Fueling Options Range from Home to Highway

California’s natural gas fueling infrastructure—the most extensive in the United States—makes it easier than ever to use NGVs.

The state has nearly 200 public-access natural gas stations plus hundreds of private facilities. The majority dispense compressed natural gas (CNG) for cars, light trucks and vans, and heavy-duty vehicles. A smaller number of strategically located stations supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) for long-haul heavy-duty trucks, refuse haulers and port vehicles. Stations are concentrated in metropolitan areas and along major transportation corridors.

Fueling options are growing.

Fleet operators’ awareness of the cost advantage and environmental benefits of natural gas is driving growth of private facilities, and about one-third of California’s natural gas stations offer public access. (We provide an interactive locator map with detailed information for roughly 200 public-access stations in California, Nevada and Arizona; you can find stations across the U.S. using the NREL’s Mobile Alternative Fuel Station Locator.) Consumers can also fill up in their own garages with home refueling appliances.

Natural gas stations are self-supporting.

These facilities are economically viable without subsidies or oil company participation because stations are built to serve established fleets, with public access available if desired. They can be profitable while offering highly competitive fuel prices—high-use fleets can pay 20 to 80 cents less than retail.