Getting Away from Gasoline: The Choices

Car shoppers have known for many years that we have to reduce our reliance on gasoline for a variety of reasons. There are several alternatives to the traditional gasoline engine, but thus far none of them has established itself the clear leader. Here are the pros and cons of some of the top contenders.

Ethanol

Pros: Ethanol can be produced domestically from corn, with the potential to be produced from other food or waste products. E10, which is a 10% blend, can be burned in any new car. Many cars currently on the road can run on E85.

Cons: E85 gets about 25% lower fuel economy than gasoline. E85 is not readily available, since very few gas stations carry it. The federal government offers credits to automakers for E85 cars, but meeting those standards lowers overall fuel economy for all cars. Food prices could rise as a result of mass production of any product made from food crops. Increased crop production requires the use of farm equipment, which run on gasoline.

Diesel/biodiesel

Pros: Diesel and biodiesel get 30% better fuel economy than traditional gasoline engines. Fuel is readily available. Although cars that run on diesel and biodiesel cost more than traditional gasoline cars, the cost premium is lower than it is for hybrids. Any diesel car can run on a blend of renewable biodiesel fuel.

Cons: Diesel cars have historically had more vibration and engine noise than gasoline cars. The relatively high cost of diesel fuel can reduce the financial benefits of the improved fuel economy.

Electric Cars

Pros: Cost per mile driven is much lower than for a gasoline vehicle. Electric cars produce no emissions. Batteries can be recharged at home.

Cons: Cost of cars is high dues to expensive batteries. It takes a long time to recharge and range is limited. Although electricity can be produced using renewable resources, many power companies currently use coal to produce it.

Plug-in hybrids

Pros: Plug-in hybrids can be charged at home. When they’re running on electric power, they have low operating costs and no emissions. They have up to a 40-mile all-electric range, which is good enough for most people most of the time. A gasoline engine can extend range for extended trips.

Cons: The price is higher than that of conventional vehicles due expensive batteries. Charging car batteries could tax existing electric grid, especially if done during the daytime. The fuel economy depends to a great extent on driving habits, and drivers often don’t get the mileage they expect.

Hybrids

Pros: Hybrids use gasoline, which is good since there are gas pumps everywhere that drivers want to go. They drive like cars always have, so drivers don’t have to change the way they use their cars. They can get impressive fuel economy.

Cons: Hybrids are more expensive than conventional autos, requiring a large investment up front. Many budget conscious people have been let down because their hybrids don’t get the gas mileage they expect.

Hydrogen fuel cells

Pros: Hydrogen cars get very good fuel economy – about twice that of gasoline cars. They produce no emissions – just water vapor. Hydrogen is abundant and some of it can be made from renewable energy.

Cons: Hydrogen fuel cells are expensive and often require replacement. In order to get an acceptable range, you need very high-pressure hydrogen storage. Hydrogen is expensive to transport, and there is no infrastructure in place yet, so it’s difficult to find places to refuel. Although hydrogen fuel can be made from renewable energy sources, it is currently made from natural gas. The production process creates a large amount of CO2 emissions.

Natural Gas

Pros: Natural gas burns much cleaner than gasoline, costs much less, and provides comparable power.

Cons: Large amounts of natural gas are required, so cars must have huge gas tanks, which reduce space available for other uses. Refueling takes a long time due to the amount of fuel required. Natural gas cars have a limited range. There are very few refueling stations available.

Most of these alternative vehicles involve extra costs upfront, which is only viable if the consumer can reasonably expect to recoup the cost over time. So far in the U.S., hybrids are in the lead, with electric cars gaining popularity. Diesel engines have been practical in other countries for a long time. Only time will tell which technologies are practical and cost effective.

Written by Hannah Valez. Infiniti Certified Pre Owned Car Lots Chesapeake

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