Consumers have known for many years that we have to reduce our reliance on gasoline for a variety of reasons. There are many 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: Cost per mile is much less than for a gasoline car. Electric cars produce no emissions. Cars can be recharged at home.

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.

Ethanol

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 standard automobiles, requiring a large investment up front. Many consumers have been disappointed because their hybrids don’t get the gas mileage they expect.

Plug-in hybrids

Pros: Hybrids use gasoline, which is nice because there are gas stations in place. They drive like cars always have, so people aren’t being asked to make a major change. Hybrid vehicles can get impressive fuel economy.

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 the daytime. The fuel economy depends significantly on driving habits, and drivers often don’t get the mileage they expect.

Diesel/biodiesel

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. Their range is up to 40 miles on electric power, which is sufficient for most drivers most of the time. A gasoline engine can extend range for extended trips.

Cons: The price is higher than that of conventional vehicles due expensive batteries. Charging car batteries could put a strain on 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.

Ethanol

Pros: Ethanol can be produced in the U.S. from corn, in the future might be produced from other food or waste products. E10, which is a 10% blend, can be burned in any new car. Many existing cars can use E85.

Cons: E85 gets about 25% lower fuel economy than gasoline. E85 is not readily available, since very few gas stations carry it. The federal government offers credits to automakers for E85 cars, but meeting those standards lowers overall fuel economy for all cars. Food prices could rise as a result of mass production of any product made from food crops. Increased crop production requires the use of farm equipment, which run on gasoline.

Electric Cars

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

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: 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: 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.

Most of these alternative vehicles involve higher costs upfront, which is only viable if the consumer can reasonably expect to recoup the cost over the life of the vehicle. 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.

Written by Hannah Valez. Used Cars Lewisville Cartersville Used Honda