Automotive

Car shoppers know that we must reduce our reliance on gasoline for a variety of reasons. There are several alternatives to the traditional gasoline engine, but so 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 in the U.S. from corn, in the future might be produced from other food or waste products. E10, which is a 10% blend, can be burned in any new car. Many existing cars can operate 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 is much less than for a gasoline vehicle. EVs produce no emissions. Batteries can be charged 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 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 gas engine can extend range for longer trips.

Cons: The price is higher than that of conventional vehicles due expensive batteries. Charging car batteries could put a strain on existing electric grid, especially if done during daytime hours. 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 gas, which is nice since we have gas pumps everywhere that drivers want to go. They drive like cars always have, so drivers aren’t being asked to make a major change. They can get excellent fuel economy.

Cons: Hybrids cost more than standard automobiles, requiring a large investment up front. Many drivers have been frustrated 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 the life of the vehicle. 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.  Palm Desert New Car Dealership      Ford Lease Deals