Alternative Fuel Sources

Getting away from the gas pumps

With the current state of the environment and continually rising gas prices, many auto manufacturers are looking into alternative fuel sources. They're using all their will power to fashion efficient alternatives to the outdated, gas-powered automobile. Some current alternatives include E85, diesel and biodiesel. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are also on the horizon.

E85

E85 is an alternative fuel composed of 15 percent gasoline and 85 percent ethanol. There are already some vehicles on the market that run on E85, and we can expect to see many more in the near future. Known as flex-fuel vehicles, these automobiles can run on a mixture of gasoline and ethanol.

One of the problems of E85 is that it's hard to come by. Not a lot of fuel stations are willing to offer it, because there is not a large market for it yet. Another problem is that E85 fuel provides less power per gallon than traditional gasoline - this means you'll have to fill-up more frequently, as you'll use more gas to travel the same distance as a gasoline powered vehicle.

Diesel

Diesel engines are being produced by many manufacturers, as they strive to develop innovative technology that meets clean air standards. Using diesel as an alternative fuel source has gained in popularity in European countries because it emits less pollution while still providing good gas mileage. However, the diesel engine isn't quite as popular among American residents as they can't seem to get past the image of diesel as a smelly, grimy mess.

Despite its poor image, the performance of the diesel engine speaks for itself. When compared to gasoline engines, testing shows that today's diesel engines allow for higher torque at lower RPM and better fuel economy by as much as 40 percent. When combined with hybrid technology, diesel power could help in the fight to stop global warming. We'll be seeing a lot more of what diesel technology has to offer in the near future.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is an alternative fuel choice for the diesel engine that is receiving high praise from environmentalists. It's designed to reduce engine wear and pollution, making it more environmentally friendly than traditional diesel fuel. It can be used in 100 percent pure form or can be mixed in any ratio with conventional diesel oil.

Hydrogen

Auto manufacturers are hoping that hydrogen will be the leading fuel of the 21st century.

They envision hydrogen technology as a realistic alternative to the gas-guzzling culture we are stuck in now.

A hydrogen car could achieve as many as 99 miles per gallon, completely free of emissions. Hydrogen provides double the efficiency of gasoline and only produces one waste product: water. Unfortunately, the hydrogen engine isn't a reality just yet.

Hydrogen technology costs a lot of money to develop, and consequently will cost a lot of money to purchase. There just doesn't seem to be a market for the technology at present time - but 10 years down the road, it may be a different story.

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

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