NextEnergy Launches Global Fleet Processing Tool

Free Web-based tool provides fleet managers with convenient, efficient access to energy usage and emissions information.

DETROIT, Nov. 21 -- NextEnergy, Michigan's alternative energy accelerator, has launched an interactive fleet processing tool accessible by fleet managers worldwide. The free, web-based tool allows fleet managers the ability to accurately and efficiently predict fuel costs and emissions for a wide variety of commercial passenger vehicles. Using these measurements, fleet managers can calculate and compare advantages of E85, B20 biodiesel and hybrid electric use within their fleets, enabling them to make the most beneficial purchasing decisions respective to their economic and energy- related needs.

"Providing fleets with the resources they need to determine anticipated fuel expenditures and emissions from advanced powertrains and alternative fuels online is a step in furthering the support and development of the alternative energy industry locally, nationally and globally," said NextEnergy CEO Jim Croce. "New resources like the fleet processing tool enable the market to compare, validate and justify use of alternative powertrains and fuels."

The global fleet processing tool also aids fleet managers in evaluating emissions from various types of new powertrain technologies, engine sizes, and alternative fuel vehicles. It is easily accessed through a Web site hosted and maintained by NextEnergy. The core of the Web site is a proven vehicular modeling and simulation program developed by Southwest Research Institute(R) and used on projects for the United States government, U.S. Army and automotive manufacturers and suppliers.

Once accessed via the Web, the global fleet processing tool has a self- prompting, easy to use graphical interface through which users input fleet drive cycles (patterns) on a percentage basis of city and highway driving. Using this information, the program calculates and projects the baseline fuel costs and emissions produced. For side-by-side comparison, the host Web page also contains information on new, alternative fuel and advanced powertrain technologies. Users are able to select from these different technologies to determine the fuel costs and emissions produced.

Fleet managers can take advantage of the global fleet processing tool by accessing http://www.nextenergy.org/industryservices/Fleet_Processing_Tool.asp on the NextEnergy Web site. NextEnergy's global fleet processing tool was funded by a grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission's Low-Income Energy and Efficiency Fund.

About NextEnergy Center

NextEnergy, Michigan's alternative energy accelerator, is a non-profit corporation founded to enable the commercialization of energy technologies that positively contribute to economic competitiveness, energy security and the environment. NextEnergy drives energy technology collaborations, market development, and new business venture support to position Michigan as a leader in the emerging alternative energy industry. For more information, visit http://www.nextenergy.org/ .

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