NAFA's 2017 Alternative Fuels Survey Finds Fleets Remaining Mixed On Alternative Fuels Benefits

NAFA releases an analysis of its recent Alternative Fuels Survey in its November/December 2017 issue of FLEETSolutions magazine.

The report finds significant shifts in direction, as well as stubborn trends, in comparison with a similar survey conducted in 2014:

• Once seen as the frontrunner of alternative fuel types, only 8.2 percent of survey-takers believe compressed natural gas (CNG) will most used in the next one to five years
• Adoption rates and overall knowledge about alternative fuels vary widely across fleet segments and sizes    
• The largest fleets are most likely to have advanced knowledge of alternative fuels, while a majority of survey-takers with fleets in the 251 to 700 vehicle range stated their knowledge was "basic" or "very little"
• 26.7 percent of respondents cited management mandates, not total cost of ownership, as the dominant reason for adoption
• Infrastructure remains a barrier to adoption

The article, "Fleets Remain Mixed On Alternative Fuels Benefits," offers insights from the survey conducted in June, with data that was analyzed by NAFA’s Education Development Committee.
 
"As fleet mobility begins to transform the makeup and functionality of vehicle fleets, NAFA’s survey indicates there are still hurdles to overcome," said Phillip E. Russo, CAE, NAFA’s Chief Executive Officer. "Smaller fleets appear to be lagging in alternative fuel knowledge, citing as a contributing factor an infrastructure which is not up to the challenge of the 21st century fleet."
 
The November/December issue also includes an examination of fleet preparation in the face of natural disasters, the role of morale-building and leadership in fleet, a National Safety Council report on the workplace costs of fatigue, and much more.
 
FLEETSolutions is developed to engage readership in the eight primary disciplines of fleet: Asset Management, Business Management, Financial Management, Fleet Information Management, Maintenance Management, Risk Management, Vehicle Fuel Management, and Professional Development. FLEETSolutions provides survey results on the most important topics in the fleet profession; the National Safety Council "Safety First" column, found in each issue; and profiles of the best and brightest in fleet management. A subscription to FLEETSolutions is a benefit of NAFA membership.
 
"As the fundamental principles of the fleet and mobility industry evolve, having a clear understanding of the options that are available to fleet managers is imperative," said Russo. "NAFA is invested not only in informing our members about what’s out there, but also understanding the conditions that may prevent them from taking full advantage of them."