Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles currently facing alternative fuel providers for the commercial trucking industry is ensuring affordable, consistent, and reliable access to those fuels, which include electricity and hydrogen for electrified vehicles, renewable diesel (R99), and renewable compressed natural gas (CNG).
These fuels are eventual replacements for traditional diesel. The market will determine which one(s) will be the ultimate winner but that's at least a decade away. Until then, a new company and business model has emerged with the goal to revolutionize green friendly fueling by avoiding the electrical grid altogether and to incorporate plenty of creature comforts for drivers and travelers alike.
Refueling revolution
Cornelius, North Carolina-based Cyclum NextGen Travel Centers, founded in 2019, recently signed an agreement with the city of Tulare, California to transform a 26-acre site into a first of its kind, state-of-the-art renewable energy travel center offering renewable diesel, ethanol-based gasoline for passenger vehicles, CNG, hydrogen, and battery-electric fueling options. Road-going vehicles are welcome but commercial transport is the main focus.
Unlike the Trucking as a Service (TaaS) subscription-based model, Cyclum's business model does not require access to the local grid.
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Instead, Cyclum's centers are self-sustaining by utilizing renewable natural gas sourced from animal waste brought to centers via pipeline or tanker. Along with additional energy assistance from wind turbines, the company claims it can feed more energy back into the grid by what it produces.
"This is a totally new concept," explains Miles Palmer, Cyclum's director of marketing, in conversation with Clean Trucking. "If we were to draw power from the grid it'll be quite a large amount."
Cyclum, in partnership with Central Cal Truck Stops, says its new Tulare site will also serve as a source of economic development for the San Joaquin Valley, creating around new 50 jobs and generating an estimated $2.6 million in gross tax revenue from fuel, food, beverages, and other services designed specifically for commercial drivers and general travelers. In addition, annual revenue of $215,000 is projected to come from basic services like parking, truck washing, and other amenities. An estimated $288,000 in lease revenue is also expected.
“This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future for transportation,” said Cyclum CEO Brian Profitt. “We are thrilled to work with the City of Tulare to bring our NextGen Travel Center vision to life. This project will provide critical renewable fueling options while contributing to the local economy and supporting California’s ambitious clean energy goals.”
Smart location
Located near Highway 99, a major north-south route in the state's Central Valley, the future Mefford Field Renewable Energy Travel Center is the first stage of Cyclum’s larger goal to develop 400 NextGen Travel Centers nationwide over the next decade.
"We want, in simple terms, an opportunity for trucking companies and passenger vehicles to use this type of equipment," said Terry McCaskey, Cyclum's marketing engagement manager. "The goal for us is to revolutionize the next generation of travel centers by providing a superior experience. They're more than just a place on the side of the road to stop. [Things like] gyms, dog runs, showers, and sleep pods for drivers will be available. Our amenities will be slightly more advanced and up to date with the needs of modern drivers."
The city of Tulare will assist with grant applications and unspecified funding opportunities to support traffic and infrastructure improvements. It will also conduct regular environmental assessments and has budgeted up to $750,000 for property upgrades while Cyclum will assume additional costs.
Construction of the Tulare location is set to get underway in early 2025 and will open sometime next year. McCaskey says that, for now, the growth focus will continue to be on the West Coast and northern Florida.
What's next
Looking ahead, Cyclum aims to create more joint ventures, as opposed to franchises, by partnering with companies already operating truck stops in the lower 48 states and expand them. Each site must be upwards of 25 acres in order to accommodate necessary infrastructure.
"For us, hydrogen is not the be all, end all. [Nor is] diesel, gasoline, EV, or CNG. What can we do to ensure all the drivers that come to our stations have the resources they need to be successful. Our responsibility is to provide what they need," McCaskey emphasized.
