Research GM Fleet Vehicles with Fuel Cell, E85 & Hybrid Technology.
www.GMAltFuel.com/
Save $500 on a new Hyundai! Call or email us for a free quote.
www.RiversideMetro.com
Research Alternative Fuel Vehicles or Search Our Hybrid Inventory!
www.CarMax.com
At Toyota, we see great things on the horizon. What do you see?
www.toyotabeyondcars.com
Experience the Fuel-Efficiency Power of the New Ford Vehicles.
TheFordStory.com
Learn about Alternative Energy and Honda through a short film series.
www.honda.com
For Home & Business Now Available Reduce Utility Bills by up to 50%
www.ClearEdgePower.com
Alternative Energy Manufacturers Get The Upper Hand In Michigan
www.MichiganAdvantage.org
Reliable national supply and 24/7 customer service from Ferrellgas.
www.ferrellgas.com
Ready to Install Hydrogen Kits,$419 Same Day Shipping, 100% Guarantee
www.AlternativeGreenSystems.com
California-based corporation that develop, manufacture, and license system and component technology for electric vehicle drive systems.
www.acpropulsion.com
Promotes the economic development of electric vehicles and alternate fuel technology industries.
www.alternatefuels.com
Firm developing a clean-burning replacement for piston engines, to be used in transportation applications.
www.angelfire.com
European network of industrial manufacturers and suppliers for electric vehicles industry.
www.avere.org
Provides the Might-E truck, an electric powered mid size work truck with a 1000lb load capacity; customer vehicle kits and components, and conversions.
www.canev.com
Company specializes in improving the efficiency of petrol engine vehicles through research, development and design of related technical devices.
www.cleanburn.co.uk
An introduction on the basics of alternative fuels by the California Energy Commission, including qualifications, importance and characteristics.
www.consumerenergycenter.org
The California Energy Commission's overview of electric vehicles. Includes information on their characteristics, technology demonstrations, incentives, and further contacts and resources.
www.consumerenergycenter.org
Manufacturer of electronic analysis and measurement equipment. The products include electronic speed controllers, electronic gauges for vehicles, solid state hourmeters and analog instruments. Products are sold to multiple industries.
www.curtisinst.com
Global manufacturer of consumer and commercial vehicles. Also offers alternative fuel products, research, development, and technology.
www1.daimlerchrysler.com
Manufacturer of electric powered, human powered and solar powered vehicles. The vehicles range in speed from 21 miles per hour to 53 miles per hour and hold between 1 and 9 people. Some vehicles require human pedalling to power the vehicle. P...
www.didik.com
Texas-based company designs, develops, manufactures, and supplies electronic equipment and accessories for closed loop fuel control, timing advance, and diagnostic support for alternative fueled vehicle applications.
www.dualcurve.com
Designs and manufactures lightweight composite fuel storage systems for compressed gases.
www.dynetek.com
Company develops and manuafctures a line of small electric vehicles.
www.elecar.com
Manufacturer of electric vehicles, including bikes, and mopeds; also parts and accessories. Online shopping available.
www.electricvehiclesnw.com
Listings of conversion kits, components, books, videos, training, design and consulting for electric vehicles.
www.electroauto.com
The California Energy Commission's review and assessment of various natural gas fueling systems and related key issues, primarily concerned with barriers to infrastructure expansion and how government funding can help overcome those barriers.
www.energy.ca.gov
Guide from the California Energy Commission with overviews of infrastructure-related issues for vehicles powered by electricity, ethanol, methanol, propane and natural gas.
www.energy.ca.gov
Manufacturer and Designer of electric car components as well as electric vehicles. Products and services are sold to the transportation industry. This company was capitalized by private investment.
www.evi-usa.com
Formed to provide new types of electrically driven transportation for speed-limited environments.
www.gemcar.com
Alternative fuel vehicle collection, show room, information, news, and events.
www.gmaltfuel.com
News, information, gallery, and dealer locator relating to GM's electric vehicle.
www.gmev.com
A guidebook that rates and compares model year vehicles according to their "Green" scores to assist buyers. The test considers fuel economy and emission factors.
greenercars.com
Japan-based manufacturer of passenger cars and trucks. Official corporate website, containing information and links to Honda Automobiles, Acura Automobiles, Honda Motorcycles, and Honda Power Equipment.
www.honda.com
Information on Honda's EV+ electric vehicle, with vehicle info, user experiences and lists of charging locations.
www.hondaev.org
Designer and manufacturer of advanced technology vehicles that offer affordability, performance, safety and are environmentally friendly.
www.hypercar.com
Manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) battery chargers, converters, and related products.
www.interlog.com
Manufacturer of the ThunderVolt Hybrid-Electric Buses, trucks and tow tractors.
www.isecorp.com
Infromation on alternative fuel technology.
www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp
Mitsubishi's site dedicated to alternative fuel vehicles and environmental issues.
www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp
Manufacturer of the Gizmo, an enclosed electric vehicle.
www.nevco.com
The California Energy Commission's overview of compressed and liquefied natural gas vehicles. Includes information on their history, characteristics, availability, fueling locations and resources.
www.ngv.org
France-based manufacturer of passenger vehicles. Part of PSA Peugeot Citroen. Official website offering model information and company news. Also develops environment-friendly vehicles.
www.peugeot.com
Distributor for Golf Cars and other gas and electric utility and neighborhood vehicles.
www.pohlenv.com
France-based manufacturer of passenger and commercial vehicles. Official website offers product information, services, and information on new technology including electric vehicles.
www.renault.com
Manufacturer of industrial batteries, chargers, and related systems and components for electric vehicles (EV).
www.sbsbattery.com
Designer and manufacturer of electric, hybrid electric, and fuel cell technology products.
www.solectria.com
Norwegian manufacturer of electric vehicles. Wholly owned by Ford Motor Company.
www.think.no
Produce a "Dual-Fuel" alternate fuel system that enables any internal combustion engine vehicle to simultaneously combust a gaseous alternate fuel with the existing use of gasoline or diesel fuels to achieve 'nero-zero' emission levels with incr...
www.welshtec.com
Manufacturer of electric bikes, scooters and other Zero Air Pollution vehicles for transportation, exercise and recreation.
www.zapbikes.com
Manufacturer, distributor, and business direct supplier of: UPS, voltage and line conditioning, surge and lightning protection, DC to AC power inverters, DC power supplies, frequency, and converters, battery chargers, telecom & utility power sys...
www.zzzap.com
|
|
|
Research GM Fleet Vehicles with Fuel Cell, E85 & Hybrid Technology.
www.GMAltFuel.com/
Save $500 on a new Hyundai! Call or email us for a free quote.
www.RiversideMetro.com
Research Alternative Fuel Vehicles or Search Our Hybrid Inventory!
www.CarMax.com
Before you buy an alternative fuel vehicle, it's best to sort out the alternative fuel vehicle manufacturers basics, and learn a little bit more about the technology. There are several alternative fuel vehicle makers, both foreign and domestic, and they use different technologies to manage their mileage. Think about:
1. Alternative fuel availability in your area.
2. Looking for an alternative fuel vehicle maker with a sound reputation and history in alternative fuel technology.
3. Learning more about alternative fuel manufacturers and alternative fuel technology.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Uncover the alternative fuel availability in your area
It doesn't do any good to purchase an alternative fuel vehicle from makers of alternative fuel vehicles if you can't find the right fuel in your area. Before you shop alternative vehicle manufacturers, find out what alternative fuels are available in your city or town, so you'll never have to travel far just to fill up.
I recommend: The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) offers a directory of E85 ethanol fuel stations. E85 refers to motor fuel blends that contain 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Many major car manufacturers are making E85 compatible cars today, including Chevrolet. The National Biodiesel Board also offers a map so you can locate biodiesel stations in your area. Jeep offers the 2009 Grand Cherokee with a 3.0-liter V6 Turbo Diesel engine that can use biodiesel fuels.
Seek out alternative vehicle manufacturers that have a history of developing alternative fuel vehicl
Alternative fuel technology is changing rapidly, but there are some alternative fuel manufacturers that have been building vehicles for quite some time. You want a reliable vehicle for your business, so make sure you purchase your new vehicle from a alternative fuel vehicle maker that has a great reputation for building high quality cars and giving good service.
I recommend: Toyota has been building hybrid vehicles like the Prius in Japan since 1997, so they have one of the longest histories of any alternative fuel vehicle manufacturers. Honda offers the Civic GC that runs on natural gas with a filling station you can use at home.
Read more about alternative fuel technology and manufacturers like electric vehicle manufacturers
To make an informed decision about the right alternative fuel manufacturer for your needs, learn more about the fuels of today and the fuels of the future. You can decide what fuel technology is right for you, what you can look forward to, and even if you buy an alternative fuel car now, can you buy alternative fuel conversion kits that will make it even more efficient in the future.
I recommend: The U.S. Department of Energy offers information on all the alternative fuels available and offers information on fuels of the future and fuel prices, too. Global Electric Motorcars, owned by Chrysler, builds small, neighborhood electric vehicles that can be used for a variety of back lot, warehouse, farming, and just about any short trips around your business. The National Alternative Fuel Training Consortium (NAFTC) offers training sessions around the country so you can learn more and choose the right alternative fuel vehicle makers or electric vehicle manufacturer.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Visit a few manufacturer showrooms in your area to see the latest from alternative fuel manufacturers. Don't overlook small, local manufacturers that may offer electric or other alternative fuel vehicles designed specifically for your area. They may be more affordable, especially if you need vehicles that don't need to travel very far every day, but need to be reliable.
Before determining which alternative fuel vehicle makers to contact, remember first and foremost you don't have to commit to just one fuel. In fact, diversifying your fuel sources may be a better bet. Consider the following factors:
1. What kinds of transportation do I need—over the road, light duty, even internal (like warehouse hi-los)?
2. What about alternative fuel availability? Where along my routes can my fleet refuel?
3. What's the total cost of ownership—not just purchase or lease price, but will the alternative fuel add to maintenance, even affect the resale value at the end of its life in my fleet?
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Choose alternative fuel manufacturers from one of the Big Three
Good news: the government considers any vehicle that runs on 85% ethanol (E85) or compressed or liquefied natural gas to be an alternative fuel vehicle. By that definition, your LPG hi-lo running the stock room may be an alternative fuel vehicle. These fuels are already part of the energy infrastructure in the US, and easier to work into your current maintenance budget.
I recommend: General Motors heavily promotes its flex fuel vehicle fleet in national broadcast advertising. While Ford also produces vehicles that run on E85, they have put their promotion effort behind hybrid vehicles.
Obtain small transport vehicles from electric vehicle manufacturers
While electric vehicles may have a shorter range and no real refueling infrastructure to support long over-the-road routes, you can still benefit by using them for short trips or internal transport like plant-to-plant or inside warehouses.
I recommend: Cushman Textron offers personnel carriers and heavy-duty industrial materials carriers. Taylor-Dunn produces a range of electric personnel carriers and industrial tow vehicles, from shuttles to stock chasers.
Retrofit some vehicles using alternative fuel conversion kits
For even greater flexibility in fuel sources, as well as cleaner emissions, convert a gas or even diesel engine to run on liquid natural gas or propane.
I recommend: Omnitek Engineering produces conversion kits and even converted engines. Welsh Technologies offers an add-on dual fuel system that allows gasoline or diesel vehicles to include liquid natural gas, propane, even hydrogen into the combustion cycle, improving efficiency and extending the life of the engine.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • Check with your fleet's OEM before starting any alternative fuel technology conversions to avoid warranty issues. With E85 and biodiesel blends already in the nation's pipelines, these two mainstream alternatives are a great way to start an incremental shift over to a fleet of alternative fuel vehicles.
Alternative fuel vehicle manufacturing education and training can cover a wide base, from learning how to design a fuel injection system to finding new methods of blending fuel cells to learning how to assemble alternative fuel conversion kits. Continuing education can help you find government incentives and may open doors to manufacturers interested in buying your products.
1. Attend a college or university to get a degree in energy engineering technology.
2. Utilize educational information provided by alternative fuel manufacturers.
3. Take advantage of government funded organizations and other educational opportunities.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Get formal alternative fuel vehicle manufacturers education and training
Colleges and universities offer different types of alternative energy programs. Many of these programs feature course work in alternative fuel or fuel cell energy. Websites with a directory for alternative energy courses can provide you with links for colleges in your local area.
I recommend: Lansing Community College offers Alternative Energy Engineering Technology Programs. You can get more information on the details for its programs at its website. Midlands Technical College offers a Certificate in Engineering Technology with an emphasis on alternative energy.
Read technical and educational information to learn alternative fuel technology
Many alternative fuel manufacturers provide educational and technical information online in order to attract business from alternative fuel vehicle makers. Research is essential in order for an alternative fuel manufacturer to break into the industry, and you can take advantage of that research, sometimes for free.
I recommend: Read the technical papers written by Alternative Fuel Technology (AFT) to learn about its injection system and its alternative fuel for diesel, dimethyl ether (DME). BCC Research provides publications on energy and resources including educational reports and industry overviews. The US Department of Energy provides education on incentives and laws.
Find training for electric vehicle manufacturers
One of the most popular alternative fuel vehicles is the electric car. Education and training specific to this type of vehicle can help you understand how these cars work and may include education on hybrids.
I recommend: The Mid-Del Technology Center offers a variety of courses for electric vehicles as well as other alternative fuel cars. It has a four-bay laboratory as well as classrooms. The National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium hosts several classes and workshops for manufacturers. It includes education specifically for battery-powered electric vehicle manufacturers.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- • The US Department of Energy/Office of Transportation Technology provides information on education and training opportunities available for alternative fuel vehicle makers.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
E85
E85, short for Ethanol-85 (as in 85 percent ethanol 15 percent gasoline), is a blend major auto manufacturers produce vehicles for. While E85 fuel is less expensive than gasoline, it packs less of a punch, so vehicles may get lower mileage using E85. In the winter, fuel producers alter the mix to 70 percent ethanol for better cold starts and they make an E95 blend for diesel applications.
I recommend: The National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition (NEVC) offers a FAQ page and an interactive map showing E85 station locations.
Flexfuel
If you see newer cars passing by with a 'flexfuel' of FFV (Flex Fuel Vehicle) tag on the rump, their fuel systems can handle plain gasoline or the E85 blend mentioned previously. Onboard computer systems monitor the combustion process, so you have no switches to push or gauges to keep an eye on.
I recommend: The Grand Cherokee is available with a FFV V8 engine Jeep and claims to be more powerful and more fuel efficient than the gasoline engine it replaces. Review the Grand Cherokee flexfuel specs and a definition of flexfuel at Jeep's website.
Biodiesel
Put simply, you get biodiesel when you introduce methanol and lye or potash to fat or vegetable oil in order to separate the glycerin. Just like ethanol content, biodiesel fuel at your local filling station should have a 'B#' designation (for example B100 would be pure biodiesel; any lower number indicates a mix of bio- and petrol-based fuel). Technically, anything from B5 to B20 should work in a current diesel with no modification; however, emission technologies in 2009 or newer diesels may not work well with anything higher than B5.
I recommend: The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) site offers fact pages for consumers, fleet managers and distributors.
Hybrid
Although any combination of two or more fuel sources can be considered a hybrid form of locomotion, today's manufacturers have concentrated on combining conventional gasoline engines with electric motors, as these two are the most developed and accepted motor forms on the market.
I recommend: While nearly all the major auto manufacturers produce hybrids, Ford strongly promotes its lineup of hybrid vehicles for the market.
CNG and LPG
Producers distribute gas, as in air-like gaseous state rather than gasoline, in two forms: compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid propane gas (LPG). While smaller vehicles and industrial tractors can use CNG and LPG straight, you may need to convert larger vehicles into your own hybrid vehicle, supplementing gasoline or diesel with either CNG or LPG to lower emissions and stretch mileage.
I recommend: Omnitek Engineering offers engine management systems and conversion kits to create you own hybrid, using CNG or LPG in your current gas or diesel engines.
Fuel cell
The new kid on the alternative fuel block runs on the universe's most basic building block: hydrogen. Simply put, hydrogen combines with oxygen, releasing electricity that can run a motor. A stack of membranes that allow the transfer to occur makes up the fuel cell. Heat and water vapor comprise the exhaust.
I recommend: The California Energy Commissions’ Consumer Energy Center devotes a page to fuel cell vehicles.


