Alternative Fuel Corridors 

Background

With the designation of alternative fuel corridors (AFCs), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is establishing a national network of alternative fueling and charging infrastructure along national highway system corridors, consisting of electric vehicle (EV) charging, liquified petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid natural gas (LNG), and hydrogen. The FHWA intends to support the expansion of this national network through a formal designation process that:

• provides the opportunity for formal corridor designations on an annual basis;
• ensures that corridor designations are selected based on criteria that promote the "build out" of a national network;
• develops national signage and branding to help catalyze applicant and public interest;
• encourages multi-State and regional cooperation and collaboration; and,
• brings together a consortium of stakeholders including state agencies, utilities, alternative fuel providers, and car manufacturers to promote and advance alternative fuel corridor designations in conjunction with the Department of Energy.

FHWA has issued the Designation of Alternative Fuel Corridors Round 7 Request for Nomination. Information on FHWA’s AFCs and requirements can be found here and supporting alternative fueling station data can be found on the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s Station Data.

Maryland Alternative Fuel Corridors

Since the initial corridor nomination in 2016, Maryland has established a robust network of AFCs, successfully designating corridors for all five alternative fuels. Currently, there are 23 electric vehicle (EV) AFCs, one compressed natural gas (CNG) AFC, one liquid natural gas (LNG) AFC, two liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) AFCs, and three hydrogen AFCs designated in Maryland. MDOT will continue to work with ZEEVIC and key planning partners to explore and identify future infrastructure opportunities. Maps of all AFCs and their corresponding infrastructure can be found on MDOT’s online Dashboard.