Alternative Fuels and Advanced, Flex, and Hybrid Vehicles
While everyone wants to be "green" and help the environment,
availability is still an issue with all of the alternative fuels.
Unless you live in a large city, fueling stations are not readily
available. This should improve with demand increasing, but you
should be aware of it now.
Flex Fuel Vehicles
All U.S. manufacturers sell flex fuel vehicles. Flex Fuel cars
can run on gasoline or E85. E85 is made up of 85% ethanol and 15%
gasoline. FFVs do qualify as alternative fuel vehicles and qualify
for tax credits.
Flex fuel vehicles have one fueling system. Power and
acceleration are comparable with either gasoline or E85. Fuel
economy is less when running on E85.
Check the inside of your gas tank door to see if you car is equipped
with Flex Fuel. Many drivers have no idea that they own one!
Natural Gas Vehicles
Natural gas vehicles (NGVs) are fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG)
or compressed natural gas (CNG). Some natural gas cars can run off
of natural gas or gasoline/diesel, but have two fueling systems that are
completely separate.
NGVs perform better than the dual-fuel system and have less
emissions, plus they only have one type of fuel to store so they weigh
less. Natural gas vehicles usually last at least two years longer
than comparable gasoline engines and longer times between routine
maintenance.
NGVs get less miles to the gallon than gasoline engines, but are
about the same in acceleration and horsepower.
Propane Vehicles
Propane is liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has been used for 80 years
and is considered an alternative fuel and is eligible for tax
incentives.
Propane vehicles, like natural gas vehicles, can have a strictly
propane or a bi-fuel system. Acceleration and horsepower are
similar to the same gasoline vehicles. Fuel economy is less than
with gasoline.
Propane vehicles cost less to maintain which makes it popular for
taxi cabs, buses or delivery trucks. Propane engines last about
twice as long as a gasoline engine. Propane vehicles also start
easily in the cold, because the fuel is a gas and not a liquid when it
arrives in the engine. Propane cars have dramatically lower
emissions than gasoline or diesel cars.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered solely by power stored in
batteries which is transferred to an electric motor to drive the
vehicle. The batteries must be recharged by plugging into an
electric source or they must have an onboard charger.
EVs have no emissions! No EVs are produced by the major
manufacturer's, but NEVs (neighborhood electric vehicles) are available
from several companies. They are legal in most states if driven on
public roads with a maximum speed limit of 35 mph or less.
Batteries must be replaced approximately every four years or 20,000
miles. Batteries cost between $1,000 and $2,000 to replace.
But, you will have no oil changes or tune-ups to worry about.
Most EVs do not have doors, so if you live in a northern climate, you
might want to take this into consideration! And, for you
southerners, no air conditioning either.
The Tesla Roadster is a high-end,
performance EV with style and speed.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have a normal engine, but also have a
battery and electric motor. This gives them greater fuel economy
and lower emissions that conventional gasoline cars. The
horsepower is similar to conventional engines. HEVs do not have to
be plugged in to recharge.
Hybrid electric vehicles must be maintained the same as a normal
gasoline engine. The batteries that make up the hybrid part of the
system can only be charged and discharged a limited number of times.
The batteries can be expensive to replace, but are covered under the
manufacturer's warranty for a time.
HEVs do not qualify as alternative fuel vehicles, but do have
incentives, both federal and state, but the incentives do vary by state.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) must be plugged in to a
standard 110-volt outlet to recharge or it can be charged while running
on the gasoline engine. They can be run solely off of the stored
electricity. They do have engines that can increase your range and
recharge the batteries.
The battery pack is large than in HEVs, because more power comes from
the batteries. You may drive it around town all day an never need
to use the conventional engine. You can go home and plug it in to
recharge. But, if you go on a longer trip, the gasoline engine is
put into use.
PHEVs do not qualify as alternative fuel vehicles, but do have
incentives, both federal and state, but the incentives do vary by state. |
