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Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Last Updated: 08/06/24
Alternative Fuel Vehicles

An alternative fuel vehicle is a vehicle that runs on a fuel other than traditional petroleum fuels (petrol or Diesel fuel); and also refers to any technology of powering an engine that does not involve solely petroleum (e.g. electric car, hybrid electric vehicles, solar powered).

Product Details

To the maximum extent practicable, federal agencies are required to buy sustainable products, which are products that meet the purchasing program(s) listed below.

If there is more than one program listed below, agencies are directed to prioritize multi-attribute products, which meet statutory purchasing program requirements (asterisk) and one or more required Environmental Protection Agency purchasing programs.

Review our frequently asked questions for more information.

Product Type

Procurement Info

Where to Buy

Biodiesel Vehicles
  • 75 percent of light-duty vehicles purchased must be AFVs in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).
  • The Energy Conservation Reauthorization Act of 1998 amended EPAct to allow one AFV acquisition credit for every:
  • • 450 gallons of pure biodiesel fuel
  • • 2250 gallons of B-20 (blend of 20% biodiesel with 80% petroleum diesel)
E85 Ethanol Vehicles
  • 75 percent of light-duty vehicles purchased must be AFVs in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).
Electric Vehicles
  • 75 percent of light-duty vehicles purchased must be AFVs in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).
Hybrid Electric Vehicles, including plug-in
  • 75 percent of light-duty vehicles purchased must be AFVs in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).
Low Greenhouse Gas Emitting Vehicles
  • 75 percent of light-duty vehicles purchased must be AFVs in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).
Liquified Petroleum Gas Vehicles
  • 75 percent of light-duty vehicles purchased must be AFVs in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).
Natural Gas Vehicles
  • 75 percent of light-duty vehicles purchased must be AFVs in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).
Legal Requirements Lists federal requirements related to the purchase of this item, including applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requirements
Additional Guidance

Federal agencies are mandated by the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) and the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) to purchase alternative fuel vehicles, increase consumption of alternative fuels, and reduce petroleum consumption.

Agencies wishing to buy AFVs may submit an order through GSA's AutoChoiceopens in new window online ordering tool. Visit the GSA Automotive siteopens in new window for more information on purchasing vehicles, and GSA Fleetopens in new window for information on vehicle leasing. Agencies interested in leasing AFVs and wanting more information should contact their servicing GSA Fleet office, call (703) 605-5630, or e-mail AFVteam@gsa.gov.