Alternate Fuel
Times have changed: Let the Dinosaur Die
Times have changed. It used to be that gas was plentiful, and cheap. Our design and driving habits demonstrated our interest in power, not economy. The tables have turned, and it looks like high gas prices are here to stay. Even if they open up drilling on U.S. soil, the prices are unlikely to drop. It’s time to look at the alternatives. Here are a few of the readily available alternative fuel sources we have today:
Electric Cars
The electric car is far from new, but technologies do change. There’s been a big push, federally mandated, to offer alternative fuel vehicles, such as electric cars. Electric cars are more efficient for city driving and stop and go traffic. Unfortunately the recharge time is several hours up to overnight, there is poor performance, and limited range.
The question still stands as to how long these batteries will last. Batteries for an electric car are expensive, and must be properly disposed of through recycling. The good news is that there are electric cars with well over 100,000 miles still running with the original batteries.
Ethanol or E85 fuel
E85 is the commercial name for the fuel mix that combines 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Here’s the problem: the car must be designed or modified to operate on E85 gas. While there are a few cars and trucks on the market that run E85, and regular gas as well, we’re not likely to see many running to their dealer to buy a new car just to save a little at the pump.
The good news about E85 or ethanol based fuels: they are good for the environment. With less unburned hydrocarbons we have a cleaner environment and less smog. Performance is equal to regular gas.
Biodiesel
Along with ethanol, made from vegetable sources, we also have biodiesel. Did you know that the diesel engine was originally designed to run on a vegetable oil? Biodiesel is a little different than “raw” vegetable oil, though that is what it’s made of. The difference between using raw vegetable oil or the modified biodiesel is that biodiesel can be run in your diesel truck without modifications to the engine. You need preheaters and other modifications to run pure raw vegetable oil. This source of fuel is safe and degrades quickly, meaning less toxicity from spills.
Videos
Alternate Fuel Energy News
Alternative Fuels Mean Energy Independence, Say ACT Expo Speakers - Truckinginfo
 USA TODAY | Alternative Fuels Mean Energy Independence, Say ACT Expo Speakers Truckinginfo By Tom Berg, Senior Editor Suppliers of alternative fuels and the equipment that burns them must cooperate to move America toward energy self-sufficiency and economic growth, says retired US Army Gen. Wesley Clark, a former commander of the North ... FortisBC launches incentive program for heavy-duty natural gas vehicles |
New alternative fuels station opens in Fullerton - Los Angeles Times
 Ethanol Producer Magazine | New alternative fuels station opens in Fullerton Los Angeles Times Horton hopes to add electric-vehicle charging stations, as well as natural-gas and hydrogen pumps, to Clean Mobility Centers in communities that are adopting those types of alternative-fuel vehicles. Horton said Propel analyzes vehicle registrations, ... First Clean Mobility Center Opens in California Fullerton, Calif., hosts Propel's first 'Clean Mobility Station' |
Alternative fuels powering fleets in Newport News, Gloucester - Daily Press
 Daily Press | Alternative fuels powering fleets in Newport News, Gloucester Daily Press The work is contracted out at a cost of just under $6000 per vehicle with the funding from a Department of Energy program. Newport News is converting to propane fuel for police cruisers, park ranger vehicles and sheriff's department vehicles, ... |
Alternative Fuels Mean Energy Independence, Say ACT Expo Speakers - Truckinginfo
Alternative Fuels Mean Energy Independence, Say ACT Expo Speakers Truckinginfo By Tom Berg, Senior Editor Suppliers of alternative fuels and the equipment that burns them must cooperate to move America toward energy self-sufficiency and economic growth, says retired US Army Gen. Wesley Clark, a former commander of the North ... |
Clean Mobility Center, focusing on alternative fuels, opens in OC - Los Angeles Times
 Hybrid Cars News | Clean Mobility Center, focusing on alternative fuels, opens in OC Los Angeles Times Propel Fuels plans to build 200 Clean Mobility Centers throughout the state, aided by grants from the California Energy Commission and US Department of Energy. "People are looking for alternatives. They're looking for transportation options that aren't ... Rethinking America's Gas Station, Propel Fuels Launches New Vision |
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