Cars That Run On Alternative Fuels

Transportation is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gases; therefore looking for clean sources of power for vehicles is an important action to mitigate the effects of climate change. Petrol fuels still dominate the market, but that�s starting to change. Biofuels, fuel cell, bioethanol, hydrogen, liquid petroleum gas, biopetrol and electricity are some of the options currently on offer as far as cars that run on alternative fuels go. So what are the main advantages and disadvantages of each of these technologies?

Cars that run on alternative fuels pollute less, and costs can be higher or lower than fossil fuel, depending on the type of alternative fuel in question. Biofuel is currently the most popular type of alternative fuel. In Brazil, the country with the largest sugarcane ethanol fleet in the world, in some states it is cheaper to run a car on sugarcane ethanol. There are land management and food price concerns related to biofuel, though. Electric cars are very low on emissions but they probably feed on fossil fuel energy and can only make about 60 miles before recharging is needed. Biodiesel can be made out of vegetable oils and besides providing fuel, it gives cooking oil a more environmentally sound fate. Conversion work is necessary for this type of fuel. Hydrogen cars are much hyped, but currently far from becoming a commercially viable reality. Fuel cell cars, still somewhat rare, cost more to buy but running costs can be lower (at least in the UK).

Contrary to popular belief, cars that run on alternative fuels are not necessarily more expensive than their fossil fuel counterparts. With improved fuel efficiency, especially in the case of hybrids, and reduced taxes, cars that run on alternative fuels have become price-competitive and able to give better performance.

The future for cars that run on alternative fuels looks very bright indeed. According to the 11th annual global automotive survey conducted in 2009 by KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, senior automotive executives are expected to increase their investment in new technologies to produce more environmentally-friendly, fuel-efficient vehicles. Of the 200 senior executives surveyed, nine in ten expect manufacturers and suppliers will focus on new technologies, while 88 percent predict manufacturers will increase investment on new models/products and 78 percent say suppliers will do the same. "There's no doubt that automaker focus on technology will result in great leaps in alternative and hybrid fuel vehicles, with consumers and the environment reaping the benefits in the long run," said Gary Silberg, National Automotive Industry leader for KPMG LLP.