Alternative Fuels

There are at least a dozen alternative and advanced fuels in production or use today. The ongoing energy crisis will result in even more entrepreneurs developing alternative fuels.

While the US government-regulated and voluntary private fleets are the primary users of alternative fuel, many energy savings minded consumers are demonstrating an interest in saving the planet. Some consumers, to save money on fuel costs, are doing their own alternative energy conversion to their cars.

As not only an economic benefit, the use of alternative fuels is essential to reducing dependence on foreign oil by increasing the fuel economy. And, as a bonus, air quality improves.

These fuels are defined as alternative fuels by the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and are currently, or have been, commercially available for vehicles.

• Biodiesel
• Electricity
• Ethanol
• Hydrogen
• Methanol
• Natural Gas
• Propane

Other Alternative Fuels

Several emerging fuels are currently under development. Many of these fuels are also considered alternative fuels and may have other benefits such as reduced emissions or increased energy security.

• Biobutanol
• Biogas
• Biomass to Liquids (BTL)
• Coal to Liquids (CTL)
• Fischer-Tropsch Diesel
• Gas to Liquids (GTL)
• Hydrogenation-Derived Renewable Diesel (HDRD)
• P-Series
• Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel

Fuel Related Topics

• Fuel Blends
• Fuel Prices
• Fuel Properties
• Fueling Stations
• Alternative fuel education

The Department of Energy (DOE) has statistics on alternative fuels. Learn more about alternative fuels

Visit the alternative energy directory