Location |
I-5 Corridor, Oregon |
Project Sponsor / Borrower |
Oregon Department of Transportation
Oregon Department of Energy
Other Partners - U.S. DOT, U.S. EPA, SmartWay Transport
Partnership, West Coast Diesel Collaborative, the trucking
industry, and Cascade Sierra Solutions |
Program Areas |
![Project Finance Project Finance](/ipd/images/icon_project_finance.gif)
|
Mode |
Truck |
Description |
Cascade Sierra Solutions (CSS), a non-profit organization,
is responsible for deploying the SmartWay Upgrade Kits,
which can include:
- Engine idle reduction technology, such as
an auxiliary power unit, direct fired heater,
or truck stop electrification
- Low rolling resistance tires
- Advanced aerodynamics for tractors and trailers
- Exhaust after-treatment devices, such as
oxidation catalysts and particulate filters
SmartWay Upgrade Kits can reduce fuel consumption, carbon
dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions by 10 to 15 percent.
When the kit includes an exhaust after-treatment device,
particulate matter emissions are reduced by 25 to 90 percent,
depending upon the type of technology.
CSS has upgraded over 5,000 trucks owned by trucking businesses
from all 48 contiguous states and Alaska. These businesses
are benefiting financially from over 13 million gallons
of fuel savings to date. Idle reduction equipment upgrades
typically produce more savings than their monthly equipment
payments. This is possible because CSS combines grants,
tax credits, business incentives, and private sector financing
to offer truck owners an affordable below-market financing
package.
CSS has received several environmental awards from FHWA
and EPA for achievements in improving air quality along
transportation corridors. |
Cost |
Ongoing financial assistance through grants and a revolving
loan fund |
Funding Sources |
$3.0 million Oregon Transportation Infrastructure Bank
loan backed by equipment sales
Lending partners (banks, financial institutions)
Donations |
Project Delivery / Contract Method |
Not applicable |
Private Partner |
Cascade Sierra Solutions
EPA West Coast Diesel Collaborative
EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership
Trucking industry |
Project Advisors / Consultants |
Not applicable |
Lenders |
Oregon Transportation Infrastructure Bank (OTIB) |
Duration / Status |
More than 5,000 on-board units deployed by March 2011.
Goal of upgrading 30,000 trucks by 2013. |
Financial Status |
Not applicable |
Innovations |
- The application of SIB funds is unique, as
SIB funds are typically expended on more traditional
projects such as highway and bridge construction.
The Upgrade Kits are also eligible for a 35%
tax credit through the Oregon Department of Energy.
- Because of the fuel savings, upfront capital
costs of SmartWay kits are generally paid back
within one to three years. In addition to the
short payback period, if a loan is needed to
purchase an upgrade kit, the monthly fuel savings
exceed the monthly loan payments, thus increasing
profits from the first day companies use the
kits. Trucks using the full complement of SmartWay
technology can expect to save approximately 300
gallons of fuel per month.
- This marks the first deployment of SmartWay
Upgrade Kits and innovative financing along a
major transportation corridor. The U.S. DOT,
EPA, and DOE intend to work together with State
and local governments, non-profits, state trucking
associations in an effort to replicate this deployment
strategy around the country.
|
Related Links / Articles |
West Coast Collaborative
U.S. EPA SmartWay Site
SmartWay Upgrade Kits Proposal Sept. 2005 |
Contacts |
Diane Turchetta
Federal Highway Administration
Diane.turchetta@dot.gov |