Combining a gas and electric propulsion system, hybrids have been widely available in the U.S. for more than 20 years, with the Toyota Prius being the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle in 1997 . Unlike ethanol or biodiesel, it's not created using something you could eat or drink, but it is something that top chefs insist on cooking with: natural gas. Moving emissions from the tailpipe of a car to the smokestack of an out-of-town electric plant will be worthwhile in some areas, but let's not kid ourselves about any real reduction in pollutants unless your electricity comes from a hydroelectric or nuclear plant. Best Practices for Designing ADA-Compliant EV Charging Stations When designing ADA-compliant EV charging stations, consider accessibility, ease of use, and safety for disabled drivers and vehicle occupants, including those using wheelchairs or other assistive equipment. Commercial aviation faces fuel cost, environmental, and energy security challenges that arise from petroleum-based jet fuel use. Natural Gas. May 8, 2007. As CNG is cheaper and burns cleaner than gasoline, these types of cars may gain popularity -- especially if the initial expense of installing a fuel station in a home is offset by savings on fuel. In fact, 50 percent of all of the electricity in the United States comes from coal-fired plants [source: PBS.org]. Battery powered electric vehicles store power in batteries that are recharged by plugging the vehicle into a standard electrical source. Alternative fuels are often described as "green" or renewable energy, but this isn't always the case. Its also generally less costly than gasoline. Ethanol. Improving the security of supply. Right now, fuel-cell technology is very expensive and probably a decade or so away from practical use. This is the next step in advancing America's 21st century transportation network. To power the car, the nitrogen is released into the engine where it is heated and it expands to create energy. Geothermal Energy Could Soon Help. Here is our Top Eight list of alternative fuels. Comparing Engine Wear: Petroleum and Biodiesel, 3333 NW 35th Ave, Bldg C, Portland OR 97210. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the six major types of green fuel include Biodiesel, Electricity, Ethanol, Hydrogen, Natural Gas, and Propane. With this designation, FHWA is facilitating the creation and expansion of a national network of alternative fueling and charging infrastructure along national highway system corridors. Reducing the discharge of gases with global warming potential. But while hydrogen is used in fuel cell cars as well as hydrogen-combustion engines, liquid nitrogen cars use a different type of engine altogether. 1 Ethanol as an Alternative Fuel Martin Konopka / Getty Images Ethanol is an alcohol-based alternative fuel that is made by fermenting and distilling crops such as corn, barley or wheat.. In fact, a lot of biodiesel enthusiasts make their own fuel using cooking oil from local restaurants. What about the electric car? It has a considerably lower carbon footprint than most fuel alternatives, and its already compatible with nearly every diesel vehicle on the road, making it easy for the automotive industry to work incrementally toward using blends with higher biodiesel content. Hydrogen can be mixed with natural gas to create an alternative fuel for vehicles that use certain types of internal combustion engines. Though its a fossil fuel, natural gas offers two clear benefits as an alternative fuel its widely available, and its known to burn much cleaner than petroleum-based fuels. It is very safe to utilize and economy friendly. It produces less air pollutants and GHGs than gasoline. P-Series fuels are clear, high-octane alternative fuels that can be used in flexible fuel vehicles. Gas-electric hybrids are considered the most common alternative fuel vehicles, with over 50 models in the market. Propane. Natural gas is a domestically abundant gaseous fuel that can have significant fuel cost advantages over gasoline and diesel fuel. So, what's been the hold up? Often, they produce less pollution than gasoline or diesel. What plant is best for biofuel? And when it's liquefied, it becomes much more energy dense. An alcohol-based alternative fuel made by fermenting and distilling crops such as corn, barley or wheat. Wards Auto is part of the Informa Tech Division of Informa PLC. Electricity can be used to power plug-in electric vehicles, which are increasingly available. Propanealso called liquefied petroleum gas or LPGis a byproduct of natural gas processing and crude oil refining. Not only does controversy swirl around the likely high costs, but there is also rampant misunderstanding because of conflicting goals. We hope you've gotten the message that a low-fat diet with limited quantities of fried foods is good for your health. Decreasing the dependency on mineral oil. So now you know that you can run a car on fry grease, but what if you're a little more heath conscious and don't necessarily want to drive around town smelling of fries? Negative: Limited production and distribution infrastructure. Honda introduced the Honda Civic GX in 1998. 3333 NW 35th Ave, Bldg C, Portland OR 97210 | 800-447-3794, 2022 SeQuential All Rights Reserved | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. We can help you calculate and track your fuel economy. Positive: Biodiesel is safe, biodegradable, reduces air pollutants associated with vehicle emissions, such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. Battery technology. Chemistry plays an important role in producing synthetic alternatives to jet fuel. The trade-off is that its generally much less efficient to produce than biodiesel. Solar power is the converting of energy from the sun into reliable electricity. We're talking about the summer spike in gas prices. Palm oil. "BMW Hydrogen 7." Just make sure you and your car can handle it before you brew up a batch. Electric vehicles (for the most part), don't make their own electricity. Compressed-air cars do have to be charged, similar to an electric car, but because the motors use much less energy, the charge time tends to be much less, too. Due to these advantages and its general versatility, ethanol is found in nearly all gasoline blends in North America. P-Series fuels are a blend of ethanol, natural gas liquids and methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF), a co-solvent derived from biomass. Though it's a fossil fuel, natural gas offers two clear benefits as an alternative fuel - it's widely available, and it's known to burn much cleaner than petroleum-based fuels. Solar Energy Solar energy is definitely the most popular alternative energy source from fossil fuels. And since it's made from organic matter, it's biodegradable and renewable. 1. It is commonly produced by the transesterification of the vegetable oil or animal fat feedstock. Several alternative fuels that can power an internal-combustion engine are readily available, including compressed natural gas, propane, and alcohols such as methanol and ethanol. "A Student's Guide to Alternative Fuel Vehicles." While some alternatives will take some time to make it into wide usage, check out this list of the top 10 alternative fuels on the road now. Physical energy is the energy that comes from the earth's natural resources, like water, wind, and solar power. It happens every summer, and no one likes it. What is the best alternative fuel? Unlike conventional batteries, however, fuel cells are at the beginning of their development curve and are expected to drop in price (and bulk) dramatically in the next few years. Still, the fact that some of the most anticipated clean cars heading to your local dealership will likely get their energy from a less-than-clean source just goes to show you that in the world of energy, there's no such thing as a free lunch. The Civic GX is a regular Honda Civic that runs on compressed natural gas. As electric cars, plug-in hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles become more common, coal will be fueling more and more cars. Learn more about the benefits of SeQuentials biodiesel, find SeQuential biodiesel near you or contact us for more information about our products and processes. A growing number of people believe alternative fuels will have an expanded role in the cars and trucks of tomorrow. The batteries can be charged by plugging the car into a regular wall outlet; however, when the battery power begins to fade, an onboard gasoline generator switches on to recharge the batteries and keep the car going. What about compressed natural gas, propane, hydrogen, methanol or ethanol fuels? Ethanol is an increasingly common alternative fuel. However, it's only due to recent developments that electric cars have become a more viable method for everyday travel. Alternative fuels are derived from sources other than petroleum. While it's a clean an efficient way to power a vehicle, liquid nitrogen faces the same hurdles as many other alternative fuels: At this time, there's no nationwide network of fueling stations to deliver it to consumers. Natural gas is an alternative fuel that burns clean and is already widely available to people in many countries through utilities that provide natural gas to homes and businesses. Vehicle engines can be converted to burn biodiesel in its pure form, and biodiesel can also be blended with petroleum diesel and used in unmodified engines. We'll compare a few of the most common. It can be used with only minor changes to existing ICE engines, both diesel and gas. "Liquid Nitrogen Car Threatens Hydrogen Car." Well, do you ever grill with propane? For more information on these corridors, including maps and additional resources, please visit the FHWA website at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/alternative_fuel_corridors. For example, the most vocal environmentalists in the U.S. all seem to be focused on regional problems, such as the Los Angeles basin, while Europe has adopted a more global outlook. Its extremely efficient, and theres already a widespread electric infrastructure in place. Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles. Electricity. Also, some people say that since farmers can make more money growing crops for ethanol, they'll stop growing crops for food, which could drive food prices up. It's made up mainly of propane, but it also includes other hydrocarbon gases. Plug-in hybrid. Unusual Biomass Fuels. (Surprise Video), On the Road to 100% Clean Electricity: 6 Potential Strategies To Break Through Last Few Percent, President William Ruto Sworn In, Reaffirms Kenyas Commitment To Transition To 100% Clean Energy By 2030, Canoos New EV Battery Module Manufacturing Facility in Oklahoma, Enevate & Lightning Motorcycles Partnership Creates 5-Minute Fast Charge For Electric Motorcycles, Zeekr 009 Launched 822-Kilometer (511-Mile) Luxurious Beast, USAs 1st Vehicle-To-Grid Export Rate For Commercial Electric Vehicles, Shyft Group Shows Off Its Blue Arc Electric Last Mile Delivery Vehicle To Customers, Volvo EX90 Will Feature App-Based AC & DC Bi-Directional Charging, Want Energy Resilience? - Alcohol stoves like the TOAKS Titanium Alcohol Stove. (KSNF/KODE) Casey's General Stores Inc. is further expanding its alternative fuel options in response to evolving guest needs, and as part of its environmental stewardship efforts. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel based on vegetable oils or animal fats, even those recycled after restaurants have used them for cooking. #1 Biodiesel Biodiesel is a renewable source of energy produced from veritable oil, animal fat, etc. Most are produced domestically, reducing our dependence on imported oil, and some are derived from renewable sources. Still, it takes a lot of energy to create ethanol. Fuel cells use special plastic membranes that allow hydrogen and oxygen to combine chemically without combustion, to make electric current efficiently. Also known as E-Diesel, blue crude is the product of an engineering endeavor by Audi, working together with a company called Sunfire. Soybeans. Negative: Cost. Natural Gas Though it's a fossil fuel, natural gas offers two clear benefits as an alternative fuel - it's widely available, and it's known to burn much cleaner than petroleum-based fuels. Electricity can be used as a transportation alternative fuel for battery-powered electric and fuel-cell vehicles. Algae. With memories of that summer still fresh in our minds and new gas price hikes looming, it's natural to wonder what alternatives there may be to gasoline-powered vehicles. The idea of operating efficient, practical motor vehicles on a fuel source that literally grows in the ground is certainly appealing. Limited so far to exotic uses such as powering satellites and space stations, the fuel cell could combine the driving range of a gasoline car with the advantages of an electric car without the need for batteries. Safeguarding the supply of "affordable" fuels. Are biofuels good or bad for the environment? Well, do you ever grill with propane? Registered in England and Wales. He also is an avid gardener and loves sustainable innovation. These includes: - Wood-burning stoves like the Solo Stove Lite or the Vargo Titanium Hexagon Backpacking Wood Stove. Positive: P-Series fuels can be used alone or mixed with gasoline in any ratio by simply adding it to the tank. 1. "Top 10 Alternative Fuels on the Road Right Now" It is plentiful in the US, and it is available at a relatively low cost. [citation needed] Contents 1 Background It may seem like electric cars have been a long time coming, but the fact is, some of the earliest automobiles used electric motors. Ethanol is a type of alcohol (but don't even think about drinking it) that's made from plant matter. (June 9, 2009) http://www.pbs.org/now/science/coal.html, University of North Texas. Some well-known alternative fuels include bio-diesel, bio-alcohol ( methanol, ethanol, butane ), refuse-derived fuel, chemically stored electricity (batteries and fuel cells ), hydrogen, non-fossil methane, non-fossil natural gas, vegetable oil, propane and other biomass sources. Invest Locally In Community Solar, Rooftop Solar, Heat Pumps, EVs, East Bay Customers Support Californias Grid During Extreme Heat Wave Through Innovative Program, Solar Photovoltaic Module Design Has Wide-Ranging Impacts On Our Clean-Energy Future, A 3-Way Deal To Use Wasted Energy In Natural Gas Distribution, Hug Your Super-Efficient Water Heater On Heat Pump Water Heater Day, UK BEV Volume Up YoY Despite Tesla Mid-Quarter Restocking, Mercedes To Emphasize Efficiency & Range Over Robotaxis, Davinci Motor DC100 Electric Motorcycle To Debut At EICMA 2022, Tesla Takes Over SEMA Show in Las Vegas (Photo Gallery), VikingBus Orders 31 Mercedes-Benz eCitaro Buses As Long-Distance Runners In Denmark. LP gas is kept pressurized in order to keep it in liquid form. You'll also need a fueling station in your house that's capable of compressing the gas. The ideal alternative-fuel engine would be noticeably cleaner than current gasoline powerplants and yet still use the existing fuel infrastructure - in other words, gas stations. This complex is great for focus and productivity. Which is the best alternative fuel for fuel cell cars? Today's battery technology means that electric cars - even the Mercedes research vehicles with long-life, high-capacity sodium nickel chloride batteries - are limited to about 100 miles (161 km) of driving. Meyers was editor and site director of Green Building Elements, a contributing writer for CleanTechnica, and is founder of Green Streets MediaTrain, a communications connection and eLearning hub. Similar to liquefied natural gas, keeping LP gas liquefied makes it more energy dense, and thus more useful for powering cars and trucks. However, while the modern diesel shows great promise for the environmentally-conscious (and more value-conscious) future, it - like the gasoline engine - still isn't perfect. With a compressed natural gas (CNG) car, you already do (well, probably). However, the same doesn't necessarily hold true for your car. (June 12, 2009) http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/transportation/CNG.html, Fueleconomy.gov. What is the best alternative fuel for vehicles? Well, as it turns out, there are lots of alternatives. Alternative energy is a broader category that encompasses all non-fossil-fuel-based energy sources and processes, of which renewable energies are only a part. Hydrogen is a potentially emissions- free alternative fuel that can be produced from domestic resources for use in fuel cell vehicles. Six of the best biofuels. Alternative Energy Alternatives can be physical, chemical, or electrical. In order to power the car, the oil and grease need to be converted into biodiesel through a chemical process. The only by-product is water. The most likely near-term alternative fuel is natural gas. And that's just what it's used for -- powering heavy-duty trucks over long distances. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Jamie Page Deaton The benefits of electricity? electric car, hybrid electric vehicles, solar powered). As an alternative source to fossil fuels and oil, biofuel is being increasingly used and produced in many countries around the world. Answers to frequently asked questions about octane. In a fuel-cell vehicle, the hydrogen is used to generate electricity that's then used to power electric motors. It was put in the hands of people who deal with fossil fuels Green hydrogen for energy is an economic dead end, not a replacement for fossil fuel revenues, and the sooner Queensland policy makers internalize that, Can electric vehicles benefit from the US Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) scheme? Opinions and comments published on this site may not be sanctioned by and do not necessarily represent the views of CleanTechnica, its owners, sponsors, affiliates, or subsidiaries. Wondering how biodiesel stacks up against the other major alternative fuels available on the market? Contact SeQuential today to set up a collection schedule! According to Larry West, such interest has been spurred by three important considerations: With this in mind, we learn that the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992 identified eight alternative fuels of note some that are used, others considered more experimental in nature. Web page addresses and e-mail addresses turn into links automatically. Vegetable oils, animal fats and even restaurant grease can be used to produce biodiesel. What are your other options? Negative: Much electricity is generated today from coal or natural gas, leaving a bad carbon footprint. Selling your car? Flexible Fuel Vehicles Hydrogen Hydrogen is a potentially emissions- free alternative fuel that can be produced from domestic resources for use in fuel cell vehicles. Not only is it much cheaper and cleaner than fossil diesel, but it'll make your car smell like french fries, too. In the United States it's commonly made from corn, while in other countries, like Brazil, it's made from sugar cane. Oct. 4, 2004. Find a fuel efficient vehicle that meets your needs. Also, the emission of a hydrogen-fueled vehicle is just water. Also like hydrogen, nitrogen-powered cars make fewer harmful emissions than gasoline or diesel. The process itself can actually be done at home. Propane is the common name for liquefied petroleum gas, although that's not exactly right. (June 11, 2009) http://www.greencarcongress.com/natural_gas/, Hydrogen Cars and Vehicles. The Honda FCX Clarity uses this technology and is currently being leased to drivers in southern California. On the island of Rugen off the North Sea coast of Germany, a fleet of quiet, smooth-running "biodiesel" test cars is running around on something akin to sunflower seed oil - an infinitely renewable fuel. The meaning of ALTERNATIVE FUEL is a fuel for internal combustion engines that is derived partly or wholly from a source other than petroleum and that is less damaging to the environment than traditional fuels. While a typical gasoline- or diesel-powered engine uses combustion to move pistons, a liquid nitrogen engine uses the expanding nitrogen to power turbines. After all, we can grow this fuel domestically, and it's not a finite resource like oil is. But compressed-air cars don't run entirely on air. What is the best green fuel? The first of them utilises mainly corn and sugar-based ethanol, whereas the latter is usually made of vegetable oils or animal fats. Energy density, as well as heat value of hydrogen, is more than petrol or diesel. This is extracted from the fruit of the oil palm tree, which is cultivated in south-east Asia, South America and Africa. Methanol, also known as wood alcohol, can be used as an alternative fuel in flexible fuel vehicles that are designed to run on M85, a blend of 85 percent methanol and 15 percent gasoline, but automakers are no longer manufacturing methanol-powered vehicles. is a writer, producer, and director. Positive: Propane produces fewer emissions than gasoline, and there is also a highly developed infrastructure for propane transport, storage and distribution. Alternative & Advanced Fuels Alternative Fuels Data Center, Alternative Fuel Price Report Alternative Fuels Data Center. Lines and paragraphs break automatically. The final alternative fuel on our list is probably a surprise. Regardless, the fuels on this list have the potential to serve as full or partial alternatives to gasoline and diesel. Ethanol and biodiesel are the two major biofuels created from bioenergy. Fuel Cell Vehicles Natural Gas Hydrogen can actually fuel two different types of cars: fuel cell vehicles and vehicles that have an internal combustion engine that's been engineered to use hydrogen instead of gasoline. 1. While coal has similar drawbacks to gasoline, it also has some benefits. Using hydrogen to fuel your car may conjure up "Oh the humanity!"