OUC's Efficient Fleet

Reducing the Carbon Footprint of OUC

With more than 775 vehicles – ranging from plug-in hybrids to bucket trucks – OUC’s fleet logs more than 4.7 million miles annually. OUC reduces their carbon footprint by using alternative fuels, purchasing more hybrids and recycling automotive products to help our environment.

Adding Biodiesel to the Mix

As part of an overall plan to reduce emissions in fleet, OUC has begun using “B20” – a blend of 80 percent petroleum diesel and 20 percent biodiesel – a clean-burning alternative fuel made from new or used vegetables oils and animal fats, including recycled cooking grease. Compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel produces lower emissions, which is better for the environment. B20 has been integrated seamlessly into the fueling system without any changes to vehicles or fuel storage and distribution equipment.

Since 2006, 322,032 gallons of B20 have been purchased – and the reduction in diesel fuel has reduced OUC’s carbon footprint by 44 metric tons of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). OUC uses biodiesel at the Pershing Fleet Center and plans to expand its use to the Gardenia site soon.

Soon, biodiesel will be available in downtown Orlando. Thanks to a $2.5 million grant from the Florida Department of Environment Protection, Central Florida’s LYNX transit system plans to open a biodiesel blending facility and fueling station at its Orlando Operations Center.

Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Embracing fuel-efficient technology as a commitment to green initiatives, OUC is the first municipal utility in Florida to acquire a plug-in hybrid that gets up to 99 mpg. In addition to the plug-in, OUC has 11 other traditional hybrids in the fleet.

OUC is moving forward with an agreement to develop the charging infrastructure, test and possibly purchase an all-electric vehicle with a 100-mile range (the Nissan “Leaf”), which is slated for release in 2010. OUC has also reapplied for a Clean Cities grant to purchase additional electric vehicles. In fact, Orlando will be one of the first cities in the country to road-test them.

For linemen out in the field, OUC ordered four hybrid bucket trucks and one auxiliary battery system to operate the aerial tower hydraulics. Bucket trucks are a promising application for hybrid technology since much of the vehicle’s work is done.