How Government Grants for Natural Gas Vehicles Can Support Fleets
Across the country, fleets are looking for ways to reduce expenses and modernize their operations. Government grants for natural gas vehicle projects have been an important tool in making that possible. These funding opportunities can cover substantial portions of the cost for purchasing natural gas vehicles, and, in some cases, even cover the building of CNG fueling stations to support them.
For fleet managers, grants can mean the difference between a pilot program and a full-scale deployment. But there’s one factor they often overlook: finding the right provider to train their technicians and drivers.
The Training Gap in Government Grant Programs
Training tends to be the last thing that fleets think about when it comes to purchasing and deploying new vehicles. Many grant applicants have historically omitted it in their budget breakdowns, let alone researched and specified qualified training providers. Until recently, most grants have focused exclusively on hardware — vehicles, stations, or other infrastructure.
Thankfully, this has started to change, with some programs now allocating funds for workforce development. This is important because, once grants are approved, it can be difficult (if even allowed) to go back and add a new line item for training budget allocation.
Specifying training courses and providers in the grant application will not only give fleet managers the ability to train employees on new technology, but also serve as a friendly reminder that it’s needed in the first place — especially because natural gas vehicle fuel systems are so different than diesel or gasoline.
Why Training Is Essential
Technicians and fuel system inspectors are the backbone of alternative fuel fleets. If those on your team lack specialized knowledge, skills, and credentials, your fleet may face unnecessary safety risks, vehicles may face unexpected downtime, or fueling stations may not meet code.
For technicians, knowledge and skills gaps can be especially challenging. Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) require specialized inspections, an understanding of high-pressure fuel systems, and familiarity with codes and standards like NFPA 52 and ANSI NGV 6.1.
Training is a core component of fleet success because every vehicle that runs on compressed natural gas (CNG) or renewable natural gas (RNG) is an investment. When technicians don’t know how to inspect key system components like pressure relief devices or check valves, or they aren’t able to spot early signs of cylinder damage, the risks of vehicle failure increase dramatically. The same goes for fueling stations.
Vehicles and fueling stations are only as good as the people who maintain them, which is why fleet managers must budget for developing expertise in addition to new equipment.
How AFVi Helps Fleets Succeed
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi) has been training technicians and drivers on NGVs for decades, and is the only ASE-accredited training provider in the entire alternative fuels industry.
Our CNG courses cover:
- Key safety procedures for everyone working on or around NGVs.
- Complete CNG fuel system inspections for all brands (along with optional certification).
- Driver training to understand the differences in performance, handling, and safety systems of CNG vehicles.
Our programs are designed to empower team members with practical, real-world skills they can use every day.
By integrating training with fleet strategy, managers can reduce vehicle downtime, cut maintenance costs, and extend the lifespans of their fleet and infrastructure. More importantly, they’ll build a culture of safety that protects their employees and the community.
Government Grants for Natural Gas: A Smarter Future
Government funding makes it possible to invest in alternative fuel vehicles and stations at scale, but the long-term success of those investments hinges on the expertise of the people maintaining them. As grants evolve to recognize training as a vital part of deployment, fleets that partner with AFVi will be better positioned to take full advantage.
If your fleet is considering natural gas vehicles or fueling infrastructure, don’t just focus on the equipment — think about the people who will keep it safe and reliable. When you’re ready to talk about training, we’re here to help.
Want To Learn More About Our Available Courses?
We offer live online, live in-person, and on-demand e-learning training formats. Choosing the right options for your technicians will depend on a few factors, including:
- How many technicians you have to train.
- When they’re available to train.
- Whether they learn better individually or as a group.
- How soon you want them to be trained.
- Your training budget.
You can either sign them up through our online registration, or we’d be happy to talk by phone about group discounts and customized programs. Contact us today at 800-510-6484 to get started!
