American Consumers already know that we need to reduce our reliance on petroleum for a variety of reasons. There are many alternatives to the traditional gasoline engine, but so far none of them has proven itself the clear leader. Here are the pros and cons of some of the top contenders.

Natural Gas

Pros: Cost per mile driven is much lower than for a traditional car. EVs produce no emissions. Cars can be recharged at home.

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.

Hydrogen fuel cells

Pros: Hybrids use gasoline, which is beneficial since there are gas stations throughout the United States. They drive like cars always have, so drivers don’t have to make a major change. These cars have the potential to get great fuel economy.

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.

Electric Cars

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

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

Plug-in hybrids

Pros: Hybrids use gasoline, which is beneficial since we have gas pumps in place. They drive like regular cars, so drivers don’t have to change the way they use their cars. Hybrids have the potential to get impressive fuel economy.

Cons: Hybrids are costlier than traditional cars, requiring a large investment up front. Many budget conscious car shoppers have been frustrated because their hybrids don’t get the gas mileage they expect.

Ethanol

Pros: Plug-in hybrids can be charged at home. When they’re using 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 drivers most of the time. A gasoline engine can extend its range for lengthy trips.

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.

Natural Gas

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: 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.

Natural Gas

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: 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 higher upfront costs, which is only viable if the consumer can reasonably expect to get back the cost over the life of the vehicle. So far in the U.S., hybrids are in the lead, with electric cars gaining popularity. Diesel cars 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. Ford Dallas Kansas City Infiniti Dealers

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