Alternative Fuels and Electric Vehicles 101

As per the Department of Energy, Biodiesel is a renewable, biodegradable fuel manufactured domestically from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled restaurant grease. Biodiesel meets both the bio-mass based diel and overall advanced biofuel requirement for the Renewable Fuel Standard.

As per the Department of Energy, Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from various plant materials collectively known as biomass. More than 98% of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol to oxygenate the fuel. Typically, gasoline contains E10 (10% ethanol, 90% gasoline), which reduces air pollution.

Natural gas is a fossil fuel composed mostly of methane. It is available as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Natural gas is considered an alternative fuel, as it is non-toxic and clean-burning.

Propane or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. It is recognized as an alternative fuel because it is non-toxic, clean burning, and mostly obtained through domestic resources.

Per the Department of Energy, Electric Vehicles (EVs) use electricity as their primary fuel or to improve the efficiency of conventional vehicle designs. EVs are known for providing instant torque and a quiet driver experience.

EVs have electric motors powered by electricity stored in rechargeable battery packs. They are energy efficient and their motors produce zero emissions. This Department of Energy resource details benefits, as well as challenges of EVs.

Read this list of Frequently Asked Questions from the DOE's Energy Information Administration (EIA) for information on alternative fuels and vehicles. This list includes information from EIA data and statistics reports.

Find information and resources to support the use of alternative fuels. The data center includes: a glossary, vehicle directories, incentives and laws, details about fuel types, mapping tools for alternative fueling stations and a quarterly report on alternative fuel prices.

Per the Department of Energy, more consumers are choosing electric vehicles (EVs) as new, competitively priced models with longer ranges hit the market. More public charging stations are also rapidly becoming available, and some offer quick charges to get drivers back on the road in minutes.

Per the Department of Energy, Electric Vehicles (EV's) can fulfill many daily driving needs, making them a great solution for fleets. They offer several benefits and can fill roles in light-duty, medium-/heavy-duty (MD/HD), and even off-road applications.

The U.S. Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office provides project assistance through Clean Cities, technical expertise, and funding to help stakeholders implement alternative fuels and electric vehicles (EVs). Fleet Managers considering EVs can learn about the potential for EV fires and measures to help redu

This handbook is for electrical contractors interested in residential or commercial charging stations. Find answers to your questions and your customers’ questions about PEVs and charging infrastructure. Directs you to additional information to help you make the best decisions for your fleet.

Cars and light truck owners interested in changing their vehicle’s fuel type must follow the EPA's certification procedures to avoid tampering violations.

Find more information about EVs, including case studies, EVSE site location studies, and information for employers, local governments, multi-unit dwellings and utility companies.

eNow is an innovative, clean technology company that uses flexible solar technology to help the transportation industry realize substantial economic, environmental and regulatory benefits.

Find information on multiple alternative fuels, provided by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Read reports, guides, and more on the Clean Cities Coalition program from the U.S. Department of Energy.