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Alternative Fuels

Last Updated: 03/05/24
Alternative Fuels

Alternative fuels are derived from sources other than petroleum, such as ethanol, electricity, or biodiesel.

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

B20 - B100 Biodiesel
  • Increase annual alternative fuel use 10% each year through FY 2015 compared to a FY 2005 baseline (applies to agencies with a fleet of 20 or more vehicles in the U.S.).
E85 Ethanol
  • Increase annual alternative fuel use 10% each year through FY 2015 compared to a FY 2005 baseline (applies to agencies with a fleet of 20 or more vehicles in the U.S.).
  • Use alternative fuels 100% of the time in dual-fueled alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). See Additional Guidance below for information on waivers.
Electricity
  • Increase annual alternative fuel use 10% each year through FY 2015 compared to a FY 2005 baseline (applies to agencies with a fleet of 20 or more vehicles in the U.S.).
Hydrogen
  • Increase annual alternative fuel use 10% each year through FY 2015 compared to a FY 2005 baseline (applies to agencies with a fleet of 20 or more vehicles in the U.S.).
Natural Gas
  • Increase annual alternative fuel use 10% each year through FY 2015 compared to a FY 2005 baseline (applies to agencies with a fleet of 20 or more vehicles in the U.S.).
  • Use alternative fuels 100% of the time in dual-fueled alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). See Additional Guidance below for information on waivers.
Propane
  • Increase annual alternative fuel use 10% each year through FY 2015 compared to a FY 2005 baseline (applies to agencies with a fleet of 20 or more vehicles in the U.S.).
  • Use alternative fuels 100% of the time in dual-fueled alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). See Additional Guidance below for information on waivers.
P-Series
  • Increase annual alternative fuel use 10% each year through FY 2015 compared to a FY 2005 baseline (applies to agencies with a fleet of 20 or more vehicles in the U.S.).
  • Use alternative fuels 100% of the time in dual-fueled alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). See Additional Guidance below for information on waivers.
  • No federal source identified
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 Vehicle Purchasing 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.

Visit DOE's Alternative Fueling Station Locatoropens in new window to find your nearest fueling station.

FEMP's Sustainable Federal Fleetsopens in new window website provides guidance and assistance to help implement Federal legislative and regulatory requirements mandating reduced petroleum consumption and increased alternative fuel use. FEMP's efforts include assisting agencies with implementing and managing energy-efficient and alternative fuel vehicles and facilitating a coordinated effort to reduce petroleum consumption and increase alternative fuel use annually.