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

"By switching to a keto diet, ketones are produced and used as an alternative fuel source. This may decrease the chance of developing Alzheimer's by preserving the health of brain cells."

From Science Daily • Oct. 21, 2025

In 2015, the National Fire Protection Assn. began publishing emergency field guides for alternative fuel vehicles as part of its safety training program.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 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

The state also offers a tax waiver on clean alternative fuel vehicles, which applies only to new cars valued at $45,000 or less, or used that run $30,000 or less.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 4, 2024