Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles
More than a dozen alternative fuels are in production or under development for use in alternative fuel vehicles and advanced technology vehicles. Government and private-sector fleets are the primary users for most of these fuels and vehicles, but individual consumers are increasingly interested in them. Using alternative fuels including electricity and advanced vehicles instead of conventional fuels and vehicles helps the United States improve efficiency, cut costs, and reduce emissions.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease for use in diesel vehicles.
Electricity
Electricity can be used to power electric vehicles, including all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Ethanol
Ethanol is a widely used renewable fuel made from corn and other plant materials. It is blended with gasoline for use in vehicles.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a potentially emissions-free alternative fuel that can be produced from renewable resources for use in fuel cell electric vehicles.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is a domestically abundant fuel that can have significant cost advantages over gasoline and diesel fuels.
Propane
Propane is a readily available gaseous fuel that has been widely used in vehicles throughout the world for decades.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Sustainable aviation fuel is derived from renewable feedstocks and enables a reduction in life cycle carbon dioxide emissions compared to conventional fuels.
Emerging Fuels
Several emerging fuels are considered alternative fuels under the Energy Policy Act and may be under development or already developed and available in the United States.
Tools
 | Vehicle Cost Calculator — Compare costs and greenhouse gas emissions between vehicles |
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 | Alternative Fuel and Advanced Vehicle Search — Find an electric or alternative fuel vehicle |
Vehicle Conversions
Conventional vehicles and engines can be modified to operate using a different fuel or power source.
Fuel Prices
Alternative fuel prices can fluctuate based on location, time of year, or global market conditions.
