A Hythane® version of the Ford E-450 shuttle bus, developed in conjunction with BAF Technologies, is planned for use in early 2010 for use by the City of Hempstead.

The City of Hempstead held the grand opening of its alternative fuel station last week, and looks forward to adding the shuttle bus to its alternative fuel fleet. The fueling station, located at Point Lookout on Long Island, has the capability of fueling CNG, hydrogen, and Hythane® vehicles.

“It’s encouraging to see Hythane® vehicles as part of East Coast fleets as well as West Coast fleets, helping reduce emissions on both sides of the US,” stated Roger Marmaro, President and CEO of Hythane Company. The Hythane® calibration provides dramatic emissions reductions over the natural gas version of the engine.

Specifically, the Hythane® calibration achieves a 10.5% reduction in CO2, a 40% reduction in non-methane hydrocarbons, a 49% reduction in CH4 emissions, and a 70% reduction in particulate matter over the natural gas version of this engine. In addition to emissions reductions, the use of Hythane® fuel provides a 3.9% efficiency gain over the natural gas version of the engine.
Funding for the $2.2 million station was provided by various project partners, including $900,000 from NYSERDA and $55,000 contributed by National Grid.

The New York State alternative fuel vehicle fueling infrastructure tax credit will contribute 50 percent of the total cost of the station. It is the first station in New York/Long Island with the capability to fuel Hythane® vehicles, and one of several hydrogen fueling stations in the New York area.