Alternative Fuels; Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center (definitions)

Alternative Fuels

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 defines alternative fuels and allows the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
to add to the list if the fuel is substantially nonpetroleum, yields substantial energy security benefits,
and offers substantial environmental benefits. DOE currently recognizes the following as alternative
fuels:
‐ methanol, ethanol, and other alcohols,
‐ blends of 85% or more of alcohol with gasoline,
‐ natural gas and liquid fuels domestically produced from natural gas,
‐ liquefied petroleum gas (propane),
‐ coal‐derived liquid fuels,
‐ hydrogen and electricity,
‐ biodiesel,
‐ P‐series

Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center

DOE established the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) in 1991 to support its work aimed at fulfilling
the Alternative Motor Fuels Act directives. Since then, the AFDC has expanded its focus to include all
advanced transportation fuels, vehicles, and technologies. It has been renamed the Alternative Fuels &
Advanced Vehicles Data Center to reflect this broader scope. The AFDC is operated and managed by the
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in Golden, Colorado.

Abbreviations:
B20= 20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel
CNG= compressed natural gas
E85= 85% ethanol, 15% gasoline
E95= 95% ethanol, 5% gasoline
H2= hydrogen
LNG= liquefied natural gas
LPG= liquefied petroleum gas
M85= 85% methanol, 15% gasoline
M100= 100% methanol

Source: Transportation Energy Data Book: Edition 27‐2008