5 Things You Need to Know About Alternative Fuel Vehicles
By Tracie Close
What is an Alternative Fuel?
Gasoline is the most common fuel for cars today. Alternative fuels of varying types, which are defined as any other fuel for motor vehicles not created from petroleum products, are also in use and being developed. These fuels can be air, electricity, hydrogen, biodiesel, natural gas, or other appropriate non-petroleum fuels.
The Ecological Benefits of Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Petroleum fuels create harmful emissions like carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and particulate matter, all of which degrade the environment. Using alternative fuels in vehicles can potentially decrease or eradicate these emissions. Alternative fuels are also generally cleaner-burning and renewable, so they put little relative strain on the environment. By driving an alternative fuel vehicle, you can take a step toward improving our air and planet.
Benefits to Consumers of Alternative Fuel Vehicles
Consumers can see lower fuel costs when they use some alternative fuels, although the initial cost of a vehicle can be higher. Some alternative fuel vehicles can also be much more energy efficient. Home refueling of electric and natural gas cars can save time and be quite cost effective.
Downsides to Consumers
Unfortunately, there are downsides for consumers interested in alternative fuel vehicles. Accessibility and availability are two of the biggest negatives that exist. For alcohol fueled cars, there is limited access to this fuel at stations.
What Manufacturers are Producing Alternative Fuel Vehicles?
Many of the top vehicle manufacturers have developed and introduced alternative fuel vehicles in the last decade or so. Toyota, Honda, Chevrolet, and Ford are all at the forefront of making these cars a reality on the road. Some are hybrids or flex-fuel vehicles that run alcohol-gas blends. Each of them offers consumers a better, cleaner, more eco-friendly option.
Tracie Close is a freelance writer for print and the web on eco-friendly topics. Her articles have been published in Saving American Manufacturing, Philadelphia Style Magazine, and High Tech, High Touch. She also has contributed numerous articles about green living for eHow.com.
|
