Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) has successfully transformed its electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities, turning a once underutilized resource into a bustling hub for clean transportation. Thanks to a CFAT grant, A-B Tech’s upgraded charging stations, including the rapid DC Fast Charger, have seen a significant surge in usage, reflecting the community’s growing commitment to sustainable practices and the college’s role in fostering this shift. This initiative was made possible through a grant awarded by the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project, administered by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), showcasing A-B Tech’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
The CFAT project channels federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funding annually from the NC Department of Transportation (DOT). NCCETC has been at the forefront of managing CFAT funding since 2006, distributing $11.9 million in federal funds to facilitate the adoption of clean transportation technologies across North Carolina. This effort aims to enhance air quality and reduce emissions associated with transportation throughout the state.
In 2019, A-B Tech sought CFAT funding to address the need for replacement of three EV charging ports originally installed in 2015 through a collaborative partnership with Nissan, Land of Sky Clean Vehicles Coalition, Duke Energy, and EATON. While these initial chargers served the EV charging needs of the Western NC community for several years, they became inoperable and were no longer serviceable by the manufacturing company.
With the CFAT grant, A-B Tech successfully upgraded and replaced the nonfunctional chargers. The new infrastructure includes two BTCPower Dual Port Level 2 chargers and one Direct Current (DC) Fast Charger. The DC Fast Charger is particularly noteworthy as it allows drivers to rapidly charge their vehicles in minutes, a crucial feature that supports the growing adoption of EVs.
Furthermore, A-B Tech’s commitment to sustainability extends to the general public, as the charging stations are open for use and incur minimal costs. Initially popular due to their accessibility from downtown Asheville, the Biltmore estate, and Mission Hospital, A-B Tech’s charging stations faced a decline in usage in 2017, 2018, and 2019 due to the unreliability of the Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE).
The replacement of all three chargers not only addressed this issue but also served to expand access and usage of the college’s EVSE. The charging stations were integrated into an NC Community Colleges EVSE continuous monitoring system which will record operation and usage data for all networked stations. This development enabled A-B Tech to establish a new technology tracking system and pricing structure, marking a significant step forward in the College’s broader plans to reduce emissions campus-wide.
“The fast charger at AB tech isn’t just a power source; it’s a catalyst for the future of electric vehicle evolution. It’s the spark that ignites convenience, accessibility, and paves the way for exponential EV growth,” said Ian Baillie, a Regional Planner for the Land of Sky Regional Council.
Baillie added, “Our region is increasing it’s EV adoption at a faster pace than fast charging infrastructure is being implemented.” EV registration in Buncombe County has more than doubled from August 2021 to August 2023, according to Baillie.
“AB-Tech has a convenient location for residents and visitors that helps close gaps across the region,” Baillie stated. Following the installation of the charging stations in 2021, a successful public awareness and education campaign helped drive an increase in the utilization of the chargers. Over 400 charging sessions of both the DC Fast Charger and Level 2 chargers were recorded over the year.
The utilization of these charging stations has continuously increased, with more than 760 charging sessions recorded in 2023. The fourth quarter of 2023 saw a notable jump in demand, with a 47% increase in Kilowatt Hours (kWh) and a 22% increase in sessions.
When asked to comment on this significant growth, Dirk Wilmoth (A-B Tech’s Vice President for Business and Finance) said, “I think awareness of our location is increasing, along with the demand from more e-vehicles on the road locally.”
A-B Tech’s strategic collaboration with the CFAT project has not only revitalized its EV charging infrastructure but has also positioned the College as a leader in sustainable transportation solutions. With reliable and advanced charging options, A-B Tech is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a cleaner and more sustainable future for the Asheville community and beyond.
Stay updated and learn more about CFAT funding and selected projects here.
Project Contact: Heather Brutz, hmbrutz@ncsu.edu OR Rick Sapienza, 919-515-2788, resapienza@ncsu.edu
2022 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) Project Grant Funds Available Now
Over $1,500,000 to be awarded for transportation-related emission reductions
Raleigh, N.C. (May 12, 2022) – The North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at North Carolina State University announces the following request for proposals (RFP) through the 2022 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project. The 2022 initiative will offer $1.5 million, focused on reducing transportation-related emissions, and supported with federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funding from the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT). The primary purpose of the CFAT project is to reduce transportation-related emissions in 24 eligible North Carolina counties.
Project proposals will be limited, none higher than $300,000 and none lower than $5,000. Applications will be due Monday, August 1, 2022. This will likely be the only solicitation for 2022. Learn more here.
Projects located in the following counties are eligible for CFAT funding: Cabarrus, Catawba, *Chatham, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Granville, Guilford, *Haywood, *Iredell, Johnston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Nash, Orange, Person, Rowan, *Swain, Union, Wake, (*Represents partial counties).
Projects for electric vehicle charging stations (EVSE) will be accepted within all 100 counties.
*Available funds: $1,500,000
Maximum per project award: $300,000
Minimum per project award: $5,000
Application deadline: July 1, 2022
Project period: December 5, 2022 – September 30, 2024
Click here for the 2022 CFAT Request for Proposals
Click here to download a guidance document with resources for how to get ready for transportation electrification and where to find detailed guides for different aspects of building EV charging infrastructure.
Click here and here to learn about previous successful CFAT projects
NCCETC will host a CFAT 2022 Informational Webinar from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 16, 2022. The free webinar will present an overview of eligible projects and have Q&A to assist with application submission. Learn more and register for the webinar here.
View examples of prior successful CFAT project proposals in 2018 and 2019.
ABOUT THE N.C. CLEAN ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CENTER
The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies. It serves as a resource for innovative, sustainable energy technologies through technology demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. For more information about the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center, visit: http://www.nccleantech.ncsu.edu. Twitter: @NCCleanTech
Electric vehicle charging stations are once again eligible technology projects for 2020 Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) funding. Specific electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) projects are eligible in all 100 North Carolina counties. Successful EVSE projects will involve no digging, ground-breaking, or pavement cutting.
Electric vehicle sales in the US surpassed 1 million in October of 2018, and the number is rising. As electric vehicles become more mainstream, expansion of charging stations reassures drivers of the ability of electrification to meet their needs.
“We are excited about this opportunity because demand for plug-in electric vehicles is rising, and the need for additional charging infrastructure is growing,” said Rick Sapienza, Clean Transportation Program Director at NC Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC).
The CFAT grants program is supported with federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) funds provided by the NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT). The primary purpose of the CFAT project is to reduce transportation-related air pollution emissions. In 2020, up to $1,400,000 in federal funding is being awarded.
Although EVSE has been eligible under CFAT in prior years, recent interpretations of federal regulations made EVSE and other infrastructure projects infeasible. Clarification of those rules helped find this narrow set of projects, which can be funded with less paperwork. For the current round, only EVSE projects that do not have ground disruption or cutting of concrete are eligible. Those projects could include replacement of stranded / non-working chargers, installation of new chargers where the preparation work has been previously completed with proper local permitting and environmental compliance, and installation of new chargers at facilities where no ground disturbance or cutting of concrete is required (such as inside a parking deck).
In 2019, the CFAT program helped fund 11 electric vehicle charging station projects, delivering 53 new Level 2 EV charging plugs (28 of which are replacements of defunct equipment), 16 solar-powered EV charging plugs and 4 new DC Fast Charge plugs (at two stations). Read more about these projects (and others) here.
As in prior rounds, other clean transportation technologies are also eligible. In 2018, NCCETC funded conversion of gasoline engines to also run on Liquid Propane Gas (LPG), retrofits of gas vehicles with hybrid electric kits, electric power take-off (ePTO) units to slash idling emissions from utility bucket lift trucks, electric transport refrigeration units (TRUs), and leases of electric cars and other alternative-fueled vehicles.
The deadline to apply for the second round of funding is March 13, 2020.
Learn more about CFAT and view the guidelines, FAQ and application here. All EVSE updates and guidelines are highlighted in yellow. View previous projects funded by CFAT here and here.
Earlier this month, the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) announced the results of a call for projects through the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) Project. The 2017-2018 $5.6 million initiative, focused on reducing transportation-related emissions, is supported with federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funding from the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT).
More than $1,100,101 is being awarded for ten projects to a variety of public and private entities. In total, the awarded equipment displaces 62,949 gallons of diesel/gas a year, reducing 54,042 kg of daily emissions.
The awards include:
• Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) purchase and conversions by UNC Charlotte
• Electric PTO (power take-off) bucket trucks by Viatec Incorporated and Town of Apex
• AFV conversions to bi-fuel propane by City of Charlotte and thyssenkrupp
• Diesel retrofit by North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division
• Electric motorcycle purchases by law enforcement in Davidson County, Orange County, and Town of Matthews
Learn more about each project:
Charlotte, NC skyline. (Wikimedia Commons)
City of Charlotte
The City of Charlotte, a large municipality with a fleet of more than 3,400 vehicles, will convert eleven vehicles to run on liquid propane gas (LPG) to further the City’s greenhouse gas reductions. After the conversion, eight vehicles in the City’s Landscape Management Division and another three vehicles in Housing Code Enforcement Division will be able to run on either gasoline or propane, according to need, fuel availability, or economics. NCCETC estimates that this project will displace more than 7,200 gallons of gasoline per year. This project is part of a larger effort to champion vehicle efficiency and pollution reductions by the City: Nearly 22% of the City’s total fleet is alt-fueled, including 30% of their light-duty fleet.
Davidson County Sheriff’s vehicle (Source: https://www.facebook.com/DavidsonCoSheriffsOffice/)
Davidson County Sheriff
Davidson County Sheriff’s Office in Lexington, NC, will add three 2018 Zero Motorcycles to its Motor Division, each with a projected 25,000 annual mileage per year. NCCETC estimates that this use of electric motorcycles will reduce 3,938 kg total emissions annually. The Sheriff’s Department also plans to implement a data collection tool to capture mileage accumulation information, which will be compared to tracking of the Office’s existing gas fueled motorcycle fleet. The information will be used to determine the fuel economy as well as gallons of gasoline displaced.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Rail Division in Raleigh, NC, has developed a specialized selective catalytic reduction (SCR) emissions reduction system that will be retrofitted onto a Piedmont passenger rail F59PH locomotive. The SCR system is known as a Blended Aftertreatment System, or BATS, and improves the locomotive’s emissions levels 55 to 80%.NCDOT’s Piedmont passenger rail service travels through nine counties between Raleigh and Charlotte, NC – Wake, Orange, Durham, Alamance, Guilford, Davidson, Rowan, Cabarrus, and Mecklenburg – all of which are indicated as EPA non-attainment for one or more pollutants (ozone, CO/CO2). The locomotive will be put into standard revenue service with an estimate of 300 days of use annually, and an expected annual mileage of 103,800 miles per year. NCCETC estimates this project will reduce an astounding 19,275 kg emissions and reduce demand for 9,000 gallons of fuel every year. This exciting project also delivers pollution reductions that are extremely cost-effective.
Orange County Sheriff’s vehicle. (Source: https://www.facebook.com/ocsonc/)
Orange County Sheriff’s Office
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office plans to acquire an electric motorcycle, expanding the capacity of the specialized Motorcycle Unit to patrol County parks, trails, and greenways along with traffic enforcement, funeral escorts, dignitary escorts, and outreach and education events. The unit has been using gasoline Harley Davidson FLHP Electra Glide motorcycles, and looks forward to the addition of the stealthy electric motorcycle. The Orange County Sustainability Coordinator will work with the Sheriff’s Office to provide administrative support, tracking, and reporting on this project to estimate and publicize pollution reduction benefits. Orange County has been diligently working on their fleet to improve fuel economy and reduce transportation pollution for years. In 2018, the County reported more than 11% of their fleet being alt-fueled, including 23 hybrids and 15 bi-fuel propane vehicles. Orange County owns and operates 16 Level 2 electric charging stations, and hosts two DC Fast Charge stations in Hillsborough and Chapel Hill.
thyssenkrupp / Alliance Autogas
Thyssenkrupp, an elevator company with a large fleet of light-duty maintenance vehicles, plans to convert seven vans and a truck to reduce pollution emissions in Mecklenburg County. In Charlotte, NC, six 2018 Ford Transits and one 2018 Ford F-150 will be converted to run on either liquid propane or gasoline. The vehicles will be able to run on either gasoline or propane, according to need, fuel availability, or economics. NCCETC estimates that this project will displace more than 13,000 gallons of gasoline per year. This is part of a larger corporate shift: Nationwide, in the last four years, thyssenkrupp has reduced their fuel use by over 2 million gallons by right-sizing their vehicles and by moving towards alternative fuels like propane and electric. Locally, the project will be implemented in cooperation with fuel provider, Alliance Autogas, who will help thyssenkrupp establish necessary propane refueling infrastructure.
Downtown Apex. (Wikimedia Commons)
Town of Apex
The Town of Apex, NC, a rapidly growing municipality with 302 vehicles and over 201 pieces of equipment, will retrofit three bucket lift truck vehicles with electric PTO (power take-off) units, allowing the trucks’ diesel engines to reduce idling while operating on overhead utilities, signs, and signals. By greatly reducing diesel truck idle time, these electric PTOs will significantly reduce vehicle emissions, improving local air quality and the health of bucket truck operators and workers as well as reduce engine maintenance costs. The Town will meticulously collect fuel and mileage data on each vehicle in operation. By comparing these to historical data, the Town will be able to clearly quantify the benefits of this technology, both in terms of fuel usage and reductions in vehicle pollution, thus estimating the project’s positive effects on air quality in Wake County.
Town of Matthews Police vehicle (Source: https://www.facebook.com/matthewsncpd/)
Town of Matthews Police Department
The Matthews Police Department is purchasing an electric motorcycle in order to diversify their fleet, giving them an efficient and environmentally conscious means of accessing and patrolling areas that conventional vehicles cannot reach. An electric motorcycle will allow MPD to promote safety and environmental protection to pedestrians, cyclists and others in areas such as the Four Mile Creek Greenway, a paved multi-use pathway that is popular for area hikers, bikers, walkers, and animal lovers. The electric motorcycle will displace a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria patrol car, currently getting 18 miles per gallon of gasoline.
UNC Charlotte’s Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs). (Contributed by UNC Charlotte)
UNC Charlotte
The University of North Carolina Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) in Mecklenburg County will replace one heavy duty bucket truck with a hybrid vehicle, and conduct a hybrid electric conversions on one 15-passenger van to reduce emissions per mile. They will also purchase new bi-fuel light duty trucks to run blends of ethanol. These replacements and up-fits will allow the campus to build on its successful fleet hybrid electrification that began as part of the state Petroleum Displacement program, which includes a fleet of over 100 GEM electric vehicles and awards for maximizing the use of E-85 in flex-fuel vehicles. NCCETC estimates these replacements and conversions will result in 53,975 kg total emissions reduced annually. Carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide reductions are estimated to cost only $2.25 and $2.10 per kilogram per year.
SmartPTO installed onto a truck. (Contributed by Viatec)
Viatec Inc
Viatec, a Pittsboro NC company (with locations in Greenville SC and Northern California) will retrofit 12 bucket lift truck vehicles with electric PTO (power take-off) units in NC municipalities with significant air pollution, including Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Charlotte, Raleigh and Cary. This electric PTO allows bucket truck crews to turn off their engine and perform work in a safe, clean and quiet environment, benefiting the owners, operators and the communities in which they work. By greatly reducing diesel truck idle time, these electric PTOs will significantly reduce vehicle emissions. NCCETC estimates that bucket trucks burn nearly a gallon of diesel fuels per hour of idling. Based on an industry study conducted by Quanta Services (Green Truck Show March 2018), an electric PTO system is estimated to save about 1800 gallons of fuel annually, in standard operations. In addition, eliminating the idling on the truck engine also reduces carbon emissions to the tune of almost 38,000 pounds of CO2. The noiseless operation of systems creates safer operating conditions for the crew and the reduced wear-and-tear on the truck engine extends the truck life. This electric PTO is built around an EPA Certified production hardened electric power train and is “Buy America” compliant. The unit is fit for utilities, tree service, sign and light companies and other aerial device application. Industry proven and tested components deliver a reliable and near maintenance-free solution.
NCCETC Awards $1.1 million in Air Quality Improvement Grants
New round of funding released
Raleigh, N.C. (October 9, 2018) — The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) at N.C. State University announced the results of a call for projects through the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) Project. The 2017-2018 $5.6 million initiative, focused on reducing transportation-related emissions, is supported with federal Congestion Mitigation Air Quality funding from the N.C. Department of Transportation (DOT). More than $1,100,101 is being awarded for ten projects to a variety of public and private entities.
Also, a new round of funding has been released, and the applications are due December 17, 2018.
The awards include:
Alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) lease and conversions by UNC Charlotte
Electric PTO (power take-off) bucket trucks by Viatec Incorporated and Town of Apex
AFV conversions to bi-fuel propane by City of Charlotte and thyssenkrupp
Diesel retrofit by North Carolina Department of Transportation Rail Division
Electric motorcycle leases by law enforcement in Davidson County, Orange County, and Town of Matthews
The CFAT project operates in counties that do not meet National Ambient Air Quality Standards. In total, the awarded equipment displaces 62,949 gallons of diesel/gas a year, reducing 54,042 kg of daily emissions.
The first round of 2019 funding Request for Proposals (RFP) period has opened and awards will be announced by February 2019. In 2019, up to $2,350,000 in federal funding is being awarded. The 2019 funds will be awarded continuously, through three rounds of reviews and allocations, until all funds are allocated. The deadline to apply for the first round of funding is December 17, 2018. The application can be found here. For more information, click here.
The NCCETC has partnered with Triangle J, Centralina, Upper Coastal Plain and Kerr-Tar Councils of Governments, and the Piedmont Triad Regional Council to conduct education and outreach regarding alternative fuel and fuel conservation technologies and policies. Additional CFAT activities include a public education media campaign, an annual recognition of exemplary efforts to reduce transportation related emissions, and an annual Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference.
About the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center
The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center, as part of the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University, advances a sustainable energy economy by educating, demonstrating and providing support for clean energy technologies, practices and policies. It serves as a resource for innovative, sustainable energy technologies through technology demonstration, technical assistance, outreach and training. For more information about the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center, visit: http://www.nccleantech.ncsu.edu.
The North Carolina Division of Air Quality is now accepting proposals to fund clean diesel projects. More than $694,000 is available for eligible projects through the Mobile Source Diesel Emission Reduction Grant program, according to a press release. Grants can be used to cover a wide range of projects, including repowering non-road construction or agricultural equipment with cleaner burning engines, converting vehicles to run on alternative fuels and repowering a locomotive.
Individuals, businesses and organizations from the public and private sector are eligible to apply. The division will prioritize funding for non-road equipment projects, according to the press release, but proposals for on-road and locomotive projects will be considered if funding is available.
Applications must be received by email by 5 p.m. November 2, 2018 to be considered.
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) has successfully transformed its electric vehicle (EV) charging facilities, turning a once underutilized resource into a bustling hub for clean transportation. Thanks to a CFAT grant, A-B Tech’s upgraded charging stations, including the rapid DC Fast Charger, have seen a significant surge in usage, reflecting the community’s growing commitment to sustainable practices and the college’s role in fostering this shift. This initiative was made possible through a grant awarded by the Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) project, administered by the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC), showcasing A-B Tech’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
With the CFAT grant, A-B Tech successfully upgraded and replaced the nonfunctional chargers. The new infrastructure includes two BTCPower Dual Port Level 2 chargers and one Direct Current (DC) Fast Charger. The DC Fast Charger is particularly noteworthy as it allows drivers to rapidly charge their vehicles in minutes, a crucial feature that supports the growing adoption of EVs.
