Technology

Electricity is considered an alternative fuel under the Energy Policy Act of 1992. It can be produced from a variety of energy sources, including oil, coal, nuclear energy, hydropower, natural gas, wind energy, solar energy, and stored hydrogen. Plug-in vehicles are capable of drawing electricity from off-board electrical power sources (generally the electricity grid) and storing it in batteries. Though not yet widely available, fuel cell vehicles use hydrogen to generate electricity onboard the vehicle.

Fueling plug-in vehicles with electricity is currently cost effective compared to using gasoline, especially if drivers take advantage of off-peak rates offered by many utilities. Electricity costs can vary by region, type of generation, time of use, and access point. Learn about factors affecting electricity prices from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Many plug-in electric vehicle owners choose to do the majority of their charging at home (or at fleet facilities, in the case of fleets). Some employers offer access to charging at the workplace. In many states, plug-in electric vehicle drivers also have access to public charging stations at libraries, shopping centers, hospitals, and businesses. Charging infrastructure is rapidly expanding, providing drivers with the convenience, range, and confidence to meet more of their transportation needs with plug-in electric vehicles.



Alternative Fuel Data Center

Alternative Fuels Data Center