Frequently Asked Questions
For details about various advanced vehicles and how they compare to conventional vehicles click here.
Alternative Fuels & Vehicles FAQ
- How is the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program funded?
- What are alternative fuels?
- What is an alternative fuel vehicle?
- What fuels does this program support?
- How does the Energy Commission decide where to invest program dollars?
- How can I access funding?
- How are grant funds disbursed?
- I’m thinking about buying an electric car. Where can I find information about charging at home?
- How do I find electric vehicle charging stations?
- What about other alternative fuel stations?
How is the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program funded?
The program is funded through California vehicle and boat license fees.
What are alternative fuels?
Alternative fuels include propane, natural gas, hydrogen, ethanol, renewable diesel, biodiesel, and other gasoline and diesel substitutes.
More information can be found at the Current Draft Investment Plan.
What is an alternative fuel vehicle?
Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) include any dedicated, flexible-fuel, or dual fuel vehicle designed to operate on at least one alternative fuel. AFVs are available in a variety of models ranging from sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans to medium and heavy-duty buses and trucks.
What fuels does this program support?
The Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program does not give preference to any single fuel or technology. Instead the Commission and its stakeholders support a portfolio approach in which all alternative fuels and technologies are considered.
How does the Energy Commission decide where to invest program dollars?
Each year, the Energy Commission decides which of the various alternative fuel and vehicle projects should be funded. These decisions are based upon feedback received from the public as well as the goals of the legislation and then publicized in an Investment Plan. You can follow the yearly progress of the developing investment plan at the Alternative Fuels Proceeding page. Here you will have access to workshop recordings and transcripts, presentations, meeting notices, and previous and current Investment Plans.
How can I access funding?
Visit our funding information webpage to find out about current funding opportunities. Stay informed about funding opportunities as they are developed by signing up for the Energy Commission list serve.
How are grant funds disbursed?
Once a grant recipient has incurred project-related expenses, a payment request may be submitted to the Energy Commission. Payment requests are reviewed for compliance with the budget and to ensure expenses have been incurred. Once the request is approved, funds will be sent to the Recipient.
I’m thinking about buying an electric car. Where can I find information about charging at home?
Visit our How to Upgrade page for consumers for basic information. Your best resource for this information is your local utility.
How do I find electric vehicle charging stations?
You can use Google Maps to find charging stations in California.
What about other alternative fuel stations?
The US Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicle Data Center offers an easy- to-use station locator for finding biofuel, CNG, E85, Hydrogen, LNG and propane stations as well as electric charging sites.
Note: For questions related to specific solicitations or funding opportunities, review the listings under the solicitation program opportunity descriptions.