The US Department of Transportation (US DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has invited states and local officials to designate routes, where drivers will be able to find alternative fuels.

The suggested 'zero-emission' and 'alternative fuel' routes initiative will fulfil a directive in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.

US Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said: “We can’t have Smart Cities without Smart Highways.

"Encouraging alternative fuel and zero-emission corridors development would help the US to reduce vehicle exhaust which contributes to US GHG emissions."

“Making sure drivers with alternative fuel vehicles can use the national highway system, rather than being limited only to local areas, is the next step in advancing America’s transportation network.”

As per the new provisions, the secretary has to solicit and designate national plug-in electric vehicle (EV) charging and hydrogen, propane and natural gas fuelling corridors along major highways.

In 2014, the US pledged to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 28% by 2025, and 80% or more by 2050.

Encouraging alternative fuel and zero-emission corridors development would help the US to reduce vehicle exhaust which contributes to US GHG emissions.

Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau said: “By identifying where alternative fuelling stations can be found we can accelerate the use of innovative next-generation vehicles, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure our transportation network meets the needs of 21st-century drivers.”

Once the established criteria are met, then a process to develop formal corridor designations such as identifiable national signs like the red, white and blue 'shield' signs used on US routes could be carried out.