Environmental Benefits of Alternatively Fueled Cars

Environmental Benefits of Alternatively Fueled Cars

Between one-third and one-half of emissions in the United States comes from automobiles. Americans rely upon gasoline powered cars for their daily transportation needs, but this need is causing many problems. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and hydrocarbons are three types of pollution with a severe effect on the environment. All three of these come from auto emissions. Another problem is that our oil reserves are running out. Many estimates have been made about our oil supply. Most of these estimates state that we have between 20 and 50 years worth of oil at our current rate of consumption. America needs an alternative form of transportation.

One such alternative is the electric car. Zero emissions and minimal hazardous waste are two great qualities of electric cars. Another wonderful benefit is that electricity can be produced from infinite sources such as wind, solar cells, and hydro-electric dams. According to the Environmental Power Research Institute electric cars are 97 % cleaner that internal combustion powered automobiles. Another benefit is that the electric motors used to power the cars are expected to last over one million miles. While these cars can only travel approximately 100 miles on a charge, they would be excellent for the driver who does not travel long distances on a regular basis.

Hydrogen powered cars are also very environmentally friendly. They are much more efficient than gas powered cars. They emit 70 percent less carbon monoxide, 87 percent less nitrogen oxides, and 20 percent less carbon dioxide. They do not have the range problem of full electric cars, but they have a problem that should soon be addressed. There are not very many fueling stations. This problem has been addressed by many politicians and they have promised to solve it. Once this issue is solved hydrogen might be the fuel of the future.

Currently hybrid, gas-electric cars are the rage. It is for good reason because hybrids never have to be plugged in and they can be filled up at any gas station. They still pollute, and use fossil fuels, but they are much more efficient than normal gasoline cars. They average between 65 and 108 miles per gallon and provide 20 percent more power than an equally sized gasoline engine. The vehicle's Integrated Motor Assist system incorporates an idle-stop feature that shuts off the engine