Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicle Technologies

Transportation accounts for 80% of the petroleum consumed and 40% of the greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion in New York State. Using petroleum fuels can have far-reaching economic and political implications. In cities or other areas of heavy traffic, localized vehicular air pollution can increase health problems including cancer, heart disease, asthma, and emphysema. However alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies can help.

Today, thousands of light, medium, and heavy duty alternative fuel vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles operate in public and private fleets. Collectively, they displace millions of gallons of petroleum and avoid tons of related emissions.

Basics

Using domestically produced alternative fuels such as natural gas, propane, electricity, and biofuels can curb harmful emissions and help reduce dependence on imported petroleum. Flexible fuel, fuel cells, and hybrid and electric vehicles are just a few of the options beyond traditional internal combustion engines for cars, trucks, and buses.

More than 100 models of cars and trucks that run on alternative fuels or advanced vehicle technologies are available for sale in New York State. And over 650,000 of these vehicles are on the road in the State. Learn about the basics of these fuels and technologies.

New York State has a network of charging and filling stations for alternative fuels across the State. Locate charging and filling stations for alternative fuels.

Resources for New York

NYSERDA supports advances in alternative vehicle technologies and equipment related to transportation. Participate in the Clean Transportation Program.

NYSERDA also provides financial assistance and technical information to encourage businesses with vehicle fleets to purchase alternative-fuel vehicles, including certain hybrid-electric vehicles, and install fueling facilities or charging stations.

Learn about financial assistance from the NY Truck Voucher Incentive Program.
Read about how to transition delivery trucks [PDF] and refuse trucks [PDF] in New York to natural gas fuel.

The Clean Cities Program is a grassroots initiative by the U.S. Department of Energy that supports local decision-making to reduce the nation's vehicular petroleum consumption in ways that will also yield economic, environmental, and energy security benefits. New York has coalitions in regions including: