In a number of posts I have defended Clean Energy as an important partner in expanding the use of NGVs. I have two Honda GXs and fuel them at Clean Energy stations in Southern California. Sure I would like a lower price than 50 cents under gasoline, but I understand they need to make a buck. And, overall Clean Energy has continued to lose money. It has never shown a profit.
But here is my rant.
Today I had a critical meeting in Los Angeles. I only had a quarter tank because the Sand Canyon station wouldn't give me a good fill. I stopped at the station off Euclid Avenue, and the pumps were not working. My third attempt was in Long Beach, where half of the pumps were out of order, but some were working.
OK, I am an early adopter. I am willing incur some inconvenience in order to refrain from buying fuel from places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Venezuela. But give me a break. I see repair technicians at Clean Energy pumps all the time. I wonder whether the industry is ready for prime time.
Clean Energy can ignore my rant, but here's one more insight. When we made it to the Long Beach station (on fumes), my wife turned to me and said, "OK, I've had enough. You're not buying that new Honda CNG this Fall." And for the first time, I thought she might be right.
But here is my rant.
Today I had a critical meeting in Los Angeles. I only had a quarter tank because the Sand Canyon station wouldn't give me a good fill. I stopped at the station off Euclid Avenue, and the pumps were not working. My third attempt was in Long Beach, where half of the pumps were out of order, but some were working.
OK, I am an early adopter. I am willing incur some inconvenience in order to refrain from buying fuel from places like Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Venezuela. But give me a break. I see repair technicians at Clean Energy pumps all the time. I wonder whether the industry is ready for prime time.
Clean Energy can ignore my rant, but here's one more insight. When we made it to the Long Beach station (on fumes), my wife turned to me and said, "OK, I've had enough. You're not buying that new Honda CNG this Fall." And for the first time, I thought she might be right.
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