Energy Options Available for Vehicles

Environmental concerns aren’t new, however as time goes on and more symptoms of environmental problems are being discovered, more and more people are starting to try and think more green. The way we transport from one place to another is also included in looking for more ways to protect the ecosystem. Soon when you go to a Honda dealership in Hollywood you may start to see vehicles with the following alternative energy options.

One alternative fuel source that has been used more and more in cars, currently being added to gasoline, is ethanol. This is an alcohol-based fuel source made from fermenting and distilling crops, most commonly corn. This allows for a higher octane level in the gasoline, improving the emissions. It is renewable, however it can affect the food supply as well as the prices of food, so it may not be the best option for alternative energy.

Another alternative fuel source available is natural gas. This form burns cleaner and is widely available for the right cars. It can lower emissions output, however, it produces methane. Methane can increase the global warming problem since it is a greenhouse gas and gets trapped in the ecosystem, making it warmer.  

Electricity can also be used in vehicles now, as well, although since there is more work to be done in order to make it efficient for more people, it is not as widely used or available at the moment. Electric cars can store power in rechargeable batteries in order to lower pollution. Electrical systems are already in place, so it can be easier to get cars on the grid. However, electricity still causes pollution, making it a less than perfect option for clean energy. Solar panels for cars are being researched currently, which will hopefully help with this problem. Batteries in fully electric cars also do not last very long, so they aren’t ideal for everyone, making electric hybrids more common. 

Finally, hydrogen cars are going into production. The hydrogen can be mixed with natural gas for use in certain types of engine. There are no bad emissions in this fuel, making it one of the best options for the environment. However, it can be a more expensive option, so it isn’t right for everyone until a way is found to make it cheaper.

There are many options for fuel these days, allowing us to start looking toward getting away from harmful and non-renewable energy sources. Although there is still a lot of work to be done, the research appears to be going in the right direction and we may find that in our lifetime we are able to replace the current energy sources with some that are cleaner for the environment but still available for many.

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