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Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) are vehicles designed to operate on alternative fuels such as compressed and liquefied natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (propane), ethanol, biodiesel, electricity, and hydrogen. Use of these fuels in U.S. vehicles has the potential to reduce the nation's dependence on imported petroleum while enhancing air quality.

The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Light-Duty Alternative Fuel Vehicle Evaluation Program was originally designed to help DOE meet the requirements of the Alternative Motor Fuels Act (AMFA) of 1988. AMFA required the placement of alternative fuel passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks in the U.S. federal fleet, along with studies of their performance, fuel economy, safety, and emissions. AMFA also required the collection of similar information for transit buses and heavy-duty trucks in commercial fleets.

DOE's Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity evaluated and provided unbiased information about AFVs to help fleet managers and other potential purchasers and users make informed decisions about acquiring and operating AFVs.