The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has introduced the National Alternative Fuel and Electric Charging Network (AFEC), which comprises 55 routes that will serve as the basis for a national network of alternative fuel corridors spanning 35 states. Although the network is nearly 85,000 miles long, more miles will be added to accommodate electric, hydrogen, propane and natural gas vehicles as additional fueling and charging stations are built.

"Alternative fuels and electric vehicles will play an integral part in the future of America's transportation system," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "We have a duty to help drivers identify routes that will help them refuel and recharge those vehicles and designating these corridors on our highways is a first step." Those corridors are designated as "sign-ready", meaning routes where alternative fuel stations are currently in operation will be eligible to feature new signs alerting drivers where they can find fuel for their alternative fuel vehicles, to existing signage that alerts drivers to gas stations, food and more.

The designation of these corridors fulfills a directive in the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act. In 2015, the United States pledged to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80 percent or more by 2050. By supporting lower-emission vehicles, alternative fuel corridors will help to reduce transportation emissions, the leading source of U.S. GHG emissions.

For more information, visit fhwa.dot.gov 

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