Previous Module
Low-Carbon Fuels

Alternative Fuels & Transition Strategies

Explore fuel switching scenarios and emerging alternative fuel technologies for fleet decarbonization

Alternative Fuels Overview

While electrification offers the greatest emissions reductions, alternative fuels provide viable pathways for vehicles that aren't immediately suitable for battery-electric technology. These include biodiesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), and emerging hydrogen fuel cell systems.

Each fuel type has different emissions profiles, infrastructure requirements, and cost considerations. Biodiesel and renewable diesel offer drop-in replacements for diesel fuel with 20-80% emissions reductions. Natural gas options provide cleaner burning than diesel with established refueling networks. Hydrogen represents the future for heavy-duty applications requiring extended range.

Fuel Switching Strategy

Alternative fuels are often a bridge technology - easier to implement than full electrification while still achieving significant emissions reductions. Many fleets use a combination approach, electrifying suitable vehicles while switching others to alternative fuels.

🔄Fuel Switching Simulator

Compare fuel switching scenarios

50%

Emissions Impact

245,000 kg CO₂
Total Annual Emissions
25,000 kg CO₂
(9.3% reduction)

Cost Impact

$165,000
Total Annual Cost
+$15,000
vs current fuel

Fuel Mix

Diesel
50%
Biodiesel (B20)
50%

⏱️Alternative Fuel Technology Timeline

Evolution of fuel technologies

2000
Biodiesel
Mature
2010
Compressed Natural Gas
Mature
2015
Liquefied Natural Gas
Growing
2020
Renewable Diesel
Emerging
2025
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Developing

Alternative Fuel Technologies

🌱

Biodiesel

Drop-in replacement

Benefits: 20-50% emissions reduction, existing infrastructure
Challenges: Feedstock availability, higher cost
🔥

Natural Gas

Compressed or liquefied

Benefits: Lower emissions, established supply chain
Challenges: Storage requirements, refueling infrastructure

Renewable Diesel

Advanced biofuel

Benefits: 60-80% emissions reduction, superior performance
Challenges: Higher production costs, limited supply
💧

Hydrogen

Fuel cell technology

Benefits: Zero tailpipe emissions, high efficiency
Challenges: Production costs, distribution infrastructure