Advanced Vehicle Partnership

New Technologies to reduce emissions from transit and other vehicles are the goal of a public/private partnership announced last week.

The effort, called the advanced Vehicle Partnership, is a result of the Clinton Administration's policy of trying to eliminate greenhouse effect gases through investments in science and technology. The Defense Department plans to transfer some of its technology and expertise developed for the military to civilian agencies, such as the Department of Transportation. The agencies will then seek ways to use technologies such as hybrid electric engines for buses, municipal fleets and other heavy vehicles. "This new partnership will help commercialize more efficient vehicle systems that reduce pollution," said Transportation Secretary Federico Pena, at a Washington, D.C., press conference.

By 2004, Transportation Department officials hope to achieve at least a 50 percent improvement in fuel efficiency and a reduction of emissions to at least 30 percent below current standards. The federal government plans to spend $20 million to help the partnership with research and development. Examples include electric propulsion drives, and infrastructure and fueling and charging stations.

President Clinton's fiscal year 1999 budget request included increases in funding and tax incentives to accelerate development of fuel efficient transportation technologies.  (February 11, 1998 Urban Transport)

* * * * * * * * *