EPA Approves GreenMan’s Request for Dual Fuel Vehicular Test Exemptions (USA)

GreenMan Technologies, Inc. announced that its American Power Group Inc. (APG) subsidiary has received a Vehicular Memorandum of Exemption and eleven initial Test Exemptions from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the testing and verification of APG’s unique non-invasive dual fuel upgrade system for aftermarket diesel truck and tractor engines.

APG’s dual fuel system converts diesel engines and generators to function more efficiently and at a lower operating cost (net fuel cost savings of 25% – 35%) by seamlessly displacing 40%-70% of the normal diesel fuel consumption with CNG, LNG, or bio-methane. APG’s system is non-invasive to the OEM engine and operates within all OEM performance controls with the flexibility to return to 100% diesel operation at any time. APG’s dual fuel conversion and emissions reduction systems can help users achieve their sustainability goals through lower carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and particulate matter emissions. In addition, the introduction of natural gas through APG’s dual fuel system does not impact diesel engine performance and will also assist in extending the engine’s oil life as natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel compared to diesel.

The initial test exemptions will allow APG to gather critical engine performance and emission data on a pre-dual fuel and post-dual fuel basis to support EPA approval requirements and commence commercialization of their non-invasive dual fuel upgrade system in the United States. The initial vehicles to be tested include nine Class 8 tractors covering various Caterpillar, Detroit Diesel, and Mack engine models ranging in age from 1994 to 2005 as well as a 2008 Ford F450 Pickup and a 2004 Sprinter Van with a Mercedes Benz engine. Both compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid natural gas (LNG) fueling systems will be tested. In addition, the Company has been approached by over 70 companies operating diesel fleets ranging from 10 vehicles to over 10,000 vehicles in the refuse, route delivery, large and small fleet logistics, mining, and government diesel vehicular markets. APG expects to apply for additional test exemptions for a wide range of third-party engine models classified as intermediate age or over full useful life due to age or mileage.

Lyle Jensen, GreenMan’s President and Chief Executive Officer stated, “In a year when APG has successfully conducted aftermarket trials and is beginning commercialization of our vehicular dual fuel solution in many international markets, the granting of these initial test exemptions in the United States is a major strategic milestone for APG. We now have a path to demonstrate and document the positive economic and environmental impact that our dual fuel system can have on aftermarket diesel vehicles operating on the highways of North America. Based on independent marketing research conducted by Power Systems Research, it is estimated that over four million vehicles or 80% of the five million medium to heavy duty diesel vehicles on the road today, are model year 2006 or older. These vehicles are ideal candidates for APG’s upgrade technology”.

Mr. Jensen added, “The significant appeal of APG’s non-invasive dual fuel technology to this multi-billion dollar addressable market makes sense for numerous reasons. APG’s dual fuel conversion and emission reduction system can significantly reduce CO, NOX and Particulate Matter emissions on the older and more polluting diesel engines while delivering a 25%- 35% net fuel savings. This is only expected to improve as diesel prices continue to climb. Due to the clean burning benefits of natural gas, oil life and maintenance cycles can be extended. Lastly, given a driver can return to 100% diesel fuel at any time, there is no “range fear” of running out of CNG without the ability to refuel.”

Mr. Jensen concluded, “I want to personally thank our Algona and Detroit-based engineering team as well as our Detroit Automotive Supply Partners for designing a third generation digital system that is robust, safe, and a low-cost market leader. We believe we have identified the correct strategic partners to allow us to handle a wide range of vehicular growth scenarios in the United States as the existing path to commercialization, and any further streamlining measures are implemented”.

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Source: GreenMan Technologies, December 21, 2010;