Alternative Fuel Sources
ECO-FRIENDLY
SAFE
ECONOMICAL
INFRASTRUCTURE
Natural Gas
Switching to a natural gas fuel system can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30% when compared to gasoline or diesel. Natural gas vehicles reduce nitrogen oxide by as much as 95%. Renewable natural gas can actually have a net negative greenhouse gas footprint. Renewable natural gas is the process of turning toxic air pollutant into a useful source of energy, such as vehicle fuel.
Natural gas vehicle storage cylinders and other fuel system components are manufactured to strict EPA standards. In the event of an inadvertent release of natural gas, it simply dispels into the atmosphere. Furthermore, the extreme ignition temperature and restricted flammability range make accidental combustion of natural gas minimal.
On average, fleets that switch to natural gas realize annual fuel savings in excess of 35%. Natural gas fuel prices have been 10x more stable than diesel and gasoline fuel prices over the last 20 years. Natural gas has a substantially higher octane rating than conventional fuel which allows for increased engine efficiency and longer engine lifespan.
The United States is estimated to have domestic natural gas supply in excess of 90 years. Additionally, there are almost 2,000 fueling stations located across the United States with hundreds planned for development in the next 3-5 years. These stations are delivered fuel through a 2.5 million mile underground pipeline system that continues to grow with each new station.
Electric
Electric and hybrid vehicle's produce zero-emissions when in all-electric mode. EVs, and the electricity mix that powers them, will also continue to get cleaner over time without requiring any additional changes to the vehicles themselves.
Commercially available electric-drive vehicles must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and undergo the same rigorous safety testing as conventional vehicles sold in the United States. Their battery packs are encased in sealed shells and meet all testing standards required.
Switching to EV or Hybrid can reduce the cost of fuel significantly while providing your fleet with a stable fuel source. High initial upfront costs are largely offset by government incentive and grant money.
Tens of thousands of charging stations are available across the United States with more being built every day. Charging equipment for EVs is classified by the rate at which the batteries are charged. Charging times vary based on how depleted the battery is, how much energy it holds, the type of battery, and the type of charging equipment (e.g., charging level and power output). The charging time can range from less than 20 minutes to 20 hours or more, depending on these factors.
Propane
Vehicles that run on propane autogas emit fewer greenhouse gases, smog-producing hydrocarbons and particulate emissions than conventional fuels. Propane autogas is naturally much lower in nitrogen oxides than diesel and gasoline. Nitrogen oxide emissions are federally regulated due to their negative impact on human health and the environment.
Propane vehicle conversions in the United States require EPA certification and/or California Air Resources Board certification, where a QSR (Qualified System Retrofitter) should perform the installation. Propane has a long history as an alternative fuel and has been rigorously tested to insure the fuels safety.
Historically, propane autogas costs about 40% less than gasoline and 50% less than diesel per gallon. Maintenance service and costs are reduced due to the fuel’s clean operation. Propane removes the complexity and cost of after-treatment measures since it doesn’t require additional fluids or filters, exhaust after-treatment or diesel emissions fluids, particulate trap systems, turbochargers or intercoolers. Since the fuel runs cleanly through the engine, fleets report savings of 30% to 50% on filters and fluids alone.
Fueling with propane autogas is easy and takes about the same length of time as fueling with gasoline or diesel. Propane autogas offers multiple options for infrastructure setups that will keep meet your budget needs: Your local fuel supplier can install low or no-cost propane infrastructure with a fueling contract, your local propane supplier will come to you facility and fill your vehicles, our you can use one of the thousands of public propane stations across the U.S.
Hydrogen
Fuel cell electric vehicles emit only water vapor and warm air, producing no tailpipe emissions. Similar to electricity, hydrogen is an energy carrier that can be produced from various feedstocks. These feedstocks and production methods should be considered when evaluating hydrogen emissions.
Many of the hydrogen safety codes and standards today are based on practices from the chemical and aerospace industries. DOE is coordinating the efforts of codes and standards organizations to develop more robust codes and standards that ensure the safe use of hydrogen for transportation and stationary applications.
H2 vehicles are generally 2x to 3x more efficient than internal combustion engines. H2 vehicles are equipped with advanced technologies to increase efficiency, such as regenerative braking systems that capture the energy lost during braking and store it in a battery. In addition, H2 vehicles are showing increasing range as technology continues to develop.
In mid-2021, there were 48 open retail hydrogen stations in the United States and there were at least 60 stations in various stages of planning or construction. Most of the existing and planned stations were in California, with one in Hawaii and 14 planned for the Northeastern states. Customers are expected to have similar experiences at hydrogen fueling stations as at gasoline stations, with most hydrogen dispensers being added at existing gasoline stations.
