Compare Alternative Fuel Vehicles & Regular Vehicles

Compare fuel options.

Vehicles fueled by a means other than petroleum with less emissions are alternative fuel vehicles. There are several types of alternative fuels available--all offer benefits over traditional gasoline.

Types

Ethanol is made in the United States from wheat and corn crops. Propane is a fossil fuel, but accessible in the United States. Natural Gas, another fossil fuel, burns cleaner than petroleum. Biodiesel is made from animal fats and vegetable oils. Hydrogen also comes from domestic fossil fuels like coal, from nuclear power or hydropower. Traditional gasoline in regular cars is made from petroleum, a fossil fuel, and a non-renewable resource.

Benefits

Using alternative fuels can decrease the United State's dependency on oil. All alternative fuels produce less emissions, reducing pollutants like carbon dioxide and the effects of global warning. Regular gasoline is blamed in large for global warning.

Costs

It is more expensive to buy an alternative fuel vehicle than a gasoline powered automobile. Additionally, alternative fuel gas stations are nonexistent in some areas, and the costs per gallon are no less expensive than gasoline. As of 2010, the government issues tax incentives for the purchase of qualifying alternative fuel vehicles.

References

• GreenCar: 5 Things You Need to Know About Alternative Fuel Vehicles
• EnergyAndClimate: Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fuel Vehicles
• FuelEconomy.gov: Alternative Fuels

Resources

• FuelEconomy.gov: Fuel Efficient Tax Incentives