Electric vehicles like Tesla’s zero-emission tractor-trailer have gotten a lot of publicity in recent months for their potentially game-changing economics and climate friendliness.
But fleet managers are not quite ready to invest in an electric vehicle fleet just yet—or don’t have the local infrastructure to support one. The good news is that there are still viable alternatives to traditional gas- or diesel-powered fleet vehicles that don’t require a plug-in. Let’s take a look:
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Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline, diesel fuel, and propane/LPG. It is used in traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and can be an excellent alternative for fleets that are hesitant about making the full leap to electric vehicles. CNG-powered vehicles have quieter engines and lower emission profiles than their gasoline or diesel counterparts. However, they also require specialized equipment, such as storage tanks and filling stations, which can be expensive to install. CNG can be an excellent option for fleets that operate locally and run predictable routes.
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Biofuels
Biofuels are a renewable energy source that can be used as a substitute for gasoline and diesel fuels in vehicles the vast majority of fleets already run. There are two primary types of biofuels: ethanol and biodiesel. Ethanol is produced mainly from corn and is blended with gasoline. Biodiesel is made from vegetable and animal oils and can be used as a standalone fuel or blended with diesel. Biofuels have a lower carbon footprint than traditional gasoline and diesel fuels and can be a great alternative for fleets looking for renewable fuel sources.
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Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) use hydrogen to generate electricity, which is then used to power an electric motor. The only byproducts of using hydrogen in a fuel cell vehicle are water and heat. Hydrogen fuel cells have several advantages over traditional gasoline and diesel engines—like higher efficiency, lower carbon footprint, and faster refueling. However, they are still relatively expensive to produce and require specialized infrastructure like refueling stations.
No matter what alternative fuels for fleet vehicles you’re considering, tracking your fleet with the best data gives you the best chance to make decisions that save money and time and increase customer satisfaction. GPS Trackit’s Fleet Advisors can put you in the driver’s seat with a free, customized demo.
