ePower is developing a retro-fit for Class 8 trucks that effectively captures the efficiencies inherent in a diesel-electric powered heavy duty truck which is similar to what railroad locomotives do for rail freight.

Essentially in the ePower system, a 400 plus HP diesel engine is replaced with a 200 Hp diesel driving a generator that in turn drives electric drive motors that provide power to the wheels. The smaller diesel diesel turns the generator at a constant speed and a PbC (lead carbon) battery is kept continuously charged , ala’ a powerful capacitor to provives some 125 KWs of power as needed….acceleration, hill and mountain grades, etc. A regenerative braking system captures significant energy ordinarily lost in a friction/heat braking system…remember it takes as much energy to go from 0 to 65 mph asit does to brake from 65 to 0 velocity. Very novel heavy duty trucking idea. Estimated mpg savings are 40 to 60 percent. Also, there is no transmission required in the diesel/electric truck which equates to operator comfort and less driver fatigue.

If ePower used LNG or CNG in their Cummins diesel retrofits the natural gas industry, the environment and national security along with the American economy will all benefit. Boosting heavy duty (Class 8 ) trucking efficiency has the power to benefit every American citizen.

I have supported all that you have advocated over the past five years about energy independence and having a respectable energy policy, but there is one component of such a plan that you have failed to address and I believe that that undermines your credibility.

Improving building energy efficiency can certainly help the U.S. to achieve all of your goals.

The other components that you advocate for also need to be followed, but by avoiding advocating for energy efficiency, you are viewed as an energy baron intent on promoting your own agenda and not following all of the avenues that could help the U.S. to achieve your “stated goals”. Maybe it is time to re-evaluate your agenda to meet your stated goals.

So how is the Keystone a “good deal”? And who is going to pay for it? Couldn’t the money be better spent distributing natural gas for the big rigs?

Carl