Alternative fuels
The fuels we work with
Cleaner fuels cut petroleum use and the emissions that harm our air. These are the seven we focus on across Northern California.
Our regional priority
Electricity
Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) store energy in batteries; plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) pair a battery with a conventional engine. Electricity can come from solar, wind, hydro, natural gas, and more, and charging is most cost-effective on off-peak rates. Locally, SMUD supports EV adoption with charging programs and buyer resources.
Six additional clean fuels
All domestically produced and commercially available today. Each fuel name links to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center.
Natural Gas
Available as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). CNG suits light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles; LNG fits trucks that need longer range.
Renewable Diesel
Meets the same standard as fossil diesel but is made from biomass. Works in existing diesel engines and infrastructure with no modifications, and cuts greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50%.
Biodiesel
A renewable, biodegradable fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking grease. Sold in blends such as B5, B20, or pure B100 for use in diesel engines.
Propane (LPG / Autogas)
Stored as a liquid under low pressure, propane is clean-burning, high in energy density, and low cost. It is the world’s third most common transportation fuel after gasoline and diesel.
Ethanol
A renewable fuel made from plant biomass. More than 98% of U.S. gasoline contains ethanol (typically E10), and flex-fuel vehicles can run on E85.
Hydrogen
Stored as a compressed gas and refueled in about five minutes. In a fuel cell it produces electricity with only warm water as a byproduct — an electric vehicle that uses a fuel cell instead of a battery.
Learn more about each fuel
Trusted outside guides and data for every fuel we work with. These links open on external sites.
Electricity
Natural Gas
Renewable Diesel
Propane
Find a fueling station
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center maps stations for electricity, natural gas, propane, ethanol, biodiesel, and hydrogen across the country.
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