These include:

1. Alternative fuel vehicle demonstration and enhanced driver experience projects. The intent of this area of interest is to combine a targeted vehicle demonstration project with a driver/fleet education experience to allow participants to better understand the benefits that these vehicles/technologies can offer.

   Applications under this area of interest will allow users to experience alternative fuel vehicles for an extended period of time (more than just a quick test-drive), gather vehicle use data, and analyze the benefits of using alternative fuel vehicles.

   Projects may include, but are not limited to local ride-share and car-share programs; rental car programs;commercial truck/bus leasing programs; and activities that include driver feedback devices, data gathering, and analysis during the demo period.

2. Alternative fuel training for first responders, public safety officials, and critical service providers. Applications under this area of interest will develop and/or deliver alternative fuel safety and technical training to emergency first responders, public safety officials, and critical service providers that have a broad impact across the alternative fuel user community.

   This includes training for technicians and service personnel that will be operating and maintaining AFVs, and the associated fueling/re-charging infrastructure and service facilities, as well as tow-truck operators and automotive salvage/recycling operators that are dealing with wrecked vehicles and equipment end-of-life processes.

   Projects may include, but are not limited to, workshops and in-person fuel-specific safety and technical training; service training and/or certification for service technicians, inspectors, and equipment operators; curriculum development and resources for utilization at community colleges, technical schools, etc.; and train-the-trainer courses.

3. Incorporating alternative fuels into emergency response and preparedness operations. Applications under this area of interest will include collaboration and participation with state and local governments to incorporate the use of alternative fuel vehicles, and alternative fuel infrastructure across multiple city, state, and regional emergency management and response entities into existing and future emergency preparedness plans.

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 defined these fuels as alternative fuels:

• Methanol, ethanol, and other alcohols
• Blends of 85% or more of alcohol with gasoline
• Natural gas and liquid fuels domestically produced from natural gas
• Liquefied petroleum gas (propane)
• Coal-derived liquid fuels
• Hydrogen
• Electricity
• Fuels (other than alcohol) derived from biological materials (including pure biodiesel (B100))
• P-Series (renewable, non-petroleum, liquid fuels that can substitute for gasoline)