Mercedes Mullins
The world is gradually moving towards the use of alternative fuels for vehicles. An alternative fuel vehicle is one that runs on alternative fuel instead of traditional petroleum-based fossil fuels such as gasoline, petrodiesel, or liquefied petroleum gas. As of 2023, there are about 33 million vehicles in the US that use alternative fuels, accounting for 12% of the 282 million light-duty vehicles on the road. The most common alternative fuels include electricity, biofuels (ethanol fuel, biodiesel, and biogasoline), hydrogen fuel, and solar energy. While gasoline remains the most-used fuel in the US, the growth rate for some alternative-powered vehicles is higher than that of gasoline-powered vehicles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of motor vehicles on the world's roads | 1.49 billion |
| Number of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles sold or converted worldwide by the end of 2022 | 159 million |
| Number of flex fuel automobiles, motorcycles and light-duty trucks by the end of 2021 | 65 million |
| Number of flex fuel vehicles in Brazil | 38.3 million |
| Number of flex fuel vehicles in the US | 27 million |
| Number of vehicles relying on alternative fuels across the US | 33 million |
| Number of natural gas vehicles worldwide as of 2017 | 24.5 million |
| Number of highway-capable plug-in hybrid electric cars sold worldwide as of December 2015 | 500,000 |
| Number of light-duty plug-in electric vehicles sold worldwide as of December 2015 | 1.2 million |
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Electric vehicles
However, there are also some challenges and considerations associated with electric vehicles. One concern is the range anxiety associated with EVs, as they typically have shorter ranges than gasoline cars. This can be mitigated by choosing an EV with a longer range or having a second vehicle for longer trips. Additionally, factors such as hilly terrain, heavy loads, and extreme temperatures can reduce the range of an EV, so these factors should be considered when planning trips. Charging infrastructure is another important aspect, as EVs require access to charging stations, and the availability of these stations can vary depending on location.
Despite these challenges, electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular due to their environmental and economic benefits. The growth in EV sales is driven by factors such as tax incentives and rebates, as well as the lower cost of ownership compared to gasoline vehicles. Additionally, advancements in technology have led to improvements in EV performance and the development of new features, making them a more attractive option for consumers.
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Hydrogen-powered cars
The Toyota Mirai is currently the best-selling hydrogen car in the US, with around 14,300 sold across two generations. The Mirai has a fuel cell rated at 90 kW (120 horsepower), which is not enough to accelerate onto a fast-moving highway. Therefore, Toyota adds a high-voltage, low-capacity battery to the vehicle, similar to those used in conventional cars. The Mirai also comes with $15,000 or 6 years, whichever comes first, of complimentary fuel for purchases.
As of mid-2022, there were 17,000 or fewer hydrogen-powered vehicles on US roads, all of which were in California, the only state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations. By contrast, almost three million EVs have been sold in the US. Since 2015, three hydrogen-powered cars have been offered for sale: the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, the Hyundai Nexo SUV, and the Toyota Mirai. However, Honda has ended production of the Clarity, and Hyundai has sold only about 1,600 Nexo SUVs in six years.
While hydrogen vehicles are much rarer than electric vehicles, they are a type of zero-emission vehicle that offers clean energy and innovative technology. Hydrogen-powered cars are an example of alternative fuel vehicles, which are motor vehicles that run on alternative fuels such as biofuels, hydrogen fuel, or electricity, rather than traditional petroleum-based fossil fuels such as gasoline, petrodiesel, or liquefied petroleum gas.
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Solar cars
Solar panels cannot currently be used to directly supply a car with a suitable amount of power, but they can be used to extend the range of electric vehicles. As of 2022, a handful of solar electric cars with varying performance are becoming commercially available, from companies like Fisker, Lightyear, and Aptera Motors. The Aptera, for example, is equipped with 700 watts of integrated solar cells, allowing it to drive up to 40 miles per day completely off the grid and 400 miles per full charge.
There are various solar car competitions around the world, including the World Solar Challenge, the American Solar Challenge, and the United Solar Challenge. These events are often sponsored by government agencies such as the United States Department of Energy, keen to promote the development of alternative energy technology. As of December 2022, only one solar car had reached production, the Lightyear 0, but at the limited delivery rate of one car a week. In January 2023, the company halted vehicle manufacture and sales, and the vehicle maker's production company, Atlas Technologies B.V., requested bankruptcy protection. The Aptera's production is expected to start in 2024.
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Biofuels
Biofuel is any liquid fuel made from biomass, which includes plants and other biological matter like animal waste and leftover cooking fat. The use of biofuels can help reduce greenhouse gases, slow global warming, and protect the environment. For example, burning biofuels doesn't increase the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere because the carbon in biofuels is recycled through the atmospheric system. It begins in the air, is absorbed by plants as they grow, and then returns to the air when the fuel made from those plants is burned.
However, there are some drawbacks and limitations to using biofuels. The feedstocks for biofuels often include food crops like corn, soybeans, and other vegetable oils. Because these crops have alternative uses as food for people and livestock, the prices tend to be higher than oil. Additionally, the production of biofuels on a large scale may not be beneficial for the climate. Conventional crops like corn or soybeans require vast amounts of land, and cultivating extra crops for fuel can drive changes in land use that can diminish or eliminate the environmental benefits of using biofuels.
Despite these challenges, biofuels remain a viable option for reducing emissions and addressing climate change. In the EU, measures are being implemented to increase the uptake of alternative fuels, including biofuels, to achieve their climate goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
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CNG-powered vehicles
As of 2010, the Asia-Pacific region led the global market for alternative fuel vehicles with a share of 54%. In the United States, CNG-powered buses are the preferred choice of several public transit agencies, with an estimated CNG bus fleet of 130,000. CNG vehicles are also common in South America, where they are mainly used as taxicabs in major cities in Argentina and Brazil.
Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles are fuel-efficient, burning low-emission fuel that is better for the environment than petroleum-based fuels. They are also cheaper to operate than conventional-fuel cars. Compared to gasoline, CNG reduces carbon monoxide emissions by 90 to 97% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 35 to 60%. However, CNG fuel efficiency is not as good as gasoline. For instance, the 2015 CNG Honda Civic gets 31 miles per gasoline gallon equivalent (MPGe), while the 2016 Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel gets 19 MPGe.
CNG vehicles look and feel like conventional cars. Their engines and fuel systems are modified to use natural gas, but they are otherwise quite similar to existing gasoline or diesel cars. CNG vehicles store natural gas in tanks under pressure, typically at the back of the vehicle. The high-pressure gas is transferred through the fuel lines, where a pressure regulator reduces the pressure for the engine fuel injection system. Finally, the fuel is introduced into the intake manifold or combustion chamber, where it is mixed with air, compressed, and ignited by a spark plug.
While CNG vehicles are cheaper to run, the cars themselves tend to be more expensive. For example, a new Chevrolet Impala Bi-Fuel costs $37,000, while a conventional Impala costs less. Additionally, a network of CNG fuel stations is required, and smaller cities may only have one or none at all. However, CNG vehicles may come with perks such as tax incentives and carpool lane access.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, there are 33 million vehicles across the US that use alternative fuels, which is about 12% of the 282 million light-duty vehicles on the road.
Alternative fuels refer to any fuels other than gasoline or diesel derived from crude oil. They are designed for use in alternative fuel vehicles and advanced technology vehicles.
Examples of alternative fuels include electricity, biofuels (e.g. ethanol, biodiesel, and biogasoline), hydrogen fuel, solar power, and propane.
Alternative fuels can help improve efficiency, cut costs, and reduce emissions compared to conventional fuels. For example, electric vehicles release half as much greenhouse gas emissions as gas-powered cars on average.
One challenge is the lack of infrastructure for alternative fuels, such as the limited number of hydrogen fueling stations or the absence of a nationwide network of fueling stations for liquid nitrogen cars. Additionally, there is a lack of knowledge and awareness about alternative fuel vehicles among consumers, which has impacted their demand and usage.
