Performance Car Reviews, News and Parts for the Car Enthusiast

Car shoppers already know that we must reduce our reliance on petroleum for a variety of reasons. There are a lot of 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.

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: Hydrogen fuel cells are expensive and often wear out quickly. 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.

Ethanol

Pros: Hybrids use gas, which is beneficial since there are gas pumps everywhere that drivers want to go. They drive like regular cars, so drivers aren’t being asked to make a major change. These vehicles 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.

Hybrids

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

Cons: Hybrids cost more than regular automobiles, requiring a large investment up front. Many drivers have been dissatisfied because their hybrids don’t get the gas mileage they hope for.

Plug-in hybrids

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.

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 people most of the time. A gasoline engine can extend range for longer trips.

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

Natural Gas

Pros: Cost per mile is much lower than for a gasoline car. Electric cars produce no emissions. Batteries can be recharged at home.

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.

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: Hydrogen fuel cells are pricey and often wear out quickly. 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.

Most of these alternative vehicles involve additional upfront costs, 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 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. EX35 Infinity Car Dealerships in Palm Springs CA