Skip Navigation to main content U.S. Department of Energy U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Bringing you a prosperous future where energy is clean, abundant, reliable, and affordableEERE HomeEERE Home
Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center
About the AFDCFuelsVehiclesFleetsIncentives and LawsData, Analysis and TrendsInformation ResourcesHome
Fleets

Park Vehicle Implementation Considerations

The following information helps fleet managers consider integrating alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles into their park fleets. It covers vehicles and equipment, fuel and infrastructure, and maintenance and operation. For information specific to your area, contact your local Clean Cities coalition.

Vehicles and Equipment

Parks use a wide variety of vehicles and equipment, from cars, transit buses, and refuse trucks to electric bicycles and golf carts. Various alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicle options are available for these applications:

Fuel and Infrastructure

Availability, cost, and implementation issues for alternative fuels depend on the fuel type, fuel suppliers, and local market and environmental conditions.

If not already available, the cost of building natural gas, propane, or ethanol (E85) infrastructure can be significant. However, by entering in supply contracts with local suppliers, costs for fuel can be reduced greatly.

Biodiesel normally can be used in existing diesel fueling infrastructure. It is important to avoid pitfalls related to biodiesel's properties by thoroughly cleaning, maintaining, and inspecting equipment. For more on biodiesel use and infrastructure considerations, see Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines (PDF 1.5 MB). Download Adobe Reader. The National Park Service's Biodiesel in the National Parks provides information on park biodiesel use and vehicle procurement.

Electric vehicles can be recharged via standard electrical outlets or using electric charging stations. Hybrid electric vehicles use existing gasoline infrastructure and never need to be plugged in.

Most U.S. fueling stations, and all stations in California, offer ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). Although ULSD is not an alternative fuel, it provides significant emissions reductions when used in vehicles equipped with advanced emission control technologies. All model year 2007 and newer diesel vehicles (powered with model year 2007 and newer engines) are required to use ULSD. Replacing old diesel vehicles with newer ones featuring advanced emissions controls can provide significant emissions reductions. Vehicles can also be retrofit with "clean diesel" technologies.

See the Alternative Fuel Price Report for the prices of alternative fuels versus diesel.

Maintenance and Operation

Most drivers of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles notice minimal differences in performance compared with conventional vehicles. In some cases, they notice benefits. Natural gas, propane, and hybrid vehicles operate more quietly than their diesel counterparts. Biodiesel-fueled vehicles produce less soot. Hybrid electric vehicles have high torque, making them ideal for vehicles that start and stop frequently.

When implementing new technologies, fleet mechanics must be trained to ensure the new vehicles are properly maintained. Studies show that costs for proper maintenance and operation of alternative fuel vehicles can actually be less than conventional vehicle costs. For study details, visit the U.S. Department of Energy Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity Web site.

Training is available from many sources, including vehicle manufacturers and the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium. Visit the Technician Training page for more training opportunities.

Additional Assistance

For additional assistance implementing alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and infrastructure, contact your local Clean Cities coalition. Or ask an expert a fleet-related question.