Alternative Fuels in State Vehicles - PUB1239

What are AFVs?

Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) are those vehicles that can run on non-traditional fuels. Some of these alternative fuels include E85 (85% ethanol), propane, biodiesel, electricity and compressed natural gas.

Why use alternative fuels?

Filling up your state vehicle’s tank with alternative fuels makes sense on several levels.

• First, alternative fuels burn cleaner than traditional fuels, thus reducing air pollution and other environmental impacts.
• Alternative fuels also pave the way for greater fuel independence from foreign oil.
• Of these alternative fuels, E85 and biodiesel offer additional market opportunities for Missouri farmers.
• B20, a blend of 20% soy-based biodiesel and 80% petroleum diesel, can be used in any diesel engine.

AFV requirements in Missouri law

Alternative fuels benefit Missouri's environment and economy and their use in state vehicles is Missouri law. The Fuel Conservation for State Vehicles statute (Sections 414.400 to 414.417 RSMo) requires that 70% of new vehicles purchased be AFVs and that 30% of the fuel purchased for these vehicles be alternative fuels.

Am I driving an AFV?

Alternative fuel vehicles in the state fleet are clearly identified with either a window sticker on the driver’s door window or at the fill spout. Packets for OA carpool vehicles are color coded to indicate whether the vehicle is E85 capable, with white packets indicating flex-fuel capability. Packets should also include a cover page for flex-fuel vehicles and a listing of E85 stations in the state. If it is not clear whether the vehicle you are driving can use E85, contact your agency’s fleet manager to determine if you are driving an alternative fuel vehicle.

Alternative Fuels Stations in Missouri

The National Alternative Fuels Data Center, part of the U.S. Department of Energy, provides an online “station locator” tool for all fuel types.