What fuel-specific information is available through the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s (AFDC) Station Locator website?
Answer: Most Clean Cities coordinators and stakeholders are familiar with the AFDC Station Locator website (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/locator/stations/) and the general station information listed there, such as the address, phone number, hours of operation, payments accepted, and who can access the station. You may not be aware of the fuel-specific information available. Below is a complete list.
Biodiesel
Blends available: The blends of biodiesel available at the station, including whether different blends are available seasonally and whether customers may select customized blends. Note that the Station Locator only lists stations that carry blends of B20 (20% biodiesel, 80% petroleum diesel) and higher.
E85
Mid-level blends: Whether or not the station carries mid-level blends (e.g., 30% ethanol blend, or E30) of ethanol via a blender pump or otherwise. Note that stations that carry mid-level blends, but not E85, are not included in the Station Locator.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
Electric charging network: The relevant charging network, if applicable. Examples of charging networks include ChargePoint, Blink, and SemaConnect.
Port level and count:A list of the number of each level of EVSE charging equipment available. Levels include Level 1, Level 2, or DC Fast Charge.
Connector types: The type of connector available, including:
o Level 1: NEMA 5-15, NEMA 5-20, NEMA 14-50, and J1772
o Level 2: J1772
o DC Fast Charge: CHAdeMO, SAE J1772 Combo, and Tesla
Legacy chargers: The number and type of legacy chargers available.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) also collects information on the EVSE manufacturer, power sources, pricing, and whether the equipment provides wireless charging. This data will be available in the Station Locator in the future. NREL is also coordinating with EVSE networks to provide real-time status availability in the Station Locator.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas
Fill type (CNG only): Whether the station has fast- or time-fill capabilities, or both.
Compression (CNG only): The compression pressure in pounds per square inch (psi). The compression can be 2400, 3000, or 3600 psi.
Vehicle accessibility:The vehicle sizes that can physically access the fueling station.
NREL also collects information on the total compression and compressor types (CNG only), gas provider, and whether the station has a generator to operate equipment during a power outage. Some of this data will be available in the Station Locator in the future.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Propane)
Services: The type of propane services available. Each propane station is designated as a “primary” or “secondary” service type. Both types are able to fuel vehicles, but locations with a “primary” designation offer fuel priced specifically for use in vehicles.