There is a growing trend toward pushing people to use new alternative fuels to power their vehicles. Alternative fuel burns cleaner, is better for the environment, and, in many cases, can be cheaper than gasoline. But not just any car will run on alternative fuels. The engine must be constructed in a different way to adapt to the new substance that it will be running on.
Almost all big car companies have jumped on to the alternative fuel bandwagon by manufacturing a variety of vehicles designed especially to run on alternative fuel. They are called alternative fuel vehicles or AFVs for short.
Some vehicles are strictly designed and built to run on nothing but alternative fuel while others can run on either gasoline or alternative fuel making them a hybrid car.
Here is a list of some of the alternative fuel or “green” vehicles manufactured by some of the major car companies:
- Honda Insight
- Honda Accord Hybrid
- Dodge Ram Pickup 1500 Series
- Dodge Stratus Sedan
- Dodge Durango SUV
- Dodge Caravan Minivan
- Ford Taurus
- Ford F-150 Pickup
- Ford Escape SUV
- GM Impala
- Chevrolet Silverado 4 x 2
- Chevrolet Tahoe SUV
- Chevy Yukon SUV
- Nissan Titan Pickup
- Toyota Highlander SUV
- Toyota Prius
And these are truly just a few of the alternative fuel vehicles that are on the market. There are more being designed and manufactured every day. Big car companies know that the wave of the future is going to be towards environmental friendliness when it comes to a person’s vehicle. That’s why manufacturing of many alternative fuel or hybrid vehicles is a huge part of their business plans these days.
Even though it is a good idea to buy an alternative fuel car these days, you will have to pay more to do so. Alternative fuel vehicles run anywhere from $3,500 to $12,000 more than a regular gasoline car. That is why many states offer great incentives for people who own alternative fuel vehicles.
For example, California, Texas, and Florida have allowed alternative fuel cars exemptions when it comes to commuting. These places have commuting or “high occupancy” lanes. They allow cars with a certain number of people in them to use them. If you have an alternative fuel car, you can be in this lane even if you are by yourself.
The Federal Government offers a tax break to people who have purchased an alternative fuel cars in 2006. For some people, that is an amazing tax advantage and well worth the investment in buying an alternative fuel car.
When it comes to one of the newest developments in the vehicle industry – electric cars, the facts are easy to come by. This new alternative to regular fuel powered cars has many people very excited about being able to have reliable transportation without damaging the environment.
So what are the facts about electric cars?
First, there are many types of electric cars you can choose from, but all of them use an electric motor that runs on batteries that you recharge. The more batteries you have, the longer you can drive your car. Electric cars come in all different sizes and performances. They are aerodynamically more efficient than gasoline powered cars because electricity stored chemically is lighter than electricity stored electrically.
Another very advantageous fact about electric cars is that they emit virtually no greenhouse gases into the air and thus run much, much cleaner than many other vehicles. Greenhouse gases contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer that has led to global warming. Electric cars that run on batteries alone produce no pollution at all and thus are very environmentally friendly.
How far can you drive on an electric car’s charge? The amazing fact is that electric cars can usually travel for about a hundred miles before needing a charge. The batteries generally need charged overnight and there is a gauge that can tell you how much power you have left. They are perfectly fine for city driving and those who don’t have to go long distances on a regular basis.
This next fact about electric cars may amaze you – I know it did me! Some people believe that an electric car can’t go very fast. But the fact is that electric cars have been clocked at over one hundred miles per hour and can go from zero to that in less than nine seconds! This is because electric motors have a very high torque which allows them to accelerate quickly and travel faster.
There are many more facts to be found out about electric cars such as their price, their range, their availability, and their benefits. Finding out these facts is easy. If you are thinking about buying an electric car, do your research and find one that fits your lifestyle. Most car companies produce at least a hybrid type of electric car that runs on both gasoline and electricity, but you can also find total electric cars if you know where to look. Just get the facts and then get on the electric car bandwagon. You may just find out you like it there!
