How can you select the best alternative fuels and vehicles for your fleet?

2 Compare alternative fuels and vehicles

The next step is to compare the different types of alternative fuels and vehicles available in the market. Some of the most common alternative fuels are biodiesel, ethanol, natural gas, propane, hydrogen, and electricity. Each of these fuels has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the fuel source, production, distribution, storage, and usage. Similarly, alternative vehicles can vary in terms of engine type, fuel system, drivetrain, battery, and range. You can use online tools and databases, such as the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) or the Clean Cities Vehicle Buyer's Guide, to compare the features, costs, benefits, and drawbacks of alternative fuels and vehicles.

3 Evaluate the total cost of ownership

The third step is to evaluate the total cost of ownership (TCO) of alternative fuels and vehicles. TCO is the sum of all the costs associated with owning and operating a vehicle over its lifetime, including purchase price, fuel costs, maintenance costs, insurance costs, taxes, and resale value. TCO can help you determine the long-term profitability and feasibility of alternative fuels and vehicles, as well as the payback period and return on investment. You can use online calculators, such as the AFDC Vehicle Cost Calculator or the Clean Cities Petroleum Reduction Planning Tool, to estimate the TCO of alternative fuels and vehicles.

4 Consider the availability and infrastructure

The fourth step is to consider the availability and infrastructure of alternative fuels and vehicles. Availability refers to the supply and demand of alternative fuels and vehicles in your area, as well as the potential for future growth and development. Infrastructure refers to the facilities and equipment needed to produce, distribute, store, and refuel alternative fuels and vehicles, such as fueling stations, pipelines, tanks, chargers, and converters. You can use online maps and directories, such as the AFDC Alternative Fueling Station Locator or the Clean Cities Coalition Network, to find out the availability and infrastructure of alternative fuels and vehicles in your area.

5 Consult the experts and stakeholders

The fifth step is to consult the experts and stakeholders involved in your fleet operations. Experts can provide you with technical advice, best practices, case studies, and training on alternative fuels and vehicles. Stakeholders can include your drivers, technicians, customers, suppliers, partners, and regulators, who can offer you their feedback, preferences, expectations, and requirements on alternative fuels and vehicles. You can use online resources and networks, such as the Clean Cities Technical Assistance or the Clean Cities Fleet Experiences, to connect with the experts and stakeholders on alternative fuels and vehicles.

6 Implement and monitor your fleet transition

The final step is to implement and monitor your fleet transition to alternative fuels and vehicles. Implementation involves planning, budgeting, procuring, installing, testing, and launching your alternative fuels and vehicles, as well as training your staff, educating your customers, and promoting your fleet sustainability. Monitoring involves tracking, measuring, analyzing, and reporting your fleet performance, efficiency, emissions, and costs, as well as identifying and resolving any issues, challenges, or opportunities for improvement. You can use online tools and software, such as the AFDC Fleet Footprint Calculator or the Clean Cities Fleet Analysis Tool, to implement and monitor your fleet transition to alternative fuels and vehicles.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?