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InstituteVehicle TechnologyFocus AreaVehicle TechnologyFleet OperationsEnglishAnalysisTransportationCompliance and Exceptions (Level 2)USA

Alternative fuel vehicles

['Vehicle Technology']
Alternative fuel vehicles
  • Emissions rules are becoming more strict in many states.
  • Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) may not be feasible, so alternative fuels should be assessed for fit to the operation.
  • If carriers do not choose compliant options to lower emissions in time to meet requirements, it may impact their business.

Customer demand and tightening environmental regulations push carriers to purchase vehicles with lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than gasoline or petroleum diesel vehicles.

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) may not be cost-effective for everyone without substantial government incentives, which may not be sufficient to justify the investment. For example, a battery-electric Class-8 truck can cost three times more than a traditional diesel-powered vehicle.

Understanding the basics of some of the alternative fuels is essential.

10 questions carriers should ask

BEVs might be the only option if you operate in areas where zero-emission vehicles are mandated soon. If so, the link to our electric vehicle information may be helpful.

Carriers should get answers to the following questions before switching to alternative fuel vehicles:

  1. What emissions regulations and incentives apply to the alternative fuel in your operating area(s)?
  2. How reliable is the technology, and how soon could it be obsolete?
  3. How long will the vehicle last?
  4. What is the total cost of ownership (TCO), including residual value?
  5. What shop modifications, technician training, and safety precautions are needed to support the respective alternative fuel vehicles?
  6. How does the vehicle function in extreme heat or cold temperatures?
  7. How volatile is the cost of the alternative fuel?
  8. What refueling infrastructure investment is needed, if any?
  9. How will fuel efficiency and refueling infrastructure impact routing and service?
  10. Will additional weight impact freight-hauling efficiency or safety?

Alternative fuel options

*The table below was primarily developed from information on the Department of Energy (DOE) Alternative Fuels Data Center https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/ website.

The alternative fuels listed below are some of the more prevalent options for commercial motor vehicle fleets. The information provides high-level aspects to consider before moving further in the vehicle drivetrain selection process.

Alternative fuel descriptionEmissions impactPositivesNegatives
Hydrogen - Fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV):
Compressed hydrogen is used in a fuel cell to provide energy for an electric motor. 		Zero tailpipe emissions (overall emissions reduction depends on the process used to generate the compressed hydrogen)
  • Quick fueling
  • 300-500 mile range
  • Conducive to Class 7 and 8 vehicles
  • Warm water vapor exhaust
  • Often lighter than similar BEVs
  • Federal funds are allocated for hydrogen fueling and battery-electric vehicle charging stations along major freight corridors.
  • May qualify for up to a $40,000 Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit
  • Limited fueling locations (California and Canada primarily)
  • Evolving technology
  • Expensive (cost may be in excess of $700,000 per truck without subsidies)
  • High-pressure cold storage or chemicals needed to achieve low density
Compressed natural gas (CNG):
A non-renewable fossil fuel extracted through wells in subsurface rock formations.
10 percent lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than diesel
  • Widespread availability
  • Relatively low cost
  • Similar performance to gasoline or diesel engines
  • Can be used in dual-fuel engines
  • Can convert gasoline or diesel vehicles to CNG
  • No particulate filter issues or cost
  • Need liquified natural gas (LNG) or more storage tanks to increase range
  • Limited fueling infrastructure
  • Possible facility modifications for fueling and to meet fire, electrical, mechanical, building and other safety codes for natural gas.
Renewable natural gas (biomethane):
Processed biomethane from decomposing organic matter or biomass– such as wastewater, plants, cow manure, or landfill waste.
Negative carbon intensity1 due to harmful methane removal
  • Relatively low cost
  • Widespread availability in CA
  • Reliable powertrains
  • Growing in use2
  • Interchangeable with CNG
  • 60% of supply is in California
  • Possible facility modifications for fueling and to meet fire, electrical, mechanical, building and other safety codes for natural gas.
Biodiesel:
A renewable fuel from sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease. The most common biodiesel blend is B20. Blends range from 6% to 20% biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel. 		Up to a 60% tailpipe emissions reduction
  • Better lubricity and similar performance to petroleum diesel
  • Available from the same locations as petroleum diesel and sold in most states
  • More thorough combustion
  • Cost after subsidies often similar to petroleum diesel
  • Expensive per gallon without government incentives
  • Limited feedstock of cooking oil to sustain production
  • Oxygen content limits storage time
  • Freezes at 34 degrees (soybean feedstock) versus 16 degrees for petroleum diesel
Propane:
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or propane autogas used in fleet applications, such as school buses, shuttles, and police vehicles.
Reduces GHG emissions by nearly 13 percent
  • Widely available via several public and private refueling options
  • Similar performance to conventional fuels
  • Can be used in bi-fuel vehicles (gasoline and propane)
  • Greater range than gasoline-only when in a bi-fuel vehicle
  • Potentially lower maintenance costs and total cost of ownership
  • Conversions from gasoline to propane possible
  • Diagnostic and maintenance equipment similar to that used on gasoline engines
  • Lower carbon and oil contamination can extend engine life
  • Performs better than diesel in cold climates
  • Slightly lower fuel economy than gasoline
  • Additional fuel weight needed to extend the range
  • Emissions reductions may not meet the most stringent upcoming standards
  • High additional cost over gasoline vehicles but on par with diesel vehicles
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol):
Renewable fuel made from corn and other plant materials, also known as biomass, blended with gasoline. The blend depends on the season and geography. 		May result in net emissions increase but carbon dioxide (CO2) tailpipe emissions are reduced by 40 percent (versus gasoline and diesel) with corn-based ethanol offset by the CO2 from the crops grown to produce ethanol
  • Widespread availability at existing fueling facilities
  • Approved for use in model year 2001 and newer gasoline engines
  • Renewable
  • Higher octane than gasoline, which provides increased power and performance
  • E10 (10 percent ethanol) or less require no gasoline engine modifications
  • Contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, depending on the blend and engine optimization for ethanol
  • Distribution is limited to short distances
  • Needs significant land to grow crops
  • Costly to produce and requires government subsidies
  • Reliant on growing season weather

GHG emissions requirements from states or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and available state or federal incentives are major determinants as to which alternative fuel vehicle or BEVs will work for your fleet.

Keep in mind, penalties can be assessed for non-compliant vehicles. It would be prudent to start developing a transition plan.

See the current emissions regulations and incentives at this DOE website: https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/

:
vehicle-technology
vehicle-technology
FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING
Alternative fuel vehicles
  • Emissions rules are becoming more strict in many states.
  • Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) may not be feasible, so alternative fuels should be assessed for fit to the operation.
  • If carriers do not choose compliant options to lower emissions in time to meet requirements, it may impact their business.

Customer demand and tightening environmental regulations push carriers to purchase vehicles with lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than gasoline or petroleum diesel vehicles.

Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) may not be cost-effective for everyone without substantial government incentives, which may not be sufficient to justify the investment. For example, a battery-electric Class-8 truck can cost three times more than a traditional diesel-powered vehicle.

Understanding the basics of some of the alternative fuels is essential.

10 questions carriers should ask

BEVs might be the only option if you operate in areas where zero-emission vehicles are mandated soon. If so, the link to our electric vehicle information may be helpful.

Carriers should get answers to the following questions before switching to alternative fuel vehicles:

  1. What emissions regulations and incentives apply to the alternative fuel in your operating area(s)?
  2. How reliable is the technology, and how soon could it be obsolete?
  3. How long will the vehicle last?
  4. What is the total cost of ownership (TCO), including residual value?
  5. What shop modifications, technician training, and safety precautions are needed to support the respective alternative fuel vehicles?
  6. How does the vehicle function in extreme heat or cold temperatures?
  7. How volatile is the cost of the alternative fuel?
  8. What refueling infrastructure investment is needed, if any?
  9. How will fuel efficiency and refueling infrastructure impact routing and service?
  10. Will additional weight impact freight-hauling efficiency or safety?

Alternative fuel options

*The table below was primarily developed from information on the Department of Energy (DOE) Alternative Fuels Data Center https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/ website.

The alternative fuels listed below are some of the more prevalent options for commercial motor vehicle fleets. The information provides high-level aspects to consider before moving further in the vehicle drivetrain selection process.

Alternative fuel descriptionEmissions impactPositivesNegatives
Hydrogen - Fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV):
Compressed hydrogen is used in a fuel cell to provide energy for an electric motor. 		Zero tailpipe emissions (overall emissions reduction depends on the process used to generate the compressed hydrogen)
  • Quick fueling
  • 300-500 mile range
  • Conducive to Class 7 and 8 vehicles
  • Warm water vapor exhaust
  • Often lighter than similar BEVs
  • Federal funds are allocated for hydrogen fueling and battery-electric vehicle charging stations along major freight corridors.
  • May qualify for up to a $40,000 Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit
  • Limited fueling locations (California and Canada primarily)
  • Evolving technology
  • Expensive (cost may be in excess of $700,000 per truck without subsidies)
  • High-pressure cold storage or chemicals needed to achieve low density
Compressed natural gas (CNG):
A non-renewable fossil fuel extracted through wells in subsurface rock formations.
10 percent lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than diesel
  • Widespread availability
  • Relatively low cost
  • Similar performance to gasoline or diesel engines
  • Can be used in dual-fuel engines
  • Can convert gasoline or diesel vehicles to CNG
  • No particulate filter issues or cost
  • Need liquified natural gas (LNG) or more storage tanks to increase range
  • Limited fueling infrastructure
  • Possible facility modifications for fueling and to meet fire, electrical, mechanical, building and other safety codes for natural gas.
Renewable natural gas (biomethane):
Processed biomethane from decomposing organic matter or biomass– such as wastewater, plants, cow manure, or landfill waste.
Negative carbon intensity1 due to harmful methane removal
  • Relatively low cost
  • Widespread availability in CA
  • Reliable powertrains
  • Growing in use2
  • Interchangeable with CNG
  • 60% of supply is in California
  • Possible facility modifications for fueling and to meet fire, electrical, mechanical, building and other safety codes for natural gas.
Biodiesel:
A renewable fuel from sources such as vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease. The most common biodiesel blend is B20. Blends range from 6% to 20% biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel. 		Up to a 60% tailpipe emissions reduction
  • Better lubricity and similar performance to petroleum diesel
  • Available from the same locations as petroleum diesel and sold in most states
  • More thorough combustion
  • Cost after subsidies often similar to petroleum diesel
  • Expensive per gallon without government incentives
  • Limited feedstock of cooking oil to sustain production
  • Oxygen content limits storage time
  • Freezes at 34 degrees (soybean feedstock) versus 16 degrees for petroleum diesel
Propane:
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) or propane autogas used in fleet applications, such as school buses, shuttles, and police vehicles.
Reduces GHG emissions by nearly 13 percent
  • Widely available via several public and private refueling options
  • Similar performance to conventional fuels
  • Can be used in bi-fuel vehicles (gasoline and propane)
  • Greater range than gasoline-only when in a bi-fuel vehicle
  • Potentially lower maintenance costs and total cost of ownership
  • Conversions from gasoline to propane possible
  • Diagnostic and maintenance equipment similar to that used on gasoline engines
  • Lower carbon and oil contamination can extend engine life
  • Performs better than diesel in cold climates
  • Slightly lower fuel economy than gasoline
  • Additional fuel weight needed to extend the range
  • Emissions reductions may not meet the most stringent upcoming standards
  • High additional cost over gasoline vehicles but on par with diesel vehicles
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol):
Renewable fuel made from corn and other plant materials, also known as biomass, blended with gasoline. The blend depends on the season and geography. 		May result in net emissions increase but carbon dioxide (CO2) tailpipe emissions are reduced by 40 percent (versus gasoline and diesel) with corn-based ethanol offset by the CO2 from the crops grown to produce ethanol
  • Widespread availability at existing fueling facilities
  • Approved for use in model year 2001 and newer gasoline engines
  • Renewable
  • Higher octane than gasoline, which provides increased power and performance
  • E10 (10 percent ethanol) or less require no gasoline engine modifications
  • Contains less energy per gallon than gasoline, depending on the blend and engine optimization for ethanol
  • Distribution is limited to short distances
  • Needs significant land to grow crops
  • Costly to produce and requires government subsidies
  • Reliant on growing season weather

GHG emissions requirements from states or the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and available state or federal incentives are major determinants as to which alternative fuel vehicle or BEVs will work for your fleet.

Keep in mind, penalties can be assessed for non-compliant vehicles. It would be prudent to start developing a transition plan.

See the current emissions regulations and incentives at this DOE website: https://afdc.energy.gov/laws/

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