Drivers are well aware that we must reduce our reliance on petroleum products for a variety of reasons. There are a lot of alternatives to the traditional gasoline engine, but so far none of them has established itself the clear leader. Here are the pros and cons of some of the top contenders.

Hydrogen fuel cells

Pros: Natural gas burns much cleaner than gasoline, costs much less, and provides comparable power.

Cons: Hydrogen fuel cells are expensive and often have limited durability. In order to get an acceptable range, you need very high-pressure hydrogen storage. Hydrogen is expensive to transport, and there is no infrastructure in place yet, so it’s difficult to find places to refuel. Although hydrogen fuel can be made from renewable energy sources, it is currently made from natural gas. The production process creates a large amount of CO2 emissions.

Ethanol

Pros: Hybrids use gas, which is good because we have gas stations throughout the United States. They drive like regular cars, so consumers don’t have to change the way they use their cars. These vehicles have the potential to get excellent fuel economy.

Cons: Hybrids cost more than standard cars, requiring a large investment up front. Many drivers have been disappointed because their hybrids don’t get the gas mileage they expect.

Electric Vehicles

Pros: Plug-in hybrids can be charged at home. When they’re running on electric power, they have low operating costs and no emissions. Their range is up to 40 miles on electric power, which is sufficient for most drivers most of the time. A gas engine can extend its 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.

Diesel/biodiesel

Pros: Plug-in hybrids can be charged at home. When they’re running on 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 gas engine can extend range for extended trips.

Cons: The price is higher than that of conventional vehicles due high-priced batteries. Charging car batteries could put a strain on existing electric grid, especially if done during daytime hours. The fuel economy depends greatly on driving habits, and drivers often don’t get the mileage they expect.

Ethanol

Pros: Plug-in hybrids can be charged at home. When they’re using electric power, they have no emissions and have lower per mile operating costs. They have up to a 40-mile all-electric range, which is good enough for most drivers most of the time. A gasoline engine can extend range for long trips.

Cons: The price is higher than that of conventional vehicles due expensive batteries. Charging car batteries could put an additional burden on existing electric grid, especially if done during daytime hours. The gas mileage depends to a great extent on driving habits, and drivers often don’t get the mileage they expect.

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.

Natural Gas

Pros: Natural gas burns much cleaner than gasoline, costs much less, and provides comparable power.

Cons: Hydrogen fuel cells are costly and often have limited durability. In order to get an acceptable range, you need very high-pressure hydrogen storage. Hydrogen is expensive to transport, and there is no infrastructure in place yet, so it’s difficult to find places to refuel. Although hydrogen fuel can be made from renewable energy sources, it is currently made from natural gas. The production process creates a large amount of CO2 emissions.

Most of these alternative vehicles involve higher 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 cars have been practical in other countries for a long time. Only time will tell which technologies are practical and cost effective.

Written by Hannah Valez. Green Bay Used Cars Ford Dealer Costa Mesa

categories: alternative fuel vehicles,electric cars,hybrids,plug-in hybrids,diesel cars,biodiesel cars,ethanol,natural gas cars,hydrogen cars,autos,automotive,green cars,uncategorized