Alternative Fuels

Advanced Fuel Technology Solutions

Our goal is not simply to build vehicles, but to build them more advanced, more efficient, and more environmentally sound. Advancements in technology are helping us reach that goal. We're still providing the performance and utility customers need and want, but now we're also improving fuel economy, building more advanced engines and introducing new fuel alternatives.

We already have 12 models that offer an EPA-est. 30 MPG highway, including several hybrids and just last year introduced the dynamic new Volt1 – the world's first extended-range electric vehicle. But we're not stopping there, we're expanding our vision to research exciting options such as diesel, biofuels and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, that will help us continue to deliver not only the world's best vehicles, but also the world's leading technology.

Click here to see all of our GM fuel solution facts.

At GM we have to continue to work efficiently, so too do our engines. Thanks to a committed research program, many of our models offer innovative engine advancements like Active Fuel Management,™ Clean-Diesel Technology and Spark Ignition Direct Injection that help optimal fuel economy without compromising performance.

For the 2011 model year, GM has 12 vehicle models that offer at least 30 mpg hwy or better. (EPA estimate):

The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze combines midsize amenities with compact car efficiency–the ECO model offers 42 MPG hwy.2

The 2011 GMC Sierra XFE and Chevrolet Silverado XFE full–size pickup trucks offer better economy than Dodge Ram and Toyota Tundra.3

We offer powertrain options in most of our products. Consider a smaller engine. Downsizing your engine can reduce your operating costs.

Engine choices include:


In the quest to help reduce gasoline consumption, there are several natural answers–Biofuels (such as E85 Ethanol and B20 Diesel) and cleaner fossil fuels (like Liquid Propane Gas and Compressed Natural Gas). All can be used in traditional gasoline internal combustion engines that are compatible with biofuels, which makes them easy and affordable to use. These alternatives could help offset future vehicle energy demand and are also the most significant near-term solution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

GM is the global leader in producing E85 ethanol (85% Ethanol and 15% gasoline) flexible-fuel vehicles.4 And we've committed to making more than half of our vehicle production FlexFuel-capable by 2012.

View the complete E85 lineup now >>

Use the E85 Station Locator to see if there is an E85 station near you.

All of our Duramax 6.6L V8 turbo engines are B20 biodiesel–capable and meet strict new emissions standards. B20 fuel is 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent conventional diesel, which helps lower carbon dioxide emissions and dependence on petroleum.

The new Duramax powers the redesigned 2011 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra heavy-duty pickups and is also available on the 2011 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana full-size vans.

2011 Chevrolet Express
2011 GMC Savana
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
2011 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD
2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD
2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD

Compressed natural gas (CNG) and Liquid Propane Gas (LPG) are two fossil fuels that burn much cleaner than gasoline and are much safer in the event of a spill. GM is an expert in CNG vehicles having produced over 16,000. And new in 2011, we've added both CNG– and LPG–powered versions of our available 6.0L V8 to help power some of our larger fleets.

Learn more about our CNG-powered vehicles >>


Featuring GM's exclusive two-mode hybrid technology, our lineup of hybrid vehicles5 offers power and capability, luxury and efficiency. In fact, the only time you'll realize they're hybrids is when you're passing the fuel pump up again and again and again.

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid:
Tahoe Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, offering better city fuel economy than the six-cylinder Honda Accord.6

GMC Yukon Hybrid and GMC Yukon Denali Hybrid:
Equipped with GM's hybrid technology, these vehicles deliver up to a 33% improvement in city fuel economy over their non-hybrid models.7

Cadillac Escalade Hybrid:
Combining luxury, power and efficiency, Escalade Hybrid features GM's two-mode hybrid technology, optimized for city and highway driving.

Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid 1500 and GMC Sierra Hybrid 1500
(crew cab versions):
The Silverado and Sierra pickups offer better city fuel economy than a standard six–cylinder Toyota Camry or Honda Accord8, while still maintaining impressive towing and payload capacity.

It's here. The Chevrolet VOLT1 is the world's first electric vehicle with extended-range capability. Plug it in, let it charge overnight, and it runs on pure electric charge for up to 40 miles – gas – and emissions-free.9

After that, the VOLT keeps going, even if you can't plug it in. Thanks to a range-extending gas generator, it produces enough energy to power the VOLT for hundreds of miles. It's more than a new car – it's the future of transportation.

Learn more >>

GM is a leader in hydrogen fuel cell technology, demonstrating our fuel cell vehicles around the world in places like Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Tokyo, Berlin, Shanghai and Korea.

In fact, in October 2007, GM activated Project Driveway — the largest market test of fuel cell vehicles in the world. Project Driveway entails the loan of Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles to everyday drivers, celebrities and other dignitaries to gauge interest, consumer reaction, and vehicle performance in the U.S.

Vehicle deliveries to program participants began in early 2008. To date, the fleet of vehicles has driven more than total of 1,000,000 miles.

Learn more about fuel cell technology at GM.com >>



GM joined the United States Climate Action Partnership (USCAP) in May 2007. GM was the first automaker to support this partnership of industry and environmental organizations working to address climate change through advanced technology. USCAP has issued a set of principles and recommendations toward slowing, stopping and reversing the growth of greenhouse gas emissions.

GM wants to be a part of solutions that work and it's an approach we share with USCAP and its members.

Which vehicles meet your emissions requirements?
GM is also helping to address criteria emissions (HC, CO, NOx) by meeting stringent requirements. State and federal emissions mandates vary — check below for up-to-date information.

2011 Emissions Requirements
Emission requirements have changed for the 2011 model year. Check the bulletin below to find out the latest state and federal emissions standards.


2011 MY Emissions Requirements Bulletin (PDF)


Planned Emissions Certification
Download vehicle model info including: option codes, certification and emissions standards.

2011 MY Planned Emissions Certification (PDF)


Take advantage of the New Energy Tax Credit10. The federal government offers tax credits on many great GM vehicles. All of GM's hybrids have received IRS certification for these credits.

View hybrid tax credits for the current and earlier model year GM vehicles.

Source: US Department of Treasury, fueleconomy.gov. For more detailed information on the tax credit please consult an IRS tax representative and/or official IRS publication.

Many state and local grants and incentives are available to help offset the incremental cost of alternative fuel vehicles. To find out how much funding you may qualify for, consult the US Department of Energy guide below.

State E85 Incentives and Laws >>

Incentives vary by state, and you may or may not be eligible. GM makes no guarantee that you will receive any incentives for purchasing a GM Alternative Fuel vehicle.

Check out GM offers available to your business.

Current Offers >>

     

     

1  Available to order at participating dealers in CA, TX, MI, NY, NJ, CT, DC. Quantities are limited.

2  EPA-est. MPG 28 city/42 hwy.

3  EPA-est. MPG city/hwy: Silverado XFE and Sierra XFE 15/22 vs. Ram 14/20, Toyota Tundra 15/19.

4  In the US, more than 4 million of the more than 7.5 million flex-fuel vehicles on the road are
GM cars and trucks.

5  Available at participating dealers.

6  Based on GM Large Utility segment and EPA-est. MPG 15 city/21 hwy. Accord 6-cyl. Offers
EPA-est. 20 MPG hwy

7  EPA-estimated 21 MPG city, 22 highway MPG city; Camry and Accord 19.

8  EPA-estimated MPG city (2WD): Silverado Hybrid 20 vs Accord 19.

9  Assumes fully charged battery. Actual range depends on driving habits, weather conditions,
terrain and the operation of electrical features in the vehicle. Vehicle features and performance
capabilities subject to change without notice.

10  See your tax professional for details.

     

Shown with equipment from an independent supplier and is not covered by the GM New Vehicle Limited Warranty. GM is not responsible for the safety or quality of independent supplier alterations.