Myths Regarding Alternative Fuel Vehicle Demand by Light-Duty Vehicle Fleets

Public and private vehicle fleets have long been targeted as an ideal initial market for alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). We examine seven widely accepted hypotheses regarding the potential fleet market for AFVs. The hypotheses are tested using data and information collected from focus group sessions, one-on-one interviews with fleet operators, and a large two-part survey administered to over 2700 California fleets, as well as secondary sources. We find a large number of misconceptions by both fleet operators and policymakers that lead to distorted expectations and ineffective policies regarding the purchase and use of AFVs by fleets.