Booster has been at the forefront of the green energy transition in fuel marketing and fuel delivery since we began. We’re proud to work closely with other fuel marketers and with fuel providers to make sure we are offering top of the line fuel options from gasoline and diesel through to alternative fuel choices like renewable diesel and DEF to our customers.
As the fuel industry continues to evolve, and local, state, and federal guidelines and priorities around fuel emissions, pricing, and availability shift, we aim to continue offering a diverse selection of alternative fuel options, including renewable fuels, for our customers. That means we are constantly looking to learn more about options that are being explored across our markets. In addition to traditional fossil fuels and renewable diesel, we have also been exploring additional fuel options like compressed natural gas and battery-electric power for newer vehicles, from interstate, long-distance trucks, to local fleet vehicles, like vans and personal trucks. Here’s a look at the benefits of these alternative fuels.
Lower Emission Diesel Alternatives
Compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) have gained traction as lower-emission alternatives to diesel, particularly in medium- and heavy-duty fleets. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, natural gas can cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly when compared to diesel, with significantly lower particulate matter. CNG typically costs less than diesel per gallon, though prices vary regionally. Infrastructure for these products is expanding slowly: as of 2024, there are over 1,000 public natural gas stations in the U.S., but accessibility to these stations remains uneven. As more and more fleets explore adopting natural gas, the capital cost of dedicated engines and fueling infrastructure may align with long-term fuel savings and adherence to emissions compliance.
Battery-Driven Alternatives
Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are seeing rapid adoption in last-mile and municipal fleets, driven by declining battery costs—down nearly 90% since 2010 to around $139 per kWh in 2023. Advances in battery technology have extended driving ranges and reduced charging times, making EVs increasingly viable for commercial applications. Fleets benefit not only from the environmental advantages of zero tailpipe emissions, but also from long-term savings in fuel and maintenance, since electric drivetrains have fewer moving parts than internal combustion engines. The challenge for wide EV adoption is infrastructure—ensuring adequate charging capacity and grid readiness to support large-scale fleet electrification.
Hybrid Alternative Fuels
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) provide higher range and quicker refueling than BEVs, making them suitable for long-haul and high-utilization fleets. These vehicles are emerging as a promising option for fleets requiring both long range and quick refueling, such as long-haul trucking and transit. Fuel cells generate electricity onboard by combining hydrogen with oxygen, emitting only water vapor as a byproduct.
While the technology offers significant environmental benefits and operational efficiency, adoption is still limited by high production costs and sparse refueling infrastructure. As investment in hydrogen production and distribution accelerates, particularly in regions with decarbonization mandates, fuel cell fleets may become a scalable alternative to diesel and gasoline in the coming decade.
As global conversations around energy use are skyrocketing in the midst of AI advancement, data center infrastructure investments, and the local impact on power grids associated with both, it can seem like recent shifts towards more efficient vehicles have taken a backseat. But they have not. In recent years, Booster has explored zero emission vehicles (ZEV) production and adoption with partners in Southern California and continues to monitor our local markets for affordable alternative fuel options to offer our clients. As we learn of advancements in infrastructure and vehicle production, we aim to expand our fuel offerings to include these new energy sources.
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