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Mindy Long

Mindy Long is a journalist and editor specializing in the logistics, transportation and fueling industries. She has been writing professionally for more than 25 years and launched her freelance business in 2008. Prior to going freelance, she served as editor of Stop Watch, a staff reporter at Transport Topics, and a Washington correspondent for WCAX-TV in Burlington, Vermont. Her work appears in a variety of media outlets. 

Demand for Hydrogen Ramps Up as OEMs Make Progress on Heavy-Duty Hydrogen Vehicles

Posted on by Mindy Long

Original equipment manufacturers are proving out new hydrogen technologies to meet more stringent emissions requirements, and the new vehicle designs are expected to dramatically increase demand for hydrogen, according to speakers at ACT Expo 2024.

Vehicles are fueled similar to how diesel is dispensed today, there is no extra weight, and vehicles can travel 500 miles or more before refueling. “Trying to mimic a diesel like fueling experience is the goal,” said Kimberly Okafor, general manager of zero emissions solutions for Trillium, a Love’s company.

TravelCenters of America Using Microgrids to Aid in the Transition to EV Charging

Posted on by Mindy Long

TravelCenters of America Inc. has plans to add electric charging stalls across hundreds of its locations and plans to use microgrids—local electrical grids—in some areas to support power needs for passenger as well as medium- and heavy-duty vehicles.

Dr. Dean Bushey, senior vice president of sustainability for TravelCenters of America, said TA is in the process of adding a microgrid to its location in Ontario, California, and plans to add more microgrids at locations along the West Coast. 

The Ontario, California, location is TA’s busiest and most profitable site. “The reason for microgrid is demand shaving. If trucks plug in and draw a lot of power quickly, we have to shave off that peak demand,” Bushey said. “The other reason is for sustainability if there is a brownout.”

Building a Travel Center? Fuel Offerings 101

Posted on by Mindy Long

The truck stop and travel center industry is fuel agnostic and strives to offer whatever fuels its customers demand. Diesel fuel remains the primary fuel used within the trucking industry, especially for long-haul over- the-road freight movement.

However, the industry is currently evolving to meet demand for new fueling technologies, such as electric vehicle charging stations, and preparing to meet future fueling needs.

For those new to the industry, gather information on the fuels you may want to consider from the NATSO Foundation’s New Build Toolkit.

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