subject: The Best Ways To Fuel Cars [print this page] Consumers have known for many years that we have to reduce our reliance on petroleum products for a variety of reasons. There are several alternatives to the traditional gasoline engine, but so far none of them has proven itself the clear leader. Here are the pros and cons of some of the top contenders.
Natural Gas
Pros: Natural gas burns much cleaner than gasoline, costs much less, and provides comparable power.
Cons: Cost of cars is high dues to expensive batteries. It takes a long time to recharge and range is limited. Although electricity can be produced using renewable resources, many power companies currently use coal to produce it.
Hybrids
Pros: Hydrogen cars get very good fuel economy - about twice that of gasoline cars. They produce no emissions - just water vapor. Hydrogen is abundant and some of it can be made from renewable energy.
Cons: Hybrids are more expensive than regular autos, requiring a large investment up front. Many budget conscious car shoppers have been frustrated because their hybrids don't get the gas mileage they expect.
Electric Cars
Pros: Plug-in hybrids can be charged at home. When they're using electric power, they have low operating costs and no emissions. They have up to a 40-mile all-electric range, which is sufficient for most people most of the time. A gasoline engine can extend range for longer trips.
Cons: Cost of cars is high dues to expensive batteries. It takes a long time to recharge and range is limited. Although electricity can be produced using renewable resources, many power companies currently use coal to produce it.
Plug-in hybrids
Pros: Plug-in hybrids can be charged at home. When they're using electric power, they have low operating costs and no emissions. Their range is up to 40 miles on electric power, which is good enough for most people most of the time. A gasoline engine can extend its range for longer trips.
Cons: Hybrids are more expensive than regular automobiles, requiring a large investment up front. Many consumers have been disenchanted because their hybrids don't get the gas mileage they hope for.
Plug-in hybrids
Pros: Ethanol can be made domestically from corn, with the potential to be produced from other food or waste products. E10, which is a 10% blend, can be burned in any new car. Many cars currently on the road can run on E85.
Cons: The cost is higher than that of conventional vehicles due expensive batteries. Charging car batteries could tax existing electric grid, especially if done during daytime hours. The fuel economy depends significantly on driving habits, and drivers often don't get the mileage they expect.
Diesel/biodiesel
Pros: Diesel and biodiesel get 30% better fuel economy than traditional gasoline engines. Fuel is readily available. Although cars that run on diesel and biodiesel cost more than traditional gasoline cars, the cost premium is lower than it is for hybrids. Any diesel car can run on a blend of renewable biodiesel fuel.
Cons: Large amounts of natural gas are required, so cars must have huge gas tanks, which reduce space available for other uses. Refueling takes a long time due to the amount of fuel required. Natural gas cars have a limited range. There are very few refueling stations available.
Diesel/biodiesel
Pros: Natural gas burns much cleaner than gasoline, costs much less, and provides comparable power.
Cons: Diesel cars have historically had more vibration and engine noise than gasoline cars. The relatively high cost of diesel fuel can reduce the financial benefits of the improved fuel economy.
Most of these alternative vehicles involve additional initial costs, which is only viable if the consumer can reasonably expect to get back the cost over time. So far in the U.S., hybrids are in the lead, with electric cars gaining popularity. Diesel engines have been practical in other countries for a long time. Only time will tell which technologies are practical and cost effective.
