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Fuel economy estimates are provided for the CleanFleet vans operated for two years by FedEx in Southern California. Between one and three vehicle manufacturers (Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford) supplied vans powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), propane gas, California Phase 2 reformulated gasoline (RFG), methanol (M-85), and unleaded gasoline as a control. Two electric G-Vans, manufactured by Conceptor Corporation, were supplied by Southern California Edison. Vehicle and engine technologies are representative of those available in early 1992. A total of 111 vans were assigned to FedEx delivery routes at five demonstration sites. The driver and route assignments were periodically rotated within each site to ensure that each vehicle would experience a range of driving conditions. Regression analysis was used to estimate the relationships between vehicle fuel economy and factors such as the number of miles driven and the number of delivery stops made each day.

The CleanFleet project was a 24-month demonstration of five alternative motor fuels and control gasoline in 111 FedEx delivery vans. Original equipment manufacturer (OEM)-supplied vans from Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge were operated on compressed natural gas, propane gas, California Phase 2 reformulated gasoline (RFG), and methanol (M-85 containing 15 percent RFG). Electric vans on loan from Southern California Edison were also used by FedEx. Data were gathered on fleet operations, vehicle emissions, and facility and vehicle capital and operating costs. This paper focusses on implementation of 24 months of fleet operations. Vehicle activity is documented for each fuel. Practical issues resolved during the demonstration for use of each fuel by a commercial fleet operator are summarized. Topics include procuring vehicles, fueling vehicles, storing vehicles indoors, maintaining vehicles, and training drivers and mechanics.