051 - Electric Vehicle Trends with Elizabeth Connelly - Part 3
Release Date: 07/17/2024
073 - Quick Turn v Slow Turn
The Fuel Pulse Show
In Episode 73 of the Fuel Pulse Show podcast, host Erik Bjornstad tackles a common misconception in fuel storage management: that quick turn fuel systems are immune to microbial contamination. He explains how microbes can flourish in both slow turn (fuel stored for months or years) and quick turn systems (fuel cycled within days or weeks), as contamination resides not just in the fuel but in biofilms on tank surfaces. The episode outlines practical steps to prevent and address microbial growth including regular sampling, biannual testing, water removal, and proper biocide treatment with...
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072 - Generator Fuel Problems Part 2
The Fuel Pulse Show
Erik Bjornstad continues the discussion on diagnosing generator problems, focusing on when and how to test fuel before accepting a technician's diagnosis that "bad fuel" is causing your generator failures. The episode covers proper fuel testing procedures, sampling techniques, visual inspection clues, and how to interpret lab results to save potentially thousands in unnecessary fuel replacement costs. Erik emphasizes the value of proper diagnostics and consulting with true fuel experts when generator technicians (who often lack fuel expertise) blame fuel quality for system issues. What You'll...
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071 - Generator Fuel Problems Part 1
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode explores common generator problems and challenges the automatic assumption that fuel is always to blame. Erik Bjornstad outlines a systematic approach to diagnosing generator issues, presenting four key diagnostic steps: checking fuel filters, examining fuel lines, inspecting valves, and looking for additional filters. The episode emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis to avoid unnecessary expensive solutions like fuel disposal or part replacement. Special attention is given to detecting microbial contamination through various signs and testing methods. The host stresses...
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070 - Winter Outlook
The Fuel Pulse Show
In Episode 70 of the Fuel Pulse Show, Erik Bjornstad provides a comprehensive analysis of the upcoming winter weather forecast across different U.S. regions. Following last year's unusually warm winter, meteorologists predict varying conditions: the South and Lower Midwest expect above-average temperatures until February, the Northeast and Upper Midwest anticipate alternating cold and mild periods, while the West faces early snow followed by rain. The forecast is influenced by three major factors: La Niña conditions, Polar Vortex patterns, and warmer-than-usual Gulf and Pacific water...
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069 - Solid vs. Liquid Biocides
The Fuel Pulse Show
Host Erik Bjornstad discusses solid biocide sticks (also known as bug sticks) and their use in fuel management. While these sticks offer the apparent advantages of easy handling and convenient dosing, they face significant limitations.The episode explores six major problems with solid biocide sticks, including their lack of approval for on-road fuel use, water solubility issues, and potential tank corrosion risks. Bjornstad explains why these limitations make them unsuitable for many non-industrial fuel care scenarios, despite their popularity in specific industrial applications like bulk...
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068 - Back to School - Interpreting Sample Results
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode of Fuel Pulse Show focuses on interpreting fuel test results, particularly for stored fuel samples. Host Erik Bjornstad guides listeners through various testing methods, including both ASTM D975 standard tests and predictive tests.The episode covers critical measurements like distillation temperatures, API gravity, cloud point, flashpoint, and cetane index, while also addressing water content and microbial testing. Practical solutions for addressing failing test results are provided, making this a comprehensive guide for fuel maintenance professionals. What You'll Learn: How to...
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067 - Back to School - Fuel Sampling Part 2
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode explores proper fuel sampling techniques and locations for different types of fuel testing. Erik Bjornstad explains how contaminants concentrate at tank bottoms, making sampling location crucial for accurate test results. He details specific sampling heights for different tests, introduces the bacon bomb sampler, and provides guidance on sample handling. The episode covers testing for physical properties, microbial contamination, and water content, emphasizing that bottom samples (3-6 inches from bottom) provide the best diagnostic value for comprehensive testing. The discussion...
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066 - Back to School - Fuel Sampling Part 1
The Fuel Pulse Show
This episode explores proper fuel sampling techniques as part of effective fuel maintenance. Erik Bjornstad discusses the critical aspects of where and how to take fuel samples to ensure accurate testing results. He explains that sample location significantly impacts test outcomes, with different tank depths containing varying levels of contaminants. The episode covers specific sampling depths, proper port selection, and why dead bottom samples should be avoided. Bjornstad emphasizes that sampling technique directly affects the reliability of test results and their representation of the...
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065 - Back to School - Fuel Polishing
The Fuel Pulse Show
In this episode, Erik Bjornstad explains the comprehensive process of fuel polishing. He covers when to polish fuel based on test results, particularly the ASTM water and sediment test. The episode details two main methods: inline and off-site polishing, with a focus on the sweep, treat, and circulate methodology. Bjornstad provides specific guidance on chemical treatments, filtration systems, and the importance of proper timing and sequence. He emphasizes the need for multiple passes through the filtration system and proper documentation before and after samples. What You'll Learn: How to...
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064 - Back to School - USLD and Corrosion
The Fuel Pulse Show
In this educational episode, Erik Bjornstad explores the relationship between biodiesel and corrosion in fuel systems. He explains that while pure biodiesel (B100) can have corrosive properties, the common low-percentage blends (B2-B20) used in today's diesel fuel don't pose significant corrosion risks. The episode clarifies that modern fuel systems using materials like stainless steel and aluminum are well-equipped to handle these blends. The real concerns with biodiesel additions center around increased water retention and potential microbe growth, rather than corrosion issues that are more...
info_outlineIn Episode 051 of the Fuel Pulse Show Podcast, Elizabeth Connelly discusses the challenges and future trends of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, focusing on charging infrastructure and heavy-duty transportation.
She highlights the need for faster charging solutions, particularly for heavy-duty trucks, and anticipates societal acceptance of longer charging times as infrastructure improves.
Connelly emphasizes the importance of electrifying commercial vehicles due to their significant contribution to emissions and the potential cost savings for businesses.
She also touches on the role of government policies in achieving net-zero goals and the complementary role of hydrogen fuel cells and plug-in hybrids in the transition to electric mobility.
What You'll Learn:
- The current and future state of EV charging technology, including fast charging for heavy-duty trucks.
- Societal acceptance of longer charging times and the impact of improved infrastructure.
- The significant role of commercial vehicles in emissions reduction and the potential for cost savings.
- Challenges and strategies for electrifying heavy-duty transportation, including trucks and buses.
- The influence of government policies and regulations on EV adoption and net-zero goals.
- The potential and limitations of hydrogen fuel cells in road transport.
- The benefits of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as a transitional technology.
- Comparative analysis of EV adoption trends in different global markets, including the U.S. and China.
- The importance of total cost of ownership for businesses in transitioning to electric fleets.
- The role of consumer behavior and expectations in the shift towards electric vehicles.
Ideas Worth Sharing From Elizabeth Connelly:
- "As battery size grows to cover longer driving distances, the cost and weight of the battery increase, which can cut into the amount of payload the truck can carry."
- "The commercial vehicle segment might move faster to electrification than personal transport because as soon as it starts making business sense, businesses get a competitive edge if they go electric."
- "Electric vehicles are going to be possible in most segments and are the most affordable zero-emission option, but hydrogen fuel cells may still play a role in hard-to-electrify segments like long-haul trucking."
Resources:
- International Energy Agency (IEA): An intergovernmental organization that provides data, analysis, and policy recommendations on energy-related topics. IEA Website
- U.S. Department of Energy's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office
- Clean Energy Ministerial's Electric Vehicle Initiative
- Tesla Supercharger Network
- Elizabeth Connelly - IEA - LinkedIn
- Erik Bjornstad: LinkedIn
Show Notes:
[00:00:00] Host introduces the episode and Elizabeth Connelly from the IEA, focusing on the challenges and future trends of electric vehicles (EVs).
1. EV Charging Technology
- [00:01:00] Discussion on the current state of EV charging technology.
- [00:01:30] Elizabeth explains the development of ultra-fast chargers for heavy-duty trucks and the importance of megawatt-scale chargers.
2. Societal Acceptance of Charging Times
- [00:02:00] Addressing concerns about the longer charging times compared to refueling with petroleum.
- [00:02:30] Anticipation of societal norms changing to accept longer EV charging times.
3. Infrastructure Improvements
- [00:03:00] Importance of increasing the availability of charging stations.
- [00:03:30] Future vision of widespread charging infrastructure at rest stops, malls, and workplaces.
4. Heavy-Duty Transportation
- [00:05:00] Importance of electrifying medium and heavy-duty trucks and buses.
- [00:05:30] Challenges in electrifying long-haul trucks due to battery size and weight.
5. Technology and Strategies for Truck Electrification
- [00:06:00] Advances in battery energy density and megawatt-scale charging.
- [00:06:30] Strategies for charging trucks during mandated breaks and the phased approach to electrification.
6. Commercial vs. Personal EV Adoption
- [00:08:00] Discussion on the commercial vehicle segment's potential to move faster towards electrification.
- [00:09:00] Benefits of EVs for businesses in terms of cost savings and competitive edge.
7. Government Policies and Net Zero Goals
- [00:11:00] Role of government policies in reaching net-zero emissions goals.
- [00:12:00] Challenges of price parity between EVs and conventional vehicles in the U.S.
8. Public Charging Infrastructure
- [00:14:00] Addressing public concerns about the availability and reliability of charging stations.
- [00:14:30] Encouragement of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as a transitional solution.
9. Hydrogen Fuel Cells and Synthetic Fuels
- [00:16:00] Discussion on the role of hydrogen fuel cells in long-haul trucking and other hard-to-electrify segments.
- [00:17:00] Potential for synthetic fuels in reducing emissions, despite high costs.
10. Government's Role in EV Adoption
- [00:18:00] Discussion on government mandates and public health benefits of regulations.
- [00:19:00] Comparison to past public health regulations like seatbelt laws and building codes.
Conclusion
- [00:20:00] Host wraps up the episode, thanking Elizabeth Connelly for her insights.
- [00:21:00] Mention of additional resources in the show notes, including the IEA report and links to EV-related information.
- [00:21:30] Encouragement for listeners to subscribe, share the podcast, and tune in to the next episode.