What is the difference between a “Clean Fuel Vehicle” and an “Alternative Fuel Vehicle”?
A. “Clean fuel vehicle” is a term pertaining to the CFFP. It is a vehicle that meets one of the four federal low emission certification standards. The fuel that that particular vehicle operates with in meeting a low emission standard is a “clean fuel.” A clean fuel vehicle may operate with an alternative fuel, such as natural gas, propane, or ethanol, or a conventional fuel (e.g., gasoline or diesel). An alternative fuel vehicle is a vehicle that operates with an alternative fuel, in the true sense of the term, such as natural gas, propane, ethanol, or electricity. An alternative fuel vehicle does not use gasoline or diesel. In terms of the current federal requirements, an “alternative fuel vehicle” pertains to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Policy Act fleet program, which requires affected fleets to acquire alternative fuel vehicles.
A “Clean Fuel Vehicle” is one that meets one of the four federal low-emissions certification standards. The fuel used for certification is the “clean fuel” for that vehicle. An “Alternative Fuel Vehicle” is a vehicle that operates on a fuel other than gasoline or diesel fuel. Alternative fuels, such as propane, natural gas, ethanol and electricity can be used in a clean fuel vehicles.
