Alternative Fuel

In 2001, Fleet Management began a pilot program to test CNG as a viable fuel source for City small and mid-sized trucks. Seven Ford F-150’s were purchased, placed in various Divisions, and monitored over the next 8 years. Seeing that the advantages outweighed the very few, nominal disadvantages, Fleet Management began purchasing additional CNG small and mid-sized trucks and sedans in FYE 2010.

In 2005, Fleet Management began a pilot program to test Electric Hybrid as a viable fuel source for City sedans. One Toyota Prius was purchased and placed in the Wastewater Treatment Division. In 2008, One Honda Civic was purchased and placed in the Water Treatment Division.

After reviewing the eight years’ worth of data and countless hours of research regarding alternative fuels, Fleet Management proposed an Alternative Fuel Program to City Council in February 2009. After City Council adopted the program on February 28, 2009, Fleet Management began purchasing eight CNG small or mid-sized trucks and one CNG sedan for capital purchases FYE 2010.

In 2009, Fleet Management began a pilot program to test CNG as a viable fuel source for City refuse trucks. Preparations have been made to purchase one CNG Side Load refuse truck and one CNG Front Load refuse truck. If the acquisition proves to be advantageous, more purchases will follow in future fiscal years.

The City of Norman actively purchases alternative fuel vehicles. There are four types of alternative fueled vehicles and equipment that Norman uses:

• HYBRID – vehicles that will run on battery power and a combustible engine
• PLUG-IN HYBRID – battery only operated vehicles and equipment that require daily charging
• FLEX FUEL – vehicles that will run on either unleaded or E-85 (blend of 85% Ethanol and 15% Unleaded)
• CNG – vehicles that run on compressed natural gas

In March 2009, Fleet Management began purchasing B-20 biodiesel for most of the city equipment previously using diesel. B-20 is a blend of 80% diesel and 20% biodiesel. Excluded from the B-20 usage are all Emergency vehicles that will purchase their diesel from the University of Oklahoma at a discount.

In Fiscal Year 2010, the City of Norman began the process of building a CNG Facility. The proposed station will provide compressed natural gas for citizens and city vehicles. CNG is a fossil fuel that is more environmentally clean than gasoline, diesel, or propane. CNG is made by compressing natural gas to less than 1% of its volume at standard atmospheric pressure. The proposed station will have a combination of refueling options: low pressure (slow fill) and high pressure (fast fill) systems. Slow fill lets city vehicles refuel slowly overnight while fast fill will let the user refuel in a matter of minutes.