alternative fuel

American  

noun

1. a vehicular fuel that is not entirely derived from petroleum, as natural gas, hydrogen, or an alcohol mixture.

   the environmental benefits of alternative fuels.

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Etymology

Origin of alternative fuel

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Neither is ammonia—another alternative fuel that China dominates globally in production.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025

In addition to drivers losing access to carpool lanes, the change could slow the progress the state has made in getting more people into alternative fuel vehicles and reducing pollution.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 8, 2025

Ministers have decided not to support the use of hydrogen as an alternative fuel for heating homes, though they say it will have an important role in and around industrial sites.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2024

After investigating the viability of diesel vessel exhaust scrubbers, green ammonia, made by electrolysing water with renewable electricity, was proposed as an alternative fuel source to quickly decarbonise the shipping industry.

From Science Daily • Jan. 9, 2024

Right now, no alternative fuel is cost competitive on its own merit, Ian Coleman said.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 26, 2023