COST-EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS OF TXDOT CNG FLEET CONVERSION -- VOLUME ONE. INTERIM REPORT

Increased emphasis on energy efficiency and air quality has resulted in a number of state and federal initiatives examining the use of alternative fuels for motor vehicles. Texas' program for alternate fuels includes compressed natural gas (CNG). Based on analysis of 30-year life-cycle costs, development of a natural gas vehicle (NGV) program for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) would cost about $47 million (in 1991 dollars). These costs include savings from lower-priced natural gas, infrastructure costs for a fast-fueling station, vehicle costs, and operating costs. The 30-year life-cycle costs translate into an average annual vehicle cost increase of $596, or about 4.9 cents more per vehicle mile of travel. Sensitivity analyses are performed on the discount rate, price of natural gas, maintenance savings, vehicle utilization, diesel vehicles, extended vehicle life, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicles, and operating and infrastructure costs. The best results are obtained when not converting diesel vehicles, converting only large fleets, and extending the period the vehicle is kept in service. Combining these factors yields results that are most cost-effective for TxDOT.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Research study title: Conversion of the SDHPT Automotive Fleet to Alternative Fuels.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Texas, Austin

  Center for Transportation Research, 3208 Red River Street
  Austin, TX  United States  78705

  Texas Department of Transportation

  Transportation Planning Division, P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763
• Authors:
  • Euritt, M A
  • Taylor, D B
  • Mahmassani, H
• Publication Date: 1992-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 184 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air quality; Compressed natural gas; Cost effectiveness; Fleet management; Life cycle costing; State departments of transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Conversion; Energy efficiency; Fleets
• Geographic Terms: Texas
• Subject Areas: Finance; Highways; Vehicles and Equipment; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00627172
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: TX-92+983-2/Volume 1, Res Rept 983-2/1, CTR 3-4-90/2-983-2/1
• Contract Numbers: Study 3-4-90/2-983
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Mar 26 1993 12:00AM