With all of the alternative fuel options for your fleet, how can you decide?
There are many types of alternative fuel that you can use for your fleet. But, how do you choose which fuel is suitable for your types of commercial vehicles? Here’s a list of the most frequently used alternative fuel options and some pros and cons of each.
Varieties of Alternative Fuel
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a standard alternative fuel, similar to fossil fuel, derived from plants. It’s renewable and biodegradable, meaning it’s sustainable and will reduce your carbon footprint. With biodiesel, you typically won’t need to make alterations to your vehicle fleet, it’s widely available, and the cost and performance are about the same as conventional diesel. However, biodiesel may clog your fuel filters more often, and it turns into a gel at a warmer temperature than diesel.
Flex Fuel / E85
Flex fuel or E85 is an alternative fuel made from both gasoline and ethanol or methanol. This type of fuel also doesn’t require any vehicle alterations and is widely available. While it may reduce your carbon footprint compared with conventional gasoline, it doesn’t get as much mileage per gallon and requires more fill-ups which may offset the emission savings.
Compressed Natural Gas
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is made of methane gas stored in tanks under pressure. This eco-friendly alternative fuel is excellent for Class 5-8 vehicles, is less expensive and gets the same miles per gallon as gasoline. However, it requires special equipment which will take up usable space in your fleet, which can cost at least $15,000 upfront. It’s also not as widely available, and you’ll need an in-house fueling station that requires a substantial upfront investment.
Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
Hybrid and electric vehicles are also an option if you’re looking for alternative fuel sources. Due to the dual motors, hybrid engines typically get greater miles per gallon and driving range. But, they can lack horsepower and require special alterations that can increase the upfront cost. Electric vehicles are excellent for Class 1 and 2 vehicles and have no emissions at all. However, the conversion cost can be high, and you can’t drive long distances. Batteries can be challenging to charge since it’s not as widely available throughout the country, and they can take two to eight hours to charge.
Partner with Howard Energy, Inc. for Alternative Fuel Supply and Services
We’ve moved! Howard Energy is now located at 34 Thomas Ave, Brooklyn, MD 21225.
At Howard Energy, we fully understand how your business depends on a reliable and steady supply of gasoline and diesel fuel to keep your operations at its peak. As a family-owned, commercial full-service gas and diesel fuel supplier, Howard Energy has been serving companies across Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern VA for over 25 years.
Our team of experts has a thorough knowledge of the petroleum industry to devise commercial and retail fueling solutions. As a result, we use our keen insight to build strong partnerships with commercial trucking, construction, manufacturing companies, and more. Howard Energy is proud to bring our products and services to gas stations, car dealerships, marinas, and beyond – 7 days a week with no surcharge on holidays or weekends.
If you need cost-effective and convenient wholesale fuel and related fuel tank storage or monitoring services, contact us to get started. Call us at 410-647-1500, and visit our website. Stay connected with Howard Energy on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.