Alternative fuels are often used in converted or conversion vehicles.When an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicle, designed to run off conventional gasoline is altered aftermarket to run on alternative fuel or a combination of gasoline and alternative fuel, the vehicle is considered a conversion vehicle. It can also be referred to as retrofitting or a retrofitted vehicle. The most common conversion is altering vehicles to run on CNG and LPG.

Q: What types of engines or vehicles are available?
Answer: The engines and vehicles options available for alternative fuel usage are always changing. However, a number of resources have been created to assist fleet managers in identifying the options.

The trade organization, Natural Gas Vehicles for America, maintains a listing of Available Natural Gas Vehicles and Engines for all vehicle classes.

Q: What are my options for idle reduction strategies or other fuel reduction solutions?
Answer: The EPA’s SmartWay Technology Program is a good resource for more information on emission reductions from idle reduction, aerodynamic, low rolling resistance tires, and retrofit technologies.

Q: What types of funding are available?
Answer: The availability of funding is changing all the time, so this is one of the more difficult questions to answer. Learn more about available Funding Opportunities on the H-GAC Clean Cities Coalition Resources page.

Q: What standards and regulations apply to alternative fuels and advanced vehicles?
Answer: The Clean Air Act (CAA) requires every engine and motor vehicle within the chain of commerce in the United States to meet a set of emission standards and conformity requirements. Anyone wishing to sell an engine or vehicle within the United States must demonstrate compliance with the CAA and all applicable EPA regulations.Engine-by-engine certification data is available online from U.S. EPA Engine Certification Data.

Under the CAA, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) may also adopt and enforce its own emissions standards. CARB engine certification data is also available from the California Air Resources Board.

The U.S. EPA oversees the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which sets minimum requirements for the volume of renewable fuels required to be blended into the U.S. transportation fuel supply. This primarily impacts gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, and ethanol users.

Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards apply to light-duty cars and trucks. The regulations are overseen by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Additional information is available at the NHTSA “Fuel Economy” website.

Users of biodiesel blends in the greater Houston region should be aware that they are subject to Texas Low-Emission Diesel Program. This is to ensure that biodiesel utilized in this region does not increase nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and contribute to ozone problems.

Natural gas and propane users are typically subject to special permitting/licensing requirements to ensure that all safety regulations are met. Regulatory information is available from the Railroad Commission of Texas.

For additional information regarding engine emission standards, the DieselNet’s “Standards” portal is a good online reference.

Q: Where can I refuel my alternative fuel vehicle?
Answer: The U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuel Station Locator provides up-to-date nationwide station listings and maps, as well as a route planner. The Railroad Commission of Texas has a map of natural gas refueling locations in Texas and a directory of propane refueling locationssearchable by company, city, and county.

Q: What types of training opportunities are available?
Answer: Several courses and resources are available through state government agencies, federal agencies, and fuel coalition organizations.

The National Alternative Fuel Training Center, managed by West Virginia University, offers courses taught through a network of community college providers throughout the United States.

The Natural Gas Vehicle Institute provides technical support and training in the form of workshops, fleet analysis, and webinars for CNG and LNG users.

The Railroad Commission of Texas hosts training classes on propane safety and handling as part of its licensing requirements.

The National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation also has a curriculum for alternative fuels and vehicles.

Alternative fuels are often used in converted or conversion vehicles.When an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) vehicle, designed to run off conventional gasoline is altered aftermarket to run on alternative fuel or a combination of gasoline and alternative fuel, the vehicle is considered a conversion vehicle. It can also be referred to as retrofitting or a retrofitted vehicle. The most common conversion is altering vehicles to run on CNG and LPG.