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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.
Alternative-Fuel vehicles in the United States
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 in vehicles since the 1920s. Today there are more than 200,000 propane vehicles in the United States and about 9 million worldwide. These include 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. See our vehicle conversions page to find out more about vehicles that can be converted to run on propane. Propane is the most accessible of the liquid and gaseous alternative fuels. All states have publicly accessible fueling stations; approximately 3,000 are documented. Use our Station Locator to find a propane fueling location in your area. 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. There are more than 200,000 on- and off-road propane-powered vehicles in the United States and about 9 million worldwide. Off-road applications include indoor use of vehicles such as forklifts and loaders, where propane's clean burning properties help to maintain air quality. 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 Propane vehicles can produce 60% fewer ozone-forming emissions (CO and NOx) than vehicles powered by reformulated gasoline. In addition, tests on light-duty, bi-fuel vehicles have demonstrated a 98% reduction in the emissions of toxics, including benzene, 1,3-butadiene, formaldehyde, and acetaldehyde, when the vehicles were running on propane rather than gasoline.
The cost of a gasoline-gallon equivalent of LPG is generally less than that of gasoline, but varies depending on location. Check out the latest edition of the Alternative Fuel Price Report for an updated list of regional fuel prices. In addition, several states offer incentives for propane use; see our incentives and laws page to check propane incentives that may be offered in your state.
Propane is a domestic resource. Approximately 85% of the propane used in this country results from natural gas processing and petroleum refining inside the United States.
Performance Propane vehicle power, acceleration, and cruising speed are similar to those of gasoline-powered vehicles.
The range for bi-fuel vehicles is comparable to that of gasoline vehicles, but the range of dedicated propane vehicles is generally less than gasoline vehicles because of the lower energy content of propane. (Propane contains about 84,000 Btu/gallon and regular gasoline averages 114,000 Btu/gallon.) Extra storage tanks can increase range, but the additional weight may displace some payload capacity.
NATURAL GAS (CNG)
Fuel Availability 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. You may use the Refueling Station Locator to search for a CNG or LNG refueling station near you. 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. Learn more about alternative fuels training programs. 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 Compared with vehicles fueled by conventional diesel and gasoline, NGVs can produce significantly lower amounts of harmful emissions such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and toxic and carcinogenic pollutants. NGVs can also reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas. For details, see the following publications from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Clean Alternative Fuels: Compressed Natural Gas (PDF 76 KB) Clean Alternative Fuels: Liquefied Natural Gas (PDF 72 KB) 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. In 2004, net imports of natural gas was approximately 15% of the total used, with almost all the imports coming from Canada. Some natural gas vehicle owners report service lives 2 to 3 years longer than gasoline or diesel vehicles and extended time between required maintenance. Performance Vehicle range for CNG and LNG vehicles generally is less than that of comparable gasoline- and diesel-fueled vehicles because of the lower energy content of natural gas. Extra storage tanks can increase range, but the additional weight may displace some payload capacity. NGV horsepower, acceleration, and cruise speed are comparable with those of an equivalent conventionally fueled vehicle. Depending on the number of cylinders and their locations, some payload capacity may be compromised with NGVs. Bi-fuel NGVs offer a driving range similar to that of gasoline vehicles.
HYDROGEN
lthough they are still in development, hydrogen vehicles represent an attractive option for reducing petroleum consumption and improving air quality. 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.
To read about various DOE hydrogen vehicle and infrastructure evaluations
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.
Fleets looking to comply with the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct) must use fuel blends that contain at least 20% biodiesel. For more information on EPAct go to the EPAct Web site. For more information on fuel blends of 20% biodiesel or less, please see our site on fuel blends.
Fuel Availability Biodiesel is available in various parts of the United States; visit the fueling station locator page to find locations offering biodiesel. To obtain biodiesel through bulk suppliers, check Biodiesel Industry Contacts for a listing or contact the National Biodiesel Board for a list of registered suppliers.
The Biodiesel Driving Experience In the United States, more than 10 million miles have been driven on neat biodiesel and biodiesel blends. Learn about Biodiesel Success Stories as part of the Clean Cities Program.
Biodiesel Safety 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.
Maintenance Considerations Always check with the vehicle manufacturer before fueling with biodiesel. In older vehicles, high-percentage blends of biodiesel (greater than 20%) can affect fuel hoses and pump seals made from certain elastomers. The effect is lessened with lower percentage blends. Elastomers (found in hoses and gaskets) that are biodiesel-compatible are required for use with B100 and high-percentage biodiesel blends.
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.
To protect equipment and ensure trouble-free operation, B100 used for blending with conventional diesel should meet the ASTM D6751 specification.
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 Horsepower, 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.
