Question of the Month: How can I search for, update, and add new alternative fueling station information using the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Station Locator?
Answer: The Alternative Fueling Station Locator (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/locator/stations/) is the most used tool on the AFDC and was recently improved to include new options that may change the way users search for and update station information. You can now filter search results by several fuel-specific fields, such as connector type for electric vehicle charging and fill pressure for natural gas fueling. Read on for more details and information on how to update an existing station or add a new station to the Station Locator.
Searching for Alternative Fueling Stations
Previously, Station Locator users could select “more search options” to look for stations with a certain status/access type (e.g., existing, planned, or private), owner type, payment methods, and electric charger types (e.g., Level 2, DC fast charge). The Station Locator now allows users to search filter by fuel-specific fields corresponding to each alternative fuel. First, select a specific fuel type from the “All Fuels” drop-down menu, and then click on “more search options” to choose from the following filters:
· Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
o Fill type – the type of dispensing capability available at the station (e.g., fast-fill, time-fill)
o Vehicle accessibility – the maximum vehicle size that can physically access the CNG fueling station (e.g., light-, medium-, heavy-duty vehicles)
o Fill pressure – the pounds per square inch (PSI) pressure available at the station (e.g., 2400, 3000, 3600)
· Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
o Charger type – the type of electric chargers available at the station (e.g., Level 1, Level 2, DC Fast, Legacy chargers)
o Connectors and outlets – the type of outlets (e.g., NEMA 14-50, NEMA 5-15, NEMA 5-20) and connectors (e.g., J1772, CHAdeMO, J1772 Combo, Tesla) available for charging
o Networks – the name of the EVSE network
· Ethanol (E85)
o Mid-level blend availability – stations that provide mid-level ethanol blends, such as E30
· Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
o Vehicle accessibility – the maximum vehicle size that can physically access the LNG fueling station (e.g., light-, medium-, heavy-duty vehicles)
· Propane (LPG)
o Vehicle-specific service – stations that cater to propane vehicles by offering a vehicle fuel-specific price and accept credit cards
Updating Station Information
Once you have located a station of interest, click on the station pinpoint on the map and select “More details” for even more information about the station. If you would like to report updates to the station, such as additional fuel types available, click on “Report a change” in the top right corner of the station details page. Users will receive an email confirmation after reporting updates, and the submission goes directly to the Clean Cities Technical Response Service (TRS) for review and verification. Anyone reporting an update should expect the TRS to contact you or a station point of contact before the changes will appear on the Station Locator.
Adding New Fueling Stations
If you have searched the Station Locator, including private and planned stations, and would like to report one that is not listed, use the New Station Submission form (http://www.afdc.energy.gov/locator/stations/places/new). You can navigate to this form by clicking “Submit New Station” in the top right corner of the Station Locator map. Please provide as much detail as possible in the submission form, and use the “Comments” section as needed to include additional information. As with the station update process mentioned above, you will receive an automated email confirmation and the TRS will likely contact you to verify information before adding the station to the Station Locator.
Alternatively, you may submit new or updated station information by emailing the TRS directly at technicalresponse@icfi.com. If you have several new stations or updates to submit, this method is preferred, as the TRS can provide you with an Excel spreadsheet template.
Clean Cities Technical Response Service Team
800-254-6735
