Higher gas prices has increased consumer demand and research into fuel-efficient cars as well as alternative fuels, but paying less at the gas pump is not the only motive consumers have to buy fuel-efficient or green (alternative fuel) cars. Some environmentally minded consumers are concerned about reducing CO2 emissions that contribute to global warming and bad air quality; others are concerned about the United States’ dependence on foreign oil.
Regardless of their motives, consumers can choose from several alternative fuels and fuel-efficient cars. Because the various technologies are still new, there are some trade-offs such as higher vehicle prices and limited commercial availability of the alternative fuels.
In recent years, hybrid vehicles have become more popular and more affordable due to rising oil prices and political instability in oil producing countries. Because of the aggressive development and promotion from car manufacturers, hybrids are currently the most accessible to consumers.
The most popular fuel-efficient vehicles on the market today are gasoline-electric hybrids. These vehicles have gasoline-powered engines, electric generators and electric batteries and a combination of the gasoline and electricity provide power to the engine.
Hybrid vehicles use less gas (40-60 MPG) and produce less CO2 emissions. Hybrids are still relatively new to the market so they are more expensive than gasoline-fueled cars; however, consumers can re-coup the extra cost over five years by paying less at the gas pump. The top three hybrids that get the best MPG are the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Honda Civic Hybrid.
Diesel engines can function efficiently with biodiesel?fuel made from vegetable oil. A combination of vegetable oil and diesel fuel produce fewer emissions than straight diesel. Commercially available biodiesel is offered in blends of 5% vegetable oil to 95% diesel (B5), 10% to 90% (B10) and 20% to 80% (B20).
Consumers can have their diesel engines converted?for around 800 dollars?to run on 100% vegetable oil. The oil produces no harmful emissions and the cost can be nominal or free since many consumers get used vegetable oil from fast food restaurants, but consumers must filter their used oil, which is complicated and the equipment is costly. In addition, buying pure vegetable oil can cost more than straight diesel fuel.
Ethyl alcohol (ethanol) is made from plant materials such as corn, certain kinds of grasses and wood. In the United States, ethanol is made from corn and commercially available ethanol-based fuel is a combination of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline (E85). Ethanol burns more cleanly than gasoline, but produces less power. Some critics of ethanol-based fuels argue that the extra ethanol-based fuel needed to equal the same power of straight gasoline produces the same amount of emissions.
However, reducing emissions are not the primary concern for some countries like Brazil who want to reduce their dependence on foreign oil; as a result, 75% of new cars sold can run on straight ethanol fuel or gasoline.
Because of its natural abundance and virtually no harmful emissions, hydrogen fuel is the most promising alternative fuel. However, researchers have yet to discover a more efficient way to convert hydrogen to usable fuel. Currently, the energy input is higher than the resulting fuel and the easiest method of extracting hydrogen from natural gas produces more harmful emissions than hydrogen fuel eliminates.
Increased consumer demand, research and a firm commitment from car manufacturers can only result in a positive outcome by making fuel-efficient cars and alternative fuels the norm in the United States. At the same time, consumers will pay less in fuel costs, lower harmful emissions and reduce our dependency on foreign oil.
References
Biodiesel: A promising blend. Consumer Reports, Retrieved 10/18/06, from
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/pricing/alternative-autos-and-fuels-1105/biodiesel/
0606_alternative-autos-and-fuels_biodiesel-a-promising-blend.htm
Ethanol: Growing renewable fuels. Consumer Reports, Retrieved 10/18/06, from
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/pricing/alternative-autos-and-fuels-1105/renewable-fuels/index.htm
Fueling the future. Consumer Reports, Retrieved 10/18/06, from
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/pricing/alternative-autos-and-fuels-1105/overview/index.htm
Hydrogen: A long wait. Consumer Reports, Retrieved 10/18/06, from
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/pricing/alternative-autos-and-fuels-1105/hydrogen-fuel-cells/index.htm
Layton, Julia and Karim Nice. How Hybrid Cars Work. How Stuff Works, Retrieved 9/15/06, from
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car.htm
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