Alternative Fuels

Alternative fuels, alternative fuel vehicles and infrastructure have positive effects on our economy, environment, public health and our nation's security. Alternative fuels are from resources other than petroleum, can be derived from renewable resources and produced domestically- all vital to diversifying our transportation fuel portfolio. Often, the use of alternative fuels in vehicles results in reduced emissions when compared to the utilization of petroleum derived gasoline or diesel.

Can alternative fuels work for you? Whether you are a farm, school, government or a business, there are many opportunities to consider the use of alternative fuels. The most common types of alternative fuel use in vehicles are: electricity, ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, propane and hydrogen. For complete definitions of these fuels types, click here. As you begin your consideration of alternative fueled vehicles, a thorough analysis of your existing fleet and your access to the alternative fuel are necessary to help you determine whether it is feasible economically and environmentally for your specific needs. To determine whether alternative fuels and alternative fleet is right for you, click here Alternative Fuels Data Center Tools.

Would an incentive help your decision to move to alternative fuels? The Pennsylvania DEP is committed to the promotion and deployment of Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fuel Vehicles and infrastructure through our funding program, the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant and Rebate Programs. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities to expand the emerging electric vehicle market. Pennsylvania has been on the forefront of incentivizing EVs, as well as electric charging stations mainly in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh marketplaces using the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program. There are many opportunities to further develop infrastructure for EVs in the more urban and suburban areas of the Commonwealth.

Tools and Resources:

Electric Vehicles in Pennsylvania (PDF) Fact Sheet

Alternative Fuels Map
Welcome to the map of electric vehicle (EV), compressed natural gas (CNG), liquified natural gas (LNG), and E85 (gasoline containing 85% ethanol) refueling stations within Pennsylvania. This map includes stations that were supported by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Commonwealth Finance Authority (CFA), US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and private funds.

Alternative Fuel Refueling Sites
Find refueling locations in Pennsylvania, that offer the following alternative fuel types: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquified Propane Gas (LPG), Electric, Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), Ethanol (E85) and Methanol (M85).

Alternative Fuels Data Center
A source of information on AFVs including lists of vehicles available from manufacturers, national refueling information, emission reduction demonstration studies.

Fleet Buyer's Guide
A web site designed to help you understand how to acquire AFV's.

Fuel Economy Site
The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have jointly developed a new web-site that allows consumers easy access to fuel economy data.

The Department of Energy's Vehicle Cost Calculator
Use this calculator to compare alternative fuel vehicles with their gasoline-only counterparts.