An Alternative-Fuel Vehicle (AFV) is a vehicle that runs on fuels other than gasoline or diesel. AFVs typically run on compressed natural gas, hydrogen, ethanol, vegetable oil, methanol and/or electricity.

Manufacturers are now offering passenger vehicles, vans and light trucks that run on a variety of alternative fuels. The Federal Energy Policy Act (EPAct) mandates that a certain percentage of state vehicles use alternative energy, but local municipalities are usually free to make their own purchasing decisions.

Resources:

U.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program has a network of approximately 90 volunteer coalitions, which develop public/private partnerships to promote alternative fuels and advanced vehicles, fuel blends, fuel economy, hybrid vehicles, and idle reduction. The Coordinator Toolbox has lots of useful tips.

The Hampton Roads Clean Cities Coalition has developed a great website that clearly explains all the available alternative-fuel technologies and cites examples of successful municipal implementation.

The American Clean Skies Foundation was established to promote the use of natural gas for power and as fuel for vehicles. Their site has lots of information about both subjects, including details about using natural gas for municipal bus fleets, school buses and garbage trucks.

Natural Gas Vehicles for America (NGVAmerica) represents more than 100 companies interested in the promotion and use of natural gas and hydrogen as transportation fuels, including vehicle and equipment manufacturers, fleet operators and service providers, natural gas companies, environmental groups and government organizations.