KUB’s Alternative Fuel Fleet
KUB's well-known white trucks first went "green" in the 1970s. That's when KUB converted some vehicles to run on compressed natural gas (CNG). Today, KUB is proud to have a fleet powered by CNG, electric and hybrid technology, and E85 flex fuel. These vehicles represent KUB’s commitment to reducing emissions for improved air quality and saving on fuel consumption.
KUB’s fleet has maintained Tennessee Green Fleet certification from the Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition (TCFC), in addition to meeting annual regulatory requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992. KUB serves on the Board of the TCFC and has been a Gold Partner since 2004. Through this partnership, KUB learns about the latest technologies and grant opportunities while we help support the alternative fuels industry.
KUB also participates in the Tennessee Workplace Charging Partnership. KUB provides electric vehicle information to its employees, evaluates the level of interest in workplace charging, and provides access to electric vehicle charging stations at certain facilities.
KUB's Green Fleet
Hybrid-Electric Bucket Truck
The first hybrid-electric bucket truck was added to KUB’s fleet in June 2008.
Environmental Benefits
Uses electric-drive technology to boost efficiency.
Reduces engine idling, decreases dependency on fossil fuels, and lowers emissions.
Bucket can operate without using fuel.
Fuel Savings
Hybrid-electric trucks use approximately 50% less fuel annually.
Electric Nissan LEAF
The all-electric Nissan LEAF was added to the KUB fleet in November 2011.
Environmental Benefits
The LEAF is KUB’s first 100% electric vehicle. It has no tailpipe and gives off no CO2 emissions.
Decreases dependency on fossil fuels
Fuel Cost Savings
Recharging costs $3 or less.
Unless gasoline dips below $1.10/gallon, the LEAF’s “fuel” costs will be less than a conventional car that averages 25 miles per gallon.
Bi-Fuel Pick Up Truck and Bi-Fuel Transit Connect
The first hybrid CNG pick up truck was added to KUB’s fleet in the 1970s. The Transit Connect is also bi-fuel and uses CNG in addition to gasoline.
Environmental Benefits
US Department of Energy research shows light-duty vehicles running on natural gas can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 15%.
CNG fuel vehicles produce no evaporative emissions.
CNG is a domestic fuel source.
E85 Flex-Fuel Vehicles
Environmental Benefits
Designed to run on gasoline or gasoline-ethanol blends of up to 85% ethanol.
Flex fuels use carbon dioxide captured when crops are grown to produce ethanol, as opposed to extracting petroleum from the earth.
Greenhouse gas emissions reduced on average by 34% with corn-based ethanol produced from dry mills over a life cycle.
Fuel Cost
Generally similar to gasoline costs.
Hybrid-Electric Ford Escape
KUB's first two hybrid-electric vehicles, Ford Escapes, were added to the fleet in 2005.
Environmental Benefits
Does not use gas when idling, as compared to traditional fleet vehicles.
Employs electric-drive technologies to boost efficiency.
Specially designed battery packs are automatically recharged by the gasoline engine and regenerative braking, making it less dependent on fossil fuels.
Lowers emissions.
Efficiency
The EPA reports the Ford Escape Hybrid is 70% more efficient than the standard Escape.
Hybrid-Electric VIA VTRUX
The first hybrid-electric VIA VTRUX was added to KUB’s fleet in June 2015.
Environmental Benefits
A lithium ion battery couples a high-efficiency electric generator to the 4.3 V8 engine to generate electricity when needed.
Approximately 40-mile initial range followed by up to a 350-mile total range, depending on driving style and external conditions.
Fuel Cost Savings
Recharging costs $3 or less.
Extended range electric vehicle (eREV) generates its own electricity on longer trips.
Electric Tiger Trucks
Two all-electric Tiger Trucks were added to KUB’s fleet in November 2006.
Environmental Benefits
Runs on 100% electricity.
Zero CO2 emissions.
Cost Savings
No gasoline costs.
Lower average maintenance costs than gasoline and diesel vehicles.
CNG-Fueled Dump Trucks
Three 100% CNG-fueled dump trucks were added to KUB’s fleet in June 2019.
Environmental Benefits
A dedicated CNG engine uses natural gas as its only fuel source and is optimized to ensure maximum efficiency and emissions results.
US Department of Energy research shows light-duty vehicles running on natural gas can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 15%.
CNG fuel vehicles produce no evaporative emissions.
CNG is a domestic fuel source.