Kwik Trip Joins National Clean Fleets Partnership

LACROSSE, Wis. -- Kwik Trip Inc. is one of three new corporate partners to join the National Clean Fleets Partnership, a public-private partnership that assists the nation's largest fleet operators in reducing the amount of gasoline and diesel they use nationwide.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the program is part of the Obama Administration's commitment to speeding the transition to more sustainable energy sources that help drive economic growth. It is also part of President Obama's larger goal to drive new technology that offers more vehicle fueling options to American consumers, outlined in his 2011 State of the Union address.

La Crosse, Wis.-based Kwik Trip joins with AMP Americas and Waste Management Inc., as well as 18 other major national companies already in the National Clean Fleets Partnership announced by President Obama in 2011. These companies have committed to improving the fuel economy of their commercial fleets, integrating alternative fuels like natural gas and electricity into their daily operations and reducing overall fuel use.

Kwik Trip has already begun to sell alternative fuels and use them in its own fleets, which serve more than 400 convenience stores across the Midwest. "The market for energy-efficient and electric vehicles is expanding dramatically, giving drivers and businesses more options to save money on fuel while reducing carbon pollution," said U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu. "These American companies are taking strong steps to make their operations smarter and more fuel-efficient -- setting an example for others to follow and helping America lead the global race for a growing industry."

The electric vehicle industry has reported financial and growth problems, however. As CSNews Online previously reported, the White House recently backed off its goal to put 1 million electric cars on the road by 2015 -- a main highlight of President Obama's 2011 State of the Union address.

In terms of bringing these vehicles to the average consumer, Hybridcars.com reported that demand for hybrid, plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles has been weaker than expected. In 2012, nearly 488,000 of these vehicles, 3.3 percent of the overall auto market, were sold in the United States.

Despite the setbacks, Chu maintains that the government is on the right path to getting "many millions of these vehicles" on the road.

 

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