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Pros and Cons of Types of Substitute Car Power Sources
Drivers already know that we have to reduce our reliance on petroleum products for a variety of reasons. There are many alternatives to the traditional gasoline engine, but so far none of them has proven itself the clear leader. Here are the pros and cons of some of the top contenders.
Ethanol
Pros: Ethanol can be made domestically from corn, in the future might be produced from other food or waste products. E10, which is a 10% blend, can be burned in any new car. Many cars currently on the road can burn E85.
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.
Diesel/biodiesel
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.
Electric Vehicles
Pros: Cost per mile driven is much lower than for a traditional car. Electric cars produce no emissions. Batteries can be recharged at home.
Cons: Cost of cars is high dues to expensive batteries. It takes a long time to recharge and range is limited. Although electricity can be produced using renewable resources, many power companies currently use coal to produce it.
Plug-in hybrids
Pros: Plug-in hybrids can be charged at home. When they’re running on electric power, they have no emissions and have lower per mile operating costs. 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 the range for extended trips.
Cons: The cost is higher than that of conventional vehicles due expensive batteries. Charging car batteries could put an additional burden on existing electric grid, especially if done during daytime hours. The fuel economy depends to a great extent on driving habits, and drivers often don’t get the mileage they expect.
Hybrids
Pros: Hybrids use gas, which is a plus since we have gas stations everywhere that drivers want to go. They drive like the cars we're used to, so people don't have to make a major change. These vehicles have the potential to get great fuel economy.
Cons: Hybrids cost more than standard cars, requiring a large investment up front. Many people have been disappointed because their hybrids don’t get the gas mileage they expect.
Hydrogen fuel cells
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 require replacement. 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.
Natural Gas
Pros: Natural gas burns much cleaner than gasoline, costs much less, and provides comparable power.
Cons: Large amounts of natural gas are required, so cars must have huge gas tanks, which reduce space available for other uses. Refueling takes a long time due to the amount of fuel required. Natural gas cars have a limited range. There are very few refueling stations available.
Most of these alternative vehicles involve higher costs upfront, 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 engines 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. Nissan Dealers Inland Empire Acura Dealer Duluth GA
Search Called Off After Multi-County Chase
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USA, IOWA, Madison Photo Mugs USA, IOWA, Madison County, Winterset Howells Farm, Pumpkin Wagon / Autumn.... |
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Roseman Covered Bridge (Madison County Iowa) Magnet $4.99 ( metal magnet measure 3" X 2" )... |
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Dick's Picks, Vol. 18: Dane County Coliseum, Madison, WI, 2/3/78 & Uni Dome, Univeristy of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, 2/5/78 $22.98 Volume 18 is the only one of the first 24 Dick's Picks to feature music from 1978, culling from two (maybe three) February dates in the Midwest. Following an artistic peak that lasted most of the 1970s, the band sounded more ragged and raucous in 1978 than they had during the previous few years, trading in some of their more textured, willowy tendencies for greater aggression and abandon. The cent... |
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Country: An Original Soundtrack Album $16.98 1984 Windham Hill / Buena Vista Records - Composed And Conducted By Charles Gross - Songs Include : Home - George Winston On Piano / Aftermath / Sunday - George Winston On Piano / Country Night - George Winston On Piano / Chants - Mark Isham On Piano / Winter Mantra - George Winston On Piano / Parting Friends - George Winston On Piano / Iowa Chill - George Winston On Piano / Harvest Field / A Hymn... |
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Dick's Picks Volume 18: Dane County Coliseum, Madison, WI, 2/3/78 & UNI-Dome, University of N. Iowa, Cedar Falls, IA, 2/5/78 $15.99 ... |
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Dubuque County Courthouse Dubuque Iowa Usa - 24W x 14H - Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won't damage your paint or l... |
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GIANT Wall Sticker of: Panoramic map of historic Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa 1870 Merchants Lithographing Co. $84.00 GIANT Wall Sticker of an historic map from the Panoramic Maps Collection of the Library of Congress. Emerald Honeybee offers only the BEST in quality. Our Wall Stickers are printed by a Professional Graphics Company using a MIMAKI Eco-Solvent Printer and archival inks. (Which means your poster is UV protected and will not fade over time). Shipped rolled in a tube. Description of this Poster is as ... |
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Amish Country Lady Finger Popcorn - 6lb $11.99 This old open pollinated variety is also sometimes called Tom Thumb. If you like small, hulless, tender popcorn, you definitely will want to try this one!... |
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Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of Usa, Iowa, Madison from Danita Delimont $24.99 Photo Puzzle, USA, IOWA, Madison. USA, IOWA, Madison County, Winterset Howells Farm, Pumpkin Wagon / Autumn. Chosen by Danita Delimont. 10x14 Photo Puzzle with 252 pieces. Packed in black cardboard box of dimensions 5 5/8 x 7 5/8 x 1 1/5. Puzzle image 5x7 affixed to box top. Puzzle pieces printed on RA4 paper at 300 dpi. This item is shipped from our American lab.... |
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Photo Jigsaw Puzzle of County Poor House, Burlington, Iowa, USA from Mary Evans $29.99 Photo Puzzle, County Poor House, Burlington, Iowa, USA. The county poor house at Burlington, Iowa, USA. The poor house was a welfare establishment providing accommodation for the destitute, particularly the elderly and chronic sick. It was distinct from the US workhouse where petty offenders such as drunks served a brief spell of hard labour. Chosen by Mary Evans. 10x14 Photo Puzzle with 252 piece... |
