Alternative Fuel Vehicles

A alternative-fuel vehicle is an automobile or other other vehicle that can typically run off an alternative type of fuel. Some of these vehicles are also flexible-fuel vehicle or dual-fuel vehicle which can alternate between two sources of fuel. A common example is a vehicle that can accept gasoline mixed with varying levels of ethanol (gasohol). Some cars carry a natural gas tank and one can switch from gasoline to gas. Many diesel cars can run on a specific blend of diesel called biodiesel. A common example is a vehicle that can accept gasoline mixed with varying levels of ethanol (gasohol). Some cars carry a natural gas tank and one can switch from gasoline to gas.

Propane

Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), has been used to fuel vehicles since the 1920s. More than 200,000 propane vehicles in the United States and about 9 million worldwide use propane. Cars, pickup trucks, and vans; and medium- heavy-duty vehicles such as shuttles, trolleys, delivery trucks, and school buses; and off-road vehicles such as forklifts and loaders. Propane vehicles can be equipped with dedicated fueling systems designed to use only propane, or bi-fuel fueling systems that enable fueling with either propane or gasoline. A number of manufacturers produce medium-duty propane vehicles. Several companies offer buses, shuttles, and trolleys that can be fueled with propane. Check out our listing of current model year heavy-duty vehicles for details. Most light-duty propane vehicles on the road are aftermarket conversions. Propane is the most accessible of the liquid and gaseous alternative fuels. All states have publicly accessible fueling stations; approximately 3,000 are documented. The time needed to fill a vehicle with propane is comparable to that needed for gasoline or diesel fuel. The tanks are filled to no more than 80% capacity (there is an automatic shutoff on the tanks), to allow for liquid expansion as ambient temperature rises. Factory-installed light-duty truck conversion costs about $2,500 over the conventional vehicle base price; non-factory conversion costs also average about $2,500. Some states offer incentives for propane use LINKSSSSSSSSSSS see our incentives and laws page for details. Maintenance Considerations according to the National Propane Gas Association, some fleets report 2-3 years longer service life and extended maintenance intervals for propane vehicles. However, manufacturers and converters recommend conventional maintenance intervals. In addition, tanks that hold propane require periodic inspection and certification by a licensed inspector. Propane is safe and has a very narrow flammability range. Adequate training is required to operate and maintain vehicles running on propane. Please see the training page for current information on sessions pertaining to the operation, maintenance, and fueling of alternative fuel vehicles or contact the Propane Education and Research Council.

Benefits

• 60% fewer ozone-forming emissions (CO and NOx) than reformulated gasoline
• 98% reduction in the emissions of toxics (compared to regular gasoline)
• Costs less than gasoline
• Propane is a domestic resource
• Performance is similar to those of gasoline-powered vehicles.

Drawbacks

• Range is less than gasoline vehicles
• Extra storage tanks (can increase range, but at the expense of payload capacity)

NATURAL GAS (CNG)

CNG fueling stations are located in most major cities and in many rural areas. Public LNG stations are limited and used mostly by fleets and heavy-duty trucks. LNG is available through suppliers of cryogenic liquids. Natural gas vehicles are just as safe as today's conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles. They use pressurized tanks, which have been designed to withstand severe impact, high external temperatures, and environmental exposure. Adequate training is required to operate and maintain natural gas vehicles because they are different than gasoline or diesel vehicles. Training and certification of service technicians is required. In general, a natural gas vehicle can be less expensive to operate than a comparable conventionally fueled vehicle depending on natural gas prices. Natural gas can cost less than gasoline and diesel (per energy equivalent gallon); however, local utility rates can vary. Purchase prices for natural gas vehicles are somewhat higher than for similar conventional vehicles. The auto manufacturers' typical price premium for a light-duty CNG vehicle can be $1,500 to $6,000, and for heavy-duty trucks and buses it is in the range of $30,000 to $50,000. Federal and other incentives can help defray some of the increase in vehicle acquisition costs. In addition, fleets may need to purchase service and diagnostic equipment if access to commercial CNG/LNG vehicle maintenance facilities is not available. Learn more about NGV tax incentives. Retrofitting a conventional vehicle so it can run on CNG may cost $2,000 to $4,000 per vehicle.

Maintenance Considerations High-pressure tanks that hold CNG require periodic inspection and certification by a licensed inspector. Find a certified cylinder inspector on the CSA - International Web site.

Fleets doing on-site maintenance may need to upgrade their facilities to accomodate NGVs. Costs for upgrading maintenance facilities will depend on the number of modifications required.

Some natural gas vehicle manufacturers now recommend oil changes at intervals twice as long as similar gasoline or diesel models (10,000-12,000 miles). Refer to the vehicle owner's manual or consult the manufacturer to determine proper maintenance intervals.

Benefits

• The cost of a gasoline-gallon equivalent of CNG can be favorable compared to that of gasoline, but varies depending on local natural gas prices. Check out the latest edition of the Alternative Fuel Price Report for regional fuel prices.
• Natural gas is mostly domestically produced.
• Almost all the imports coming from Canada.
• Service lives 2 to 3 years longer than gasoline or diesel vehicles
• Extended time between required maintenance.
• Bi-fuel NGVs offer a driving range similar to that of gasoline vehicles.

Drawbacks

• Vehicle range for CNG and LNG vehicles is less than gasoline and diesel-fueled vehicles
• Payload capacity may be compromised

HYDROGEN

Hydrogen vehicles represent an attractive option for reducing petroleum consumption and improving air quality. Most hydrogen vehicles are powered by fuel cells that produce no air pollutants and few greenhouse gases. If fueled with pure hydrogen, fuel cells emit only heat and water as a byproduct. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are not yet commercially available. However, they are currently being demonstrated in light- and heavy-duty applications in fleets throughout the country. For example, Honda has placed several prototype light-duty FCX fuel cell vehicles city fleets, and California transit agencies are demonstrating fuel cell buses in revenue service.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is dedicated to hydrogen vehicle research and development. From using hydrogen in internal combustion engines to building a nationwide network of hydrogen refueling stations, studies in all aspects of hydrogen vehicles are being conducted by DOE's FreedomCAR and Vehicle Technologies and Hydrogen, Fuel Cells, and Infrastructure Technologies (HFCIT) Programs.

In addition, the HFCIT Program developed the Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project, which conducts tests on the performance of fuel cell vehicles and the supporting hydrogen infrastructure. Insights are fed back into DOE's research and development program to guide and refocus future studies.

Benefits

• Zero air pollutant emissions
• Few greenhouse gas emissions
• Work well in heavy duty applications (buses, construction equipment)

Drawbacks

• Infrastructure almost non-existant
• Pricing impractical for private plated vehicles
• Fuel cell realiability not known
• Poor fuel mileage (internal combustion hydrogen applications)

ELECTRICITY

Electric Vehicles (EVs) come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be light-duty delivery vehicles or heavy-duty trams and buses. Because the range of an EV (approximately 80 miles) is limited by weight, design, and the type of battery used, EVs are particularly well suited to short-distance, high-use applications—those that demand frequent starts and stops. In addition, many EV models satisfy Energy Policy Act vehicle acquisition requirements for fleets.

Some manufacturers produce neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs), which use similar battery technology and are often used in limited on-road fleet applications. NEVs are zero emission vehicles, but most do not satisfy EPAct requirements for fleets. See our neighborhood electric vehicles page for more detail on NEVs.

In an EV, batteries and other energy storage devices are used to store the electricity that powers the electric motor in the vehicle. EV batteries must be replenished by plugging in the vehicle to a power source. Some EVs have on-board chargers; others plug into a charger located outside the vehicle, but both must use electricity that comes from the power grid to replenish the battery. Although electricity production may contribute to air pollution, an EV is a zero emission vehicle and its motor produces no exhaust or emissions.

Vehicle Availability You can find vehicle listings and specifications on our list of current model year electric vehicles. Although the number of EVs offered by manufacturers is not large, EV technology has been key in the development of hybrid electric vehicles and will continue to be so as fuel cell vehicles come to market. Another important result of the development of EV technology has been the steady growth of the neighborhood electric vehicle market.

The largest concentration of EVs is in California and the western United States.

Fuel Availability Most homes, government facilities, fleet garages, and businesses have adequate electrical capacity for charging EV batteries. Special hookups or upgrades may be required.

Public charging facilities have been developed in many areas, including southern California and Arizona, where EVs are most numerous.

The time required to charge EV batteries is an important issue for the EV market. In-home charging can be slow and may take as long as 8 hours. High-power, fast-charging equipment is available and can reduce charging time to 2-4 hours. Placement of charging facilities in shopping centers, workplaces, and homes can reduce the inconvenience as batteries can charge while drivers are shopping, working, or sleeping.

Visit the Refueling Station Locator page to find electric recharging locations.

Vehicle Experience Electric vehicles have been used in several fleet applications including airline ground service and baggage handling, internal transit for national parks, and university and business campus security. Visit the fleet success story section or the niche market pages to see how some of these fleets use electricity.

Costs Initial commercial production electric vehicles are priced from $15,000 to $40,000. Individuals and businesses that purchase electric vehicles may qualify for a federal tax credit if they meet the requirements established by the IRS in Publication 535. Many states also offer incentives for the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles. Query our State Incentives and Laws database to find incentives in your state. Another cost consideration is the warranty on battery pack replacement. The cost will depend on the type of batteries and the replacement interval.

Generally, electricity costs less per mile than gasoline, so fueling EVs can be economical. Please note that local utility rates vary and that installation of equipment at charging locations may involve additional expense.

For more specific information, download the Alternative Fuel Price Report.

Maintenance Considerations Service requirements for EVs are fewer than those for gasoline-powered vehicles. EVs don't require tuneups, oil changes, timing belts, water pumps, radiators, fuel injectors, or tailpipes. They do, of course, require battery maintenance.

Electric batteries have a limited number of charging cycles (the number of times a battery can be charged and discharged) and will typically need to be replaced within 3-6 years. Different types of batteries (such as lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride, and lithium-ion) are available depending on the manufacturer and the vehicle.

Auto suppliers will assist fleets with maintenance training for EVs. Some colleges also offer training for EV (and other alternative fuel vehicle) mechanics.

Safety EVs meet all federal motor vehicle safety requirements. The batteries are sealed and all high-voltage circuits are protected from casual contact. In addition, high-voltage circuits are marked, color coded, and posted with warnings. Most emergency response teams are trained for handling EVs in case of accidents.

Benefits EVs are zero emission vehicles, meaning they produce no tailpipe or evaporative emissions that contribute to air pollution and global warming (although electricity production is not pollution-free). As zero emission vehicles, EVs help manufacturers meet California Air Resources Board standards that require incremental reductions in passenger car fleet emissions.

The cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour usually compares favorably to that of gasoline, but varies depending on location. Check out the latest edition of the Alternative Fuel Price Report, or contact your local utility for regional electricity prices.

More than 95% of the electricity used to charge EVs originates from domestic resources, so driving an EV reduces the nation's dependence on imported oil.

As mentioned previously, EVs require less service because they don't need oil and they have no timing belts, water pumps, radiators, fuel injectors, or tailpipes.

EVs are permitted to drive in high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes in most states regardless of the number of occupants. Check our State Incentives and Laws database to determine whether this applies in your state.

Performance Well-designed EVs can travel at the same speeds as conventional vehicles and provide the same safety and performance capabilities. In some instances, the EVs have better acceleration because of the characteristics of motors at low speeds.

The range for EVs, however, is more limited than conventional vehicle ranges, and spans from 50 to 130 miles. Variables include the vehicle's weight, engineering, design, type of battery, weather extremes, and the use of heating and air conditioning.

BIODIESEL

Biodiesel blends can be used in any light- or heavy-duty diesel engine. However, it is important to check with your manufacturer before using biodiesel. As with any fuel, an engine component failure caused by the fuel may not be covered under warranty. Biodiesel blends are being used in a number of heavy-duty vehicles throughout the country. The most common blend of biodiesel is B20 (20% biodiesel / 80% diesel), but B100 (neat biodiesel) and blends of less than 20% biodiesel can also be used.

Vehicles that have successfully used biodiesel include school and transit buses, refuse haulers, military support vehicles, farm equipment, and national park maintenance vehicles. Biodiesel fueling of light-duty diesel vehicles is less common. It is important to always consult your vehicle manufacturer to make sure they approve the use of biodiesel in their products. Biodiesel is available in various parts of the United States and in visit the fueling station locator page to find locations offering biodiesel. To obtain biodiesel through bulk suppliers, contact the National Biodiesel Board for a list of registered suppliers.

As with all vehicles, adequate training is required to operate and maintain vehicles running on biodiesel. The flashpoint of biodiesel is significantly higher than that of conventional diesel fuel, which makes the fuel safer in general. Neat biodiesel is nontoxic, biodegradable, and emits fewer carcinogens in the exhaust than conventional diesel fuel.

Biodiesel Fuel Costs Using biodiesel blends requires little or no engine modification and maintenance costs are comparable to those of conventional diesel vehicles. Neat biodiesel costs range from $1.95 to $3 per gallon, depending on the feedstock and supplier. In general, B20 will cost $.20 to $.40 per gallon more than conventional diesel. For more information, download the Alternative Fuel Price Report from the AFDC.

All diesel fuels require special measures for use in cold temperatures. Biodiesel has a higher cloud point than conventional diesel. However, the same strategies used to ensure operability of conventional diesel fuels in wintertime will also work for biodiesel blends. These include the use of additives and blending with No. 1 diesel.

Benefits According to the National Biodiesel Board, using a B20 biodiesel fuel blend can reduce vehicle emissions: Unburned hydrocarbons - 20% reduction Carbon monoxide - 12% reduction Particulate matter - 12% reduction Biodiesel is domestically produced, so its use helps reduce the nation's dependence on imported oil and can help boost the agricultural sector of the economy. Biodiesel is a renewable fuel made from domestically grown crops like soybeans and mustard seed. Biodiesel can also be produced from recycled cooking grease. When using biodiesel, lubricity is improved over conventional diesel fuel. Performance, HP, torque, acceleration, cruising speed, and fuel economy are similar to those for diesel fuel. The energy content of B100 is 10%-12% lower than conventional diesel. This leads to roughly 2% lower energy content in B20 blends. The cetane number for biodiesel is significantly higher than that of conventional diesel fuel.

External Links

U.S. Department of Energy - Official Site