Natural Gas Vehicle Institute (NGVi), the only ASE-accredited training provider in the alternative-fuels industry, is launching the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Institute (AFVi).

As an expansion of the scope of NGVi, the new program will offer training courses to drivers, vehicle technicians, and fueling station personnel involved with light-, medium-, and heavy-duty fleets that operate hydrogen, propane autogas, and electric vehicles.

A New Chapter for NGVi

According to Annalloyd Thomason, NGVi's vice president and general manager, the reason for this expansion was simple: "While we've spent the better part of 30 years specializing in natural gas vehicle and fueling training, we recognize that many fleets are embracing other fuels in an effort to diversify. We're ready to transition from an ASE-accredited training organization with subject matter expertise solely in natural gas to a world-class training organization in all alternative fuels."

With AFVi's official announcement, Thomason noted that a lot of work is still ahead.

"Having known about our expertise in natural gas vehicle training, many of our customers have asked us whether we plan to offer training on hydrogen, electric, and propane vehicles. As a result, we're currently in the development process for driver, technician, and fleet management training content for virtually every alternative fuel. We don't take this responsibility lightly, and we will dedicate the time and effort to ensure that our new courses are up to the standard that others expect — the same standard that helped us secure our recognition as the only ASE-accredited training provider in this industry."

What AFVi Programs are Available Now? 

Currently, AFVi training will focus on natural gas, propane autogas, hydrogen, and electric vehicles. Updates related to the availability of training from each program follows: 

• The Natural Gas training program is currently available. 

• Propane autogas: coming soon

• Hydrogen: coming soon

• Electric: coming soon

Thomason and the rest of her team are excited for the opportunities ahead. "We're sharing this now so that people know it's coming," she said, "and we can connect with companies that are interested to learn more."