Sylvie Willis
With the world moving towards a more sustainable future, the automobile industry is also witnessing a shift from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric cars. California has taken the lead in this transition by announcing that it will phase out gasoline-powered cars by 2035, with all new cars and passenger trucks sold being zero-emission vehicles. This move is expected to reduce the state's carbon emissions, as the transport sector currently accounts for more than 50% of California's greenhouse gas emissions. Electric vehicles are becoming more accessible, with the upfront cost of these cars projected to reach parity with conventional vehicles soon. Additionally, electric cars are more cost-effective to own and maintain, making them a viable option for many consumers. While some established carmakers are facing challenges due to slower-than-expected growth in EV sales, several new models are being launched, offering fun and innovative options for car enthusiasts.
New Car Fuel Characteristics
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ammonia |
| Type | Zero-carbon fuel |
| Alternative To | Fossil fuels, electricity |
| Emission | 90% less carbon compared to unleaded petrol |
| Energy Efficiency | 61.8% |
| Refueling Time | Very short |
| Mileage | 1,000 miles |
| Cost | Very low |
| Fuel Cell Vehicles | Hydrogen-powered Chevrolet Equinox |
| Internal Combustion Engine | Gasoline-powered vehicles |
| Extended-Range Electric Vehicle | Chevy Volt |
| Biodiesel | Used cooking oil |
| Synthetic Fuels | Electricity generated by wind turbines |
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Hydrogen-powered cars
HFCVs offer a driving experience almost identical to that of battery-electric vehicles, with no transmission and regenerative braking to recapture wasted energy. However, they differ in that hydrogen fuel cells operate optimally at a steady power output, making them suitable for backup power use. The varying power demands of a typical car, from steady speeds on a flat road to rapid acceleration, pose a challenge for automotive engineers. To address this, some manufacturers, such as Toyota, supplement their HFCVs with a high-voltage, low-capacity battery.
The Toyota Mirai, the best-selling hydrogen car in the US, has a fuel cell rated at 90 kW (120 horsepower). While this power is sufficient for highway speeds, it falls short for rapid acceleration onto a fast-moving highway. The Mirai combines hydrogen with oxygen from the outside air to generate power without creating tailpipe emissions. It features hydrogen sensors that detect leaks or collisions, automatically closing the hydrogen tank valves to prevent further hydrogen escape.
Despite the benefits of HFCVs, their adoption lags behind that of EVs. As of mid-2022, only about 17,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles were on US roads, all located in California, the only state with a network of retail hydrogen fuelling stations. In contrast, the US has sold nearly three million EVs. Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota have offered hydrogen-powered cars for sale, but Honda has ended production, and Hyundai has sold a limited number. Toyota remains the company most committed to hydrogen power.
Looking ahead, ammonia has been proposed as another alternative fuel alongside hydrogen fuel cells and battery-electric technology. Shanwen Tao, a professor at the University of Warwick, highlighted the potential for "very low-cost" ammonia in vehicles, with some ammonia engines already under development. Professor Tao predicts that ammonia-powered vehicles could become commonplace within 10 to 15 years, particularly for long-distance travel.
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Electric vehicles
There are several benefits to using electric vehicles. Firstly, they are more environmentally friendly as they do not produce tailpipe emissions, which can help reduce air pollution and improve air quality. Secondly, EVs are often more energy efficient than traditional fuel vehicles, as they can convert over 60% of the battery's energy into propulsion, compared to less than 30% for traditional fuel vehicles. This also makes them cheaper to run and maintain, as they require less energy to operate and have fewer moving parts that need maintenance or repair.
Additionally, electric vehicles tend to have better performance than traditional fuel vehicles, with faster acceleration and higher top speeds. They also produce less noise, resulting in a quieter driving experience. Furthermore, electric vehicles often come with advanced technology features, such as regenerative braking, which uses the electric motor to slow the car down and recharge the battery, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that can improve safety and the driving experience.
When it comes to choosing an electric vehicle, there are several options available in the market. Top Gear has released a list of the best electric cars for 2025, which includes the Dacia Spring, Skoda Elroq, Renault Megane, Porsche Macan, BMW i5, and Audi A6 e-tron. These vehicles offer a range of features, such as comfortable cabins, long-range batteries, and competitive pricing. It's important to consider factors such as acceleration, handling, comfort, cargo space, fuel efficiency, and value when deciding on an electric vehicle that best suits one's needs and preferences.
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$65
$9.99 $19.99
Hybrid cars
Full hybrids can operate in electric-only mode at low speeds, making them ideal for city driving and reducing fuel consumption. However, the small battery in these hybrids is not designed for long distances, and the car will continue to function as a standard petrol or diesel vehicle if the battery is depleted. One of the advantages of full hybrids is that they do not need to be plugged in to charge, as the battery charges itself through regenerative braking or using the engine.
Mild hybrids, on the other hand, are a simpler and more cost-effective option. They cannot run on electric power alone but instead use a small electric motor to assist the engine during acceleration or in stop-start traffic. The electric motor in mild hybrids relies on energy recovered during braking and stored in a small battery, improving fuel efficiency and cutting emissions. While mild hybrids offer modest gains compared to other hybrid systems, they are a good choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option.
The first hybrid car in the UK, the Toyota Prius, was introduced in 2000, and the hybrid market has since expanded significantly. Today, hybrid cars offer a range of benefits, including lower emissions, improved fuel economy, and reduced tax bills compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars. With many manufacturers moving towards increased electrification, it is likely that hybrid and pure-electric cars will become even more prevalent in the years to come.
While hybrid cars have made significant strides, some experts predict that ammonia could be a major new fuel for cars within the next decade. Ammonia is a zero-carbon fuel that has been proposed as a low-cost alternative to battery electric technology and hydrogen fuel cells. Professor Shanwen Tao of the University of Warwick believes that ammonia-powered engines could be a viable option for vehicles, with Chinese manufacturer GAC already unveiling an ammonia prototype vehicle that emits 90% less carbon than unleaded petrol.
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Fuel efficiency
The future of the automotive industry is electric, with the UK government banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2035. This is part of the government's Net Zero strategy to become neutral concerning harmful greenhouse gases by 2050. However, this transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has faced some scepticism and challenges, including the range of EVs and the time required for charging. As a result, there is a demand for alternative fuels that can improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.
Ammonia
Ammonia is a zero-carbon fuel that has been proposed as a potential alternative to battery electric technology. Shanwen Tao, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Sustainable Processes at the University of Warwick, highlights the benefits of ammonia, including low cost and long-distance driving capability. Testing at the University found that an internal combustion engine fuelled by ammonia and hydrogen had an overall energy efficiency of 61.8%. GAC, a Chinese state-owned manufacturer, unveiled an ammonia-powered prototype vehicle that produced 90% less carbon emissions than unleaded petrol. Professor Tao predicts that ammonia will play a significant role in the future of transport, especially for lorries, within 10-15 years.
Synthetic Fuels
Synthetic fuels offer a way to reduce emissions by up to 85% while allowing drivers to continue using their petrol and diesel-fuelled cars. These fuels aim to replicate the combination of carbon and hydrogen found in fossil fuels but derive them from other sources, resulting in a liquid fuel with similar properties. Synthetic fuels can be used in existing petrol stations with little to no adaptation required. Additionally, they can enable a new generation of hybrid electric/synthetic-fuelled vehicles, providing an option for long journeys that may exceed a single battery charge. Synthetic fuels are being considered as a viable alternative, with Porsche and the German government investing in their development.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen is another alternative fuel that can power two types of cars: fuel cell vehicles and vehicles with internal combustion engines engineered to use hydrogen instead of gasoline. Hydrogen fuelling stations are already in operation, addressing the infrastructure concerns associated with electric vehicles.
While the focus is on reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency, it is essential to consider the limitations and trade-offs of each solution. For example, while e-fuels can reduce emissions, they may not be truly "carbon-neutral" due to the emissions generated during production and the impact on other sectors that rely on carbon-free hydrogen.
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Fuel costs
The cost of fuel is a significant factor in the search for new car fuels. With concerns about the environment and emissions, the automotive industry is looking for alternatives to traditional gasoline and diesel fuels. The cost of fuel is not just about the price at the pump but also the environmental cost.
One alternative that has been proposed is ammonia. Ammonia is a zero-carbon fuel that has the potential to be a viable alternative to electric and hydrogen fuel cells. Shanwen Tao, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Sustainable Processes at the University of Warwick, has described ammonia as "very low-cost" alternative to traditional fuels. He also highlighted the issues with hydrogen storage, which is still a problem today. Some ammonia engines are already being developed, and Professor Tao predicts a major breakthrough could come within 10 years. The Chinese state-owned manufacturer, GAC, has unveiled an ammonia-powered prototype vehicle that emits 90% less carbon than unleaded petrol.
Synthetic fuels are another alternative, which aim to replicate the combination of elements in traditional fossil fuels but derive them from other sources. Synthetic fuels are expected to reduce emissions by 85% and allow drivers to keep their existing petrol and diesel-fuelled cars. This avoids the need to invest in new electric vehicles or alternative fuel cars, which can be costly for consumers. Synthetic fuels can be supplied as electricity generated by wind turbines, which is then used to extract hydrogen and oxygen from water and combine it with CO2 filtered from the air. This process requires clean energy, which may be a challenge to source.
Other alternative fuels that are already in use include biodiesel, which can be made from used cooking oil, and hydrogen fuel, which can power two types of cars: fuel cell vehicles and vehicles with an internal combustion engine engineered to use hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel has been described as safe, and while it may bring to mind images of the Hindenburg disaster, it is a viable alternative to gasoline.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several new alternative fuels for cars that are being developed and some are already in use. These include synthetic fuels, ammonia, biodiesel, and hydrogen.
Synthetic fuels are created using clean energy, such as electricity generated by wind turbines, to extract hydrogen and oxygen from water and combine it with CO2 filtered from the air. They are designed to replicate the combination of elements found in fossil fuels but derived from other sources.
Synthetic fuels can be used in existing vehicles that run on petrol or diesel with little to no adaptation needed at fuel stations. They are also expected to reduce emissions by up to 85%.
Ammonia is a zero-carbon fuel that has been suggested as a viable alternative to power cars, lorries, vessels, and ships. It is predicted to be of particular importance in around 15 years, especially for long-distance vehicles like lorries.
Biodiesel, made from cooking oil and grease, is another alternative fuel. Hydrogen is also being used to fuel cars, with hydrogen-powered vehicles offering two different types: fuel cell vehicles and vehicles with internal combustion engines engineered to use hydrogen instead of gasoline.
