In This Issue
Alternative Fuel Highlight: Hydrogen
Tools and Resources
Upcoming Events
Alt Fuel Highlight: Hydrogen
Hydrogen is an emerging alternative fuel that has the potential to drastically cut transportation emissions. When used as the source of energy in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) hydrogen produces only air and water as byproducts, so these vehicles emit zero harmful tailpipe emissions. Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles are also two to three times more efficient than an internal combustion engine running on gasoline.
Currently the most common and cost effective source of hydrogen is natural gas. The hydrogen is extracted from the natural gas in a process called steam reforming. Natural gas reforming using steam accounts for the majority of hydrogen produced in the United States annually. Hydrogen can also be produced from water through a more energy intensive process called electrolysis. In this process, an electric current splits water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Hydrogen’s potential as a transportation fuel is being explored for use in transportation applications, such as 24-hour operations, long-haul operations, and operations in locations where the electric grid cannot economically support battery electric vehicles. There is also an emerging market for Hydrogen powered buses, material handling equipment (such as forklifts), ground support equipment, medium- and heavy-duty trucks, marine vessels, and stationary applications.
Hydrogen has great potential as a zero emission fuel and efforts are being made to make it more cost effective for use in the transportation field. Research and development projects are being conducted by government and industry to try to improve hydrogen extraction techniques, fuel cell technologies, and reduce the production and distribution cost of hydrogen. To learn more about hydrogen, visit https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/hydrogen-basics
Tools and Resources
Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator
The Fuel Cost Comparison Calculator from Argonne National Laboratory now supports the comparison in fuel cost of the following powertrains: new conventional vehicles; hybrid electric vehicles; plug-in hybrid electric vehicles; and battery electric vehicles.
The tool provides an interactive way for drivers to explore how their fueling costs could change when switching to a newer vehicle, including across different vehicle types. Drivers can enter their ZIP code or state, along with available information about their current vehicle, such as vehicle size, model year, fuel economy, and annual mileage. The tool then estimates the fuel cost of driving a typical conventional vehicle currently on the road in their area and compares it with several replacement options, including a newer conventional vehicle, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or battery electric vehicle.
Alternative Fuels Data Center Tools
The Alternative Fuels Data Center offers several calculating tools, interactive maps and data sets that can be used to explore alternative fuels. Fleets can take advantage of tools such as AFLEET, which can calculate a fleet’s fuel use, cost of ownership and emissions or the VICE Model Tool which can help fleet managers assess the financial soundness of converting vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG) or battery electric buses.
Drivers can make use of the Alternative Fuel Station Locator to find alt fuel stations such as EV chargers near them and even map a route. Those looking into a new vehicle can use the Vehicle Cost Calculator to compare different vehicle makes and models and see their estimated annual fuel costs, cost of ownership and emissions.
Check out everything the Alternative Fuels Data Center has to offer at https://afdc.energy.gov/tools
Upcoming Events
Drive Electric Arizona EV Ride & Drive
Historic Route 66 Centennial Flagstaff EV Ride and Drive
September 19, 2026
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
15 N. Beaver St. Flagstaff, AZ 86001
As Historic Route 66 celebrates its 100th anniversary, this special community event honors the legacy of America’s most iconic highway while showcasing the future of transportation traveling the very same roadway. For generations, Route 66 symbolized freedom, exploration, innovation, and the rise of the American automobile. Now, one hundred years later, electric vehicles are ushering in the next great chapter of mobility.
Set along the Historic Route 66 corridor in the heart of Downtown Flagstaff, attendees will have the opportunity to test drive electric vehicles on a guided route that includes a designated segment of the Mother Road. This hands-on experience will showcase modern electric transportation in real-world mountain and high-altitude driving conditions unique to Northern Arizona.
Explore electric vehicles representing different manufacturers, vehicle types, lifestyles, and price points. Experienced EV owners and trained volunteers will be available to answer questions and share honest, real-world ownership experiences in a friendly, no-pressure environment.
Family-friendly entertainment, a food truck, and easy pedestrian access to Downtown Flagstaff businesses, museums, and Route 66 landmarks will create a welcoming festival atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
Valley Metro Open House Events
West Phoenix Light Rail Extension
Valley Metro and the City of Phoenix invite the community to attend one of several upcoming open houses to learn more about the proposed West Phoenix Light Rail Extension and provide feedback.
The West Phoenix Extension (WPE) is a proposed 10-mile light rail expansion that would connect west Phoenix to the existing light rail system. The proposed route would connect to the existing line at either Indian School Road/Central Avenue or 19th Avenue/Camelback Road. From there, it would extend west along Indian School Road to 75th Avenue, then south to Thomas Road, ending at Desert Sky Transit Center at 79th Avenue and Thomas Road. Learn more at valleymetro.org/westphoenix.
Each open house will feature information on the West Phoenix Extension and will give attendees the opportunity to interact one-on-one with Valley Metro and City of Phoenix staff and provide feedback. No formal presentation will be given, so attendees are welcome to stop by at any time during each event.
Open House Dates:
Saturday, Sept. 19
12:30–2:30 p.m.
Maryvale Community Center
4420 N. 51st Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85031
Wednesday, Oct. 14
6– 8 p.m.
Steele Indian School Park Memorial Hall
300 E. Indian School Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85012
Those who are unable to attend an open house in person can review project information, sign up for project email updates and/or text updates and share their feedback online by visiting valleymetro.org/westphoenix.
RNG WORKS: Technical Workshop and Trade expo
September 15-17, 2026 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin - Baird Center Hall A & B
RNG WORKS Technical Workshop and Trade Expo is a program designed to educate, demonstrate and promote RNG industry best practices helping realize development of RNG as a sustainable source of clean fuel, heat, power and products.
RNG WORKS is designed for feedstock owners (landfill, wastewater, livestock, agriculture and food processing), RNG project developers, operators, financiers, engineers, equipment providers, manufacturers, technology and service providers, marketers, transporters, fleets, municipalities, universities, utilities and other end-users, consumers and customers who want to better understand RNG project development, operations, deployment and utilization.
