Alternative Fuel On-Site Infrastructure Development
Considerations for Using Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Fleets interested in using alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) in their fleet need to carefully consider what it will take to install the proper fueling infrastructure to meet their needs. There are many things to consider when building alternative fueling infrastructure. These include codes and standards, the right fueling appliances, safety standards, and employee training.
In addition, it is important to understand what fuels are most commonly available in your area, the availability of AFVs that meet your needs, and the locations of publicly accessible alternative fueling stations.
Alternative Fuel Examples:
- Biodiesel
- Electricity
- E85 Fleet Toolkit
- Hydrogen
- Natural Gas (CNG and LNG)
- Propane
Other Things You Should Consider Before Installing Infrastructure On-site
- Know where publicly accessible alternative fueling stations are located Find an Alternative Fueling Station
- Learn about available vehicles that meet your needs Available Alternative Fuel Vehicles
- Understand alternative fuels pricing Alternative Fuels Price Report (regional pump prices) and Alternative Fuels Index (wholesale prices).
- If you have problems, Clean Cities is here to help. Contact your local Clean Cities Coordinator for additional tips, possible financial opportunities and technical assistance.
Article Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
Maintenance for Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Tips on Properly Maintaining an Alternative Fuel Vehicle
Maintaining your alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) can be as straightforward as maintaining a conventional vehicle. You just need to understand the auto manufacturer’s maintenance requirements for each specific AFV and ensure that you use recommended parts, maintenance schedules, and technicians to complete the maintenance.
Each type of AFV can have different maintenance requirements. Use the links below to learn more about specific AFV maintenance issues. And always remember to follow the auto manufacturer’s guidelines and maintenance requirements for your specific vehicle.
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Maintenance Guide
Maintenance Considerations for Biodiesel Vehicles
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.
Maintenance Considerations for E85 Ethanol Vehicles
Special lubricants are no longer required for flex fuel vehicles (FFVs). Use E85 replacement parts (identify E85 as the fuel when ordering). Maintenance assistance is available from local dealers; practices are very similar, if not identical, to those for conventionally fueled vehicles.
Maintenance Considerations for Electric Vehicles
EVs have lower "fuel" and maintenance costs than gasoline-powered vehicles. The cost of an equivalent amount of fuel for EVs costs less than the price of gasoline. Also, maintenance for EVs is less—EVs have fewer moving parts to service and replace, although the batteries must be replaced every three to six years.
Maintenance Considerations for Propane Vehicles
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.
Maintenance Considerations for Natural Gas Alternative Fuel Vehicles
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.
Maintenance Considerations for Hydrogen Fuel Cell & Combustion Engine Vehicles
Although 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.
Article Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
Finding a Fueling Station Which Carries Alternative Fuels
U.S. Department of Energy Offers Several Tools for Locating Alternative Fuel Stations
Tips for Finding a Gas Station for an Alternative Fuel Vehicle
The Alternative Fuels Data Center contains fueling stations for the following alternative fuels: compressed natural gas (CNG), 85% ethanol (E85), liquefied petroleum gas/propane (LPG), biodiesel (BD), electric, hydrogen, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Stations are located throughout the United States, and information is gathered from trade associations, industry contacts, retailers, and general literature.
Alternative Fuel Station Locator
Visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s website to find alternative fuel stations for specific locations or states for (CNG, E85, LPG, electricity, biodiesel, hydrogen, LNG). Details include addresses, phone numbers, hours of operation, payment types (if available), and fuel-specific information.
Alternative Fuel Route Mapper
This application enables you to map a route between a start and an end point of your choice. It creates a map that shows alternative fuel stations along the entire route and provides driving directions, with four options for displaying and printing the information.
U.S. Alternative Fuel Station Maps
This dynamic map program provides an overview of fueling station locations for the entire United States, with tools to customize the view.
Create a Custom Database Query
Search the fueling stations database for a specific fuel type, such as biodiesel, in a specific state or in all states. This search uses a form that will allow you to select fueling station data and display them in a table or in a format suitable for downloading into a spreadsheet.
Alternative Fuel Station Counts Listed by State and Fuel Type
This dynamically created table provides a listing of the number of Alternative Fuel Stations in each state by fuel type.
Article Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
