Alternative Fuels
Everyone keeps talking about hybrids, but one thing that should be mentioned and more often is alternatives for fueling vehicles. Some of the alternatives are electricity, ethanol, methanol, natural gas, and propane. Each of these alternatives has advantages and disadvantages but they still produce less pollution than gasoline or diesel fuel. According to an article by the American Lung Association, the automobile is still the single biggest source of air pollution. Air pollution can kill causing about 60,000 premature deaths per year, compared to 40,000 deaths associated with traffic accidents. We obviously need to find ways to clean up the air that we breathe daily.
These alternative fuels also reduce the need to import oil. The United States uses about 25 percent of the world’s oil supply, but produces only 10 percent. Most of the alternative fuels are produced in the United States, therefore creating more jobs for Americans and less dependence on foreign oil.
Here is a list of the alternative fuels:
1. Electricity - the Environmental Protection Agency says that electric cars are the best way to reduce motor vehicle emissions in polluted cities. electric cars can produce dramatically less pollution
2. Ethanol - a liquid alcohol fuel produced from biomass (trees, grasses, wastes), grain or other agricultural waste. Cars made with ethanol are made up of 85% ethanol 15% gasoline. Ethanol produces less ozone forming compounds and toxic air pollutions. The downside is that mileage is reduced due to the lower energy content and it may be hard to start in extremely cold weather.
3. Methanol - also called wood alcohol or methyl alcohol and is made from natural gas, wood, coal, or biomass. it is also mixed with 15% gasoline for cars or light trucks. heavy trucks run on straight methanol. Vehicles that run on methanol need special oil engine and need more frequent oil changes.
4. Natural Gas - originates from the ground but could also come from biomass. it causes very low levels of pollution but it is not convenient to refuel. buses, taxis, and police cars are more likely to run on natural gas. these vehicles have limited driving range.
5. Propane - usually used for bbq grills and heating homes, this could be used for vehicles. the problem is that it has a short driving range and will be expensive as the demand increases.
To help the environment, people need to show interest in alternative fuels and try to find ways to lower air pollution.