Public and private fleets that use natural gas vehicles are better at advancing NGV deployment because they may be able to more readily overcome the barriers involved with NGVs than individual vehicle owners, according to a guide released by the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES).

Increasing the use of natural gas vehicles (NGVs) in public and private fleets is the best way to significantly reduce gasoline and diesel use in the transportation sector, according to the independent nonprofit organization that works to advance strong policy and action to address climate and energy challenges.

The findings are part of a two-year initiative to develop groundbreaking finance mechanisms aimed at quickening the deployment of alternative fuel vehicles and fueling infrastructure, as part of a combined effort by the center and the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program.

The guide details how fleet managers were originally hesitant to adopt NGVs in the past due to high upfront vehicle costs and lack of available fueling stations. It also delves into questions that private investors, state, and local agencies may have about important concerns and strategies for deploying NGVs in public and private fleets.

An additional section of the guide analyzes a variety of scenarios for tractor-trailer truck and light-duty vehicle fleets, and estimates the potential for NGVs to achieve net cost savings compared to conventional vehicles.

Click here to read the report.