Region
North America
Sectors and Themes
Energy
Transport
Scale
National
Sub-national
Project-Level
Resource Type
Analysis Tools
Expertise Level
Generalist
Language
English
Guidance
Inputs Needed
Vehicle types
Vehicle miles traveled
Vehicle life time
fuel economy
CNG fuel economy loss
Vehicle miles traveled
Vehicle life time
fuel economy
CNG fuel economy loss
Outputs Provided
Net Present Value
payback period
displaced gasoline
Project lifetime GHG reduction
Incremental cost
payback period
displaced gasoline
Project lifetime GHG reduction
Incremental cost
Developer or Source
National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
The Vehicle and Infrastructure Cash-Flow Evaluation Model (VICE) assists fleets and businesses in evaluating the profitability of potential CNG projects. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) built the CNG Vehicle and Infrastructure Cash-Flow Evaluation (VICE) model. The VICE model demonstrates the relationship between project profitability and fleet operating parameters. Costs of installing natural gas infrastructure varies based on size, capacity, and the type of natural gas (LNG, CNG, or both) it dispenses. It also varies in the way the natural gas is dispensed (fast-fill, time-fill). The VICE model evaluates the return on investment and payback period for natural gas vehicles and fueling infrastructure.