $300 million in grants and rebates over the past few years to help fleets modernize with cleaner heavy duty trucks and equipment.

The announcement goes on to acknowledge that "Diesel-powered engines move most  of the nation’s freight tonnage, and today nearly all highway freight trucks, locomotives, and commercial marine vessels are powered by diesel engines." 

Deadline for Applications

The deadline for applications is March 26, 2021.

Stipulations

Applicants may request funding to upgrade or replace diesel-powered buses, trucks, marine engines, locomotives and nonroad equipment with newer, cleaner technologies. Priority for funding will also be given to projects that engage and benefit local communities and applicants that demonstrate their ability to promote and continue efforts to reduce emissions after the project has ended.

  

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include regional, state, local or tribal agencies, or port authorities with jurisdiction over transportation or air quality. Nonprofit organizations may apply if they provide pollution reduction or educational services to diesel fleet owners or promote air quality and clean transportation.

 

Applicants must request funding from the EPA regional office which covers the geographic project location. The maximum amount of federal funding that may be requested per application varies by Region:

• Region 1 (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont) will accept applications requesting up to $1,000,000 in grant funds.
  
• Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands) will accept applications requesting up to $2,500,000 in grant funds.
  
• Region 3 (Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia) will accept applications requesting up to $2,500,000 in grant funds.
  
• Region 4 (Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee) will accept applications requesting up to $2,000,000 in grant funds.
  
• Region 5 (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin) will accept applications requesting up to $3,000,000 in grant funds.
  
• Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas) will accept applications requesting up to $2,500,000 in grant funds.
  
• Region 7 (Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska will accept applications requesting up to $1,500,000 in grant funds.
  
• Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming) will accept applications requesting up to $2,600,000 in grant funds.
  
• Region 9 (Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands) will accept applications requesting up to $4,000,000 in grant funds.
  
• Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington) will accept applications requesting up to $1,000,000 in grant funds.
  

Background
Since the first year of the DERA program in 2008, EPA has competitively awarded over 850 grants and 450 rebates across the country. Many of these projects funded cleaner engines that operate in economically disadvantaged communities whose residents suffer from higher-than-average instances of asthma, heart and lung disease.

For more information and to access the Request for Applications, visit www.epa.gov/dera/national.

For more information on the DERA Funding Program, visit www.epa.gov/dera.

Cool Story About Innovation, Diesel Engines and Real World Problem Solving

Here's something you don't see every day. It's called a Fat Truck by Zeal Motor, Inc. The story by Chad Elmore of how this versatile mobile power plant came into existence is a very good read. It was published in the December issue of Diesel Progress and titled Fat Truck uses Cat diesel power to go anywhere it wants.

Whether it's and ad agency executive coming up with a creative solution for a new campaign or R&D technologists creating a new product, the process for coming up with new ideas is similar. to that spelled out in James Young's classic, A Technique for Producing Ideas. Young explains that “knowledge is basic to good creative thinking,” but that this is not enough. Rather, “knowledge must be digested and eventually emerge in the form of fresh, new combinations and relationships.” And what constitutes an "idea" you may ask. According to Vilfredo Pareto "an idea is nothing more nor less than a new combination of old elements." 

This is exactly what the Fat Truck is. Or as Chad Elmore describes it, an innovative use of horsepower.

Here's the problem Zeal Motor sought to find a solution for. Power lines, wind farms, telecommunications towers and pipelines are seldom located where there's easy access. The businesses and utilities companies that own and maintain them need to be able to transport people and equipment to these locations. Pickups, side-by-sides and school buses have their limitations. Would it be possible to design something suited for these near impossible situations?

This is how the Fat Truck came to be. 

Elmore begins his story with the testimony of one of Zeal's customers:

 

A customer of Zeal Motor recently told co-founder Amine Khimjee that their new industrial off-road utility vehicle saved him $10,000 a day. Khimjee was riding with that customer in Minnesota as they inspected power lines that ran above swamp forests far from any roads. The customer explained the flooded areas they were crossing usually required a helicopter that cost thousands of dollars to put in the air. The added benefit to the Zeal Motor’s Fat Truck, he said, was that they could also bring a crew and tools.

Khimjee had enough experience and enough connections with major OEMs to believe they could find a solution to the accessibility problem. Partnering with Maxim O’Shaughnessy and Benoit Marleau, "the team launched its first product, the Fat Truck 2.8 C, in January 2019. With tires 5 ft. high, a nearly imperceptible wheelbase and a maximum speed of 25 mph, the amphibious truck can hold up to eight people inside its ROPS-certified cabin. Or it can be outfitted to carry equipment such as a welder or generator thanks to its 2200 lb payload rating."

They weren't designing "just another pickup." The Fat Truck was purpose built, picking up where the pickup stops.

What caught our eye was beefy diesel power plant they chose to install. With help from Toromont, the Cat dealer for Eastern Canada, a mid-mounted Cat C.2.2 turbocharged diesel, a Tier 4 final 2.2 L four-cylinder engine was installed and insulated against noise, heat and water. Elmore details the impressive specifics of the complicated engineering involved. The collaboration has produced a superb result. 

If you go to the Zeal Motor website, you'll see just how many crazy environments these vehicles need to operate in. Transporting equipment as well as people is no easy task in swamps or rugged terrain in treacherous winters and torrential summers.

 

Early in the article Elmore compares the vehicle to radio-control model. The driver even operates it with a joystick. Almost seems like the engineers who designed the Fat Truck are still kids trying to see just how much fun they can have. 

 

You can read the full story here:
https://www.dieselprogress.com/news/Fat-Truck-uses-Cat-diesel-power-to-go-anywhere-it-wants/8009672.article

Here's a gallery of photos showing its application versatility:  

https://www.fattruck.com/gallery.php#options

Highlighting A New All-Season Air Brake Anti-Freeze from Champion Brands

Water is one of the most important substances on earth, essential for all plant and animal life. It is as essential as the sun. If there were no water, there would be no life on earth. It has many uses including cooking, washing and cleaning. But it can also be problematic, as it can also be destructive. It can rot wood, corrode engines, freeze in pipes and cause them to burst, and more. 

When it comes to air brakes, moisture can shorten the life of components and in winter can freeze to cause ice jams. For this reason Champion Oil has introduced a professional grade air brake antifreeze for trucks and off-road equipment to prevent freezing of the brake-system and protect older braking systems against damages caused by the frozen water of condensation.

Champion Air Brake Anti-Freeze is a methanol-based antifreeze designed to prevent frozen air lines and remove moisture from air brake systems. Special additives leave an anti-corrosive film which will help extend the life of air-line components and ensure positive protection to all steel, rubber, and brake line parts. https://www.championbrands.com/air-brake-anti-freeze/

 

Cold temperatures and water can lead to only one outcome – and ice has no place in a truck's air system. Frozen moisture can disable compressors, along with any of the multitude of air valves in the system. Plunging temperatures, like we have seen across the United States in recent weeks, will put air systems to the test, especially in older vehicle applications.

 

Compressed air always contains moisture, and when the air leaves the compressor, it’s hot. But as it travels through the line from the compressor to the air dryer, it cools, and that’s when the moisture in the compressed air condenses to liquid. If it's cold enough, that liquid will freeze, threatening the air supply to various systems, including transmissions, suspensions and of course, brakes.

 

A heavy truck's air compressor puts out 4-6 ounces of water during an average day’s operation; more when operating in regions of high relative humidity, and less when air is cold and dry. If all that water is sloshing around in your air reservoirs or some other spot further downstream, you could be in trouble when temperatures plummet.

 

Your first line of defense is the air dryer, but many older trucks do not have one. If the vehicle uses an alcohol injector/evaporator, fill it up with approved air brake anti-freeze. Typically, these are not needed in today’s air systems using air dryers but they can be a good supplement to the air dryer that may not be working properly in colder climates. Never add air brake anti-freeze directly into air lines.

Air Brake Anti-Freeze is specially developed as an additive for air brake systems of trucks and other heavy vehicles to prevent freezing of the brake-system. Protect system against damages caused by frozen-water of condensation.

 

Champion Air-Brake Anti-Freeze is recommended for use in air brake lines to prevent line freeze ups, and to absorb moisture in the system. It contains a mixture of balanced additives that lubricate the moving parts (valves, packings) of the brake system. Safe for rubbers-, plastic- and metal parts. It protects and keeps air brake systems clean. Champion Air-Brake Anti-Freeze protects the system from rust and corrosion when used regularly in both the winter and the summer.  https://www.championbrands.com/air-brake-anti-freeze/

• Part# 4137H 12/1 QT.
• Part# 4137N 4/1 Gal.
• Part# 4137AP 55 Gal.

About the company: Champion Brands, LLC, is a globally recognized industry leader in specialty lubricants for over 65 years. Champion also produces and blends over 350 products including fuel, oil, engine additives, and lubricants for the racing, automotive, heavy truck, agricultural, industrial, and specialty markets. For more information call Champion at 660-890-6231. Champion Brands, LLC; 1001 Golden Drive, Clinton, MO, or go to http://www.championbrands.com