Natural Gas Vehicles

Alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs), such as natural gas vehicles (NGVs), operate on alternative fuels rather than traditional petroleum fuels.  The development of cleaner alternative fuels and advanced power systems for vehicles has become a high priority for many governments. 

Numerous NGV refueling stations have opened in the state in the past several years. This is primarily due to Pennsylvania’s abundant natural gas resources and favorable costs (as compared to gasoline and diesel fuel). NGVs include both compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles and the less common liquified natural gas (LNG) vehicles that are limited to heavy-duty long-haul vehicles.  NGV fueling stations are predominantly supporting larger, commercial fleet vehicles, but many are also available for refueling personal vehicles. 

AFV Programs Across the State

Within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, multiple agencies have supported the deployment of NGV fueling stations. 

The Department of Environmental Protection deployed numerous stations for natural gas through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program and with the use of settlement funds from the Volkswagen Litigation.

The Department of Community and Economic Development’s Commonwealth Finance Authority has provided funds for NGV fueling stations through its Alternative and Clean Energy Program. 

The Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration, is adding signage to specific highways in Pennsylvania that will be designated as “Alternative Fuel Corridors”.  The signage is intended to inform motorists of the opportunity and availability to travel throughout the state and country using alternative fuels, such as natural gas.

Learn More About AFVs

For more information on AFVs, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC).  To find locations of natural gas fueling stations, go the AFDC station map.

You can also visit the Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities and the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation websites.  These two entities work to promote all alternative fuels and are funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program.