BYD will begin operating an electric bus manufacturing facility and an Iron-Phosphate energy module (large-scale battery) manufacturing facility in the coming months. Both will be located in the California city of Lancaster.

These mark the first manufacturing facilities in the United States for BYD Motors Inc, a Los Angeles-based subsidiary of the Chinese firm BYD Company Ltd (1211.HKE).

“We truly are making history,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “The City of Lancaster is honored to play host to BYD, a first-rate firm known around the globe as a leader in battery and sustainable energy technologies. Our community looks forward to working hand-in-hand with BYD as they develop and perfect their e-bus and energy storage technology right here in Lancaster. The opening of not one, but two manufacturing facilities will provide local workers with hundreds of jobs as BYD expands its operations here in the United States, and also represents a significant investment into our local economy and in California.”

China-based BYD, short for “Build Your Dreams,” boasts more than 160,000 employees around the world, with operations in China, the US, Europe, Japan, South Korea, India, Taiwan, Hong Kong and other regions.

BYD’s US corporate headquarters is located in Los Angeles, while the Lancaster facilities mark the firm’s first manufacturing facilities in North America.

“Our relationship with the City of Lancaster started in 2009, when Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich and the LAEDC President, Bill Allen, introduced us,” said Stella Li, President of BYD Motors. “We have been extremely impressed with the resources of LA County and the leadership shown across many cities, including Los Angeles, Long Beach and Lancaster.”

In 2010, Supervisor Antonovich led a trade mission to China, inviting Mayor Parris and City representatives to join in an effort to attract firms to Lancaster. Mayor Parris and his team visited BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen, China to further develop the relationship.

“We were pleased to initiate this vital partnership with BYD, the County and the City of Lancaster and look forward to its continued success with two new world-class manufacturing facilities that will create jobs and enhance the economic vitality here in the Antelope Valley and throughout the region,” said Antonovich.

As a result of the trip to China, the BYD-City of Lancaster relationship bore its first fruit: the “Home of the Future.”

Upon returning to the US, Mayor Parris led an effort to partner with BYD and homebuilding giant KB Home to create this “Home of the Future,” which utilized BYD solar panels, BYD LED lighting, energy-efficient technologies, and BYD residential energy storage to create an affordable green energy home. “

This innovative use of cutting-edge technology, coupled with the ability of the BYD/KB team to think outside the box to create the most affordable production green energy home our country had ever seen, was truly inspiring,” said Parris. “This cemented the concept in my mind that BYD must be part of Lancaster’s future. Their developing technologies dovetail perfectly with our community’s sustainable energy goals, while also providing stable green jobs for local residents.”

In April, BYD was awarded a $12.1 million contract with Long Beach Transit Authority to produce 10 zero-emissions, all-electric buses. The company’s electric buses provide a range of over 155 miles on a single charge, said by BYD to be among the highest in the electric bus industry.

“BYD is thrilled to be a part of the new zero-emissions legacy beginning in Long Beach with their electrified public transportation. Mayor Foster and LBT CEO Larry Jackson are visionary leaders in that community,” stated Stella Li. “Additionally, our Los Angeles Headquarters will continue to expand research and development jobs to support these manufacturing facilities as well as sales and HR support for all of North and South America – thanks to Mayor Villariagosa.”

BYD has purchased the former Rexhall Industries recreational vehicle manufacturing facility in Lancaster at 46147 BYD Boulevard (previously 7^th Street West) to house its electric bus manufacturing operations, as a decrease in demand for RVs has led to excess capacity at the plant.

Rexhall Industries will combine its manufacturing operations with its sales facility on 23^rd Street West, while President and Chief Executive Officer of Rexhall Industries, William Rex, will stay on as General Manager for BYD Coach & Bus LLC.

A number of current Rexhall employees will also stay on as the plant transitions to BYD ownership.

“This truly is the best of both worlds,” said Mayor Parris. “With this arrangement, BYD benefits from a ready-made, fully-permitted facility which perfectly suits its needs, and will also enjoy access to the expertise of highly trained personnel with extensive experience in the manufacturing industry. Simultaneously, Rexhall staff will enjoy stable, green-sector jobs, along with a significant number of local families who will benefit from the new jobs BYD’s operations will create.”

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Propel said it is bringing locally-produced, low carbon fuels to drivers in Fresno through its innovative fueling station model — the Clean Mobility Center.

The station, located at 4994 E. Ashlan Avenue, will be the first in Fresno to offer E85 Flex Fuel and biodiesel, both sourced from Central Valley producers including Community Fuels in Stockton and Calgren Renewable Fuels in Pixley.

The grand opening of this new station was held today, April 9, at 11 am.

Propel Fuels describes itself as a leading retailer of renewable fuels and clean mobility solutions.

Fresno’s Clean Mobility Center offers renewable fuels alongside conventional fuels to, according to the company, provide drivers with true choice at the pump. In addition, the station enables drivers to offset carbon from their fuel purchases, improve their vehicle’s fuel economy, find public transit, tune bicycles, and recycle on the go.

“Rapid swings in fuel prices are a constant reminder of our need to increase choice and competition in the fuel market,” said Matt Horton, CEO of Propel. “And as more consumers embrace local, renewable fuels and seek cleaner means of transportation, Propel Clean Mobility Centers will help make progress toward our country’s most pressing economic and environmental issues.”

The company said their new station model rethinks the traditional gas station, providing a highly visible platform to introduce the renewable fuels to a mainstream driver base alongside conventional fuel options.

Today more than one million Californians drive alternative fuel-ready vehicles, but most do not have access to renewable fuels.

Propel’s stations were the first to offer drivers the option to offset carbon emissions from their fuel purchase right from the pump. Drivers and fleets can also track and report CO2 emission reductions from their use of renewable fuels through Propel’s proprietary CleanDrive program.

“Until now, Fresno’s drivers have not had the option of filling up with renewable fuels like E85 and biodiesel,” said Ashley Swearengin, Mayor of Fresno. “Our community welcomes these new choices at the pump and our city is pleased to play a role in supporting local manufacturing.”

Propel’s new Fresno station will sell locally-sourced biodiesel from Community Fuels in Stockton and ethanol from Calgren Renewable Fuels in Pixley.

Community Fuels produces high quality biodiesel at the company’s 13 million gallons per year bio-refinery at the Port of Stockton which has been in continuous operation since 2008 and is one of the largest operating advanced bio-refineries in the Western U.S.

Opened in 2009, Calgren’s 55 million gallon per year ethanol plant is one of the most efficient operations and lowest carbon footprint facilities in the country.

“Propel’s new station in Fresno makes it easier than ever for our fuels to reach local drivers,” said Lyle Schlyer, President of Calgren. “As Propel expands their network of stations in the area, we look forward to growing our partnership with Propel so more Central Valley drivers have convenient access to high quality, American made fuels like ours.”

Propel Fuels also said that its Clean Mobility Centers utilize green design and sustainability practices that promote cleaner transportation in the communities they serve. Each station has free air stations for tires to increase vehicle miles per gallon (MPG), education centers offering information on local public transit, innovative bicycle tuning centers, recycling stations at the pump, and in the future, emerging fueling types such as natural gas and electric vehicle charging.

Propel currently operates more than 35 stations throughout California and Washington State; more than 200 stations planned for new and existing markets over the next two years.

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These are the words from a video produced by Nissan describing a new reality for employees at Evernote in Redwood City, Calif.

Evernote is a company focused on building apps that help people remember things; Nissan said it is also a company that is intent on retaining the best and brightest employees.

People in California who drive electric vehicles, like the Nissan Leaf, qualify to drive in the HOV lane even when only one person is in the car. That can translate into a significantly faster commute.

That is why Evernote CEO Phil Libin says he offered each of his employees a monthly $250 allowance to lease or buy any vehicle that qualifies them to get a California carpool lane sticker.

If they get the Nissan Leaf their allowance completely covers the cost of the lease as Evernote negotiated a special deal with Nissan.

“The math really works out. We have a lot of very talented and very valuable people and they waste a lot of time in traffic. So if we can save them a half hour a day, and that is very easy to do, a lot of people save much more than that, very quickly that winds up adding up to a whole lot more than what we pay for the car so it just makes economic sense,” said Libin.

On top of the allowance, Evernote installed ten Level 2 charging stations and one DC fast charger to accommodate their employees who want to plug-in at work.

Today, more than 30 major companies in the U.S. have committed to installing EV charging stations in at least one of their locations.

The deal is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Workplace Charging Challenge. High-tech companies like Google, FedEx, Dell and Facebook have signed on.

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Toyota’s Prius-badged vehicles were the most popular new vehicles with California drivers during the 2012 calendar year.

According to R.L Polk, the Prius family cars, which included the Prius Liftback, Prius v, Prius Plug-in, and Prius c, accounted for 61,893 vehicles registered in California.  This makes the Prius the No. 1 vehicle badge sold in the south-western state.

This is in line with the trend shown by the state’s consumers who are adopting gasoline-electric hybrid technology and putting more of these vehicles on the road.

“Consumers are drawn to the Prius vehicles because of the brand’s focus on efficiency,” said Bill Fay, group vice president and general manager of Toyota Motor Sales, Inc.  “All four distinct Prius models offer outstanding fuel economy.”

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As a reminder, to earn access to these faster moving carpool lanes, vehicles must qualify for tax rebates through California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which is overseen by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). A vehicle that qualifies earns a special sticker that identifies it as having HOV privileges.

Ford Fusion Energi buyers are eligible to receive a $1,500 tax rebate – in addition to a $3,750 federal tax credit.

The Energi version of the Fusion is the third Ford vehicle to qualify for California’s special financial and driving incentives. The Focus Electric and C-MAX Energi plug-in hybrid are the two other Ford vehicles to qualify.

The tax rebate and carpool lane access program are designed to promote reduced greenhouse gas emissions and consumption of less gas.

“That Ford has the most 2013 vehicles eligible for HOV lane access in the largest electrified vehicle market in the U.S. underscores our success in truly offering power of choice, especially when it comes to electric and hybrid powertrains,” said C.J. O’Donnell, group marketing manager for Ford Electrification.

To qualify for the programs, a vehicle must be classified by CARB as a super ultra-low emission vehicle and be certified by the U.S. EPA to offer fuel economy of at least 45 mpg on the highway.

Ford said that the Fusion Energi not only meets CARB standards but also has an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating of 100 MPGe combined– 108 MPGe city and 92 MPGe highway – along with a total range of up to 620 miles on one tank of gas and one full charge; the Fusion Energi has an electric-only range of up to 21 miles.

In California, the Fusion Energi is the ninth Ford vehicle to qualify for carpool lane access through CARB since 1993.

“Fusion Energi is Ford’s most fuel-efficient sedan and offers a top electric-only speed of up to 85 mph,” said O’Donnell. “Californians clearly appreciate the environmental benefit, too, which is why we are seeing the state’s programs embrace Ford’s electrified lineup.”

Programs like California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project are growing in number to encourage the use of vehicles that produce fewer emissions and use less gas. They range from the $3,750 federal tax credit owners may receive for buying Fusion Energi to a program in Ferndale, Mich., where drivers of hybrids that get 30 mpg or better in the city are allowed to park for free at city parking meters.

Other states offering lane driving privileges for hybrid vehicle owners include Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, New York, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.

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Announced February 5, the move will help implement Gov. Jerry Brown’s Executive Order to achieve widespread deployment of zero emission vehicles throughout the state.

“These all-electric vehicles remind us that California continues to be a dynamic center of innovation,” said Brown. “These trucks were built here, they’ll be driven here and they’re already changing the way business is done here – cutting emissions and eliminating the need for tanker trucks worth of fossil fuels.”

UPS said its electric trucks will reduce the consumption of conventional motor fuel by approximately 126,000 gallons per year. Additional benefits include reduction of carbon emissions and noise.

The vehicles have a range of up to 75 miles and will primarily deliver packages to customers in Sacramento, San Bernardino, Ceres, Fresno and Bakersfield.

“We currently operate more than 2,500 alternative fuel vehicles worldwide with a variety of hybrid, electric and natural gas technologies, making UPS the leader in logistics sustainability,” said Myron Gray, president of U.S. operations for UPS. “We use our technology and logistics expertise to reduce emissions around the world and help test new automotive technologies.”

UPS mentioned partners in this project include the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, South Coast Air Quality Management District, San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District and Sacramento Air Quality Management District.

“EPA’s funding of these electric delivery trucks highlights our commitment to the rapid deployment of electric vehicles as a means of cleaning the air, creating jobs and spurring innovation,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “California’s communities will benefit from both the local manufacturing of these UPS electric trucks and from the resulting elimination of harmful diesel emissions.”

The vehicles chosen were manufactured in Stockton, California, by Electric Vehicles International (EVI).

The purchase of these vehicles from EVI is also providing new jobs and revenue to the state, as well as creating vehicles that will improve air quality.

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