Alternative Fuels

Gasoline is not going to last forever. There is only a limited supply of oil in the world, and most of it comes from foreign countries. It harms the environment and releases many dangerous gases. These are some of the reasons that we need alternative fuels. Using alternative fuels would lower our dependency on foreign oils, reduce emissions, and be better overall. There are many types of alternative fuels; hydrogen fuel cells, diesel, electric, hybrids, and many, many more.

Hybrids are a very well known type of alternative fuel source. Usually, a hybrid car uses a mix between electric power and gasoline power, but it can be any mix of fuels. When the hybrid car is not moving or moving slowly, it relies on the electric battery. This wastes less gas. The car would need less energy when it is sitting, so the battery can work instead of using gas. When it moves fast, it uses the gas.

Hybrids get more miles per gallon of gas (mpg) than normal cars. They also produce fewer pollutants. They still release the same types of pollutants as gas, but not as much because they do not always use gas. Hybrid cars contribute less carbon dioxide into the environment. Scientists say that carbon dioxide can cause part of global warming.

Many car companies have a hybrid car for sale. They are relatively the same price as a gas powered car. There are no new fuel stations to set up, because hybrids only require gasoline, which is already available anywhere. Hybrids are the best choice today for fuel efficiency. Hybrids can hurt the environment, though. When a hybrid battery is dead, it cannot be reused. Where will al these large dead batteries be put? This would add many unwanted chemicals into the earth when disposed.

Bio-diesel is another well known alternative fuel. Bio-diesel is made from plant and animal waste. Bio-Diesel has a reputation for being a very dirty fuel, but in the past few years, it has been made much cleaner. Bio-diesel cars usually clean exhaust before it is released. The car’s exhaust system cleans out soot and nitrogen oxide (NOx). Bio-diesel can also have low sulfur in them, which reduces many pollutants. Sulfur contains many harmful pollutants in it.

A bio-diesel car is almost as clean as a hybrid car. Scientists say that NOx emissions will drop by 4 million tons annually in 2030 if everyone converts. Harmless gases are most of the emissions from these cars.