Alternative Fuel – Single Most Important Key to Achieve Energy Independence

Posted by Bob at Jul 18th, 2008 in Fuel and Maintenance

Alternative Fuel is highly prescribed in most states since it is less harmful to the environment compared to the regular fuels such as gasoline and petroleum. Like everything else, Alternative Fuel has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding both may prove to be an advantage for you, your vehicle, and the environment.

Alternative Fuel includes methanol, natural gas, propane gas, blended fuels (gasoline or diesel), ethanol, hydrogen, and electricity (when used as the only source of direct propulsion energy). It is dubbed as the single most important key to energy independence.

There has been an increase in the demand for vehicles that utilizes fuel instead of gasoline. This has caused auto manufacturers to produce more Alternative Fuel Vehicles. In the United States, E85 fuel is highly recommended by the United States’ Department of Energy. This is because E85 fuel burns cleaner than gasoline, it is renewable, and it is known for its superior quality performance.

E85, is 85 percent ethanol. Contrary to popular belief of ethanol being rare, it is actually widespread. In fact, ethanol-blended fuel has been available to about 80% of America’s gas stations for some time now. An Alternative Fuel usually confused to Ethanol, biodiesel is produced from products such as chicken fat and soybean oil and is different from Ethanol.

Compared to Petroleum and Gasoline, E85 Alternative Fuel contains more oxygen. This means it keeps intake valves and fuel injectors cleaner. Ethanol-enhanced gas also lessens pre-ignition problems such as pinging and knocking. And since E85 fuel has higher tolerance to water contamination compared to gasoline and petroleum, it is more effective to use in cold weather as it absorbs moisture and prevents the gas from freezing. E85 also reduces green house gas emissions to as much as 37.1% and other air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

Alternative Fuel is qualified as a unique fuel. This means it only functions with Alternative Fuel Vehicles. So despite its advantages, it is only limited to Alternative Fuel vehicles. Another disadvantage is its lower energy content compared to gasoline and petroleum. Lower energy content means fewer miles per gallon. Another disadvantage is unavailability of E85 gas establishments. This has made E85 accessible only to a limited number of motorists.

Generally, E85 Natural Alternative Fuel is used in vehicles with high concentration of ethanol solution. At present, Alternative Fuels and Alternative Fuel Vehicles only make a small contribution to energy economy in the transportation sector. However, there are advances that are being developed each year. Continuous research on this field has become more and more a necessity as the prices of petroleum and gasoline continue to increase together with the rapidly growing concern for the environment.

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