Car companies seem to be in a race to create the best energy efficient, low emissions automobile.

Most of the major car companies in the world have become much more competitive in making “green” cars.

“Gas prices have created a lot of complaints from customers, but they keep buying gas because they need to drive,” said Clint Cristiansen from Crest Gas.

The cost of fuel over the past 10 years has had almost a 300% increase in retail costs. With the depletion of the ozone and global awareness on the rise, more means of alternative power are tested daily. There are several more reasonable solutions under testing such as E-85 Ethanol, Bio-Diesel, Electricity, and the possibility of Hydrogen powered cars.

The Saab 9-4X Bio-Power Concept has

a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo Engine

created for E-85 fuel to give 300 hp.

Each of these sources of fuel has benefits and disadvantages. E-85 is described as an alcohol fuel mixture that typically contains a up to 85% denatured fuel, ethanol and gasoline. E-85 Ethanol produces far cleaner emissions than standard gasoline, but the amount of fuel the world consumes is greater than the current capability to reproduce this fuel and keep up with current demands. E-85 is basically a fuel produced from corn oil. This form of fuel is available in the United States and is very common in Sweden.

Bio-diesel is an incredibly efficient form of fuel. Biodiesel is a fuel similar to petroleum derived diesel fuel, but manufactured from vegetable or animal fats. This is a low emission fuel that is very economical because the efficiency that can be achieved in a vehicle. There are a few problems with this fuel that is under testing. The fuel can wear out rubber gasgets and hoses in older engines of vehicles in automobiles made 1992 and earlier. Newer diesel vehicles use a non corrosive rubber substitute.

Electricity has a no emission output used by itself. The benefit of electricity as a power source is that it is instant. It does not need to build up power like other engine fuels such as gasoline and diesel. As soon as you require it, it is there. This makes fast accelleration possible. The problems with electricity starts with distance capabilities, time recharging, and the heavy weight of batteries. The technology has been increasing, but is not where it needs to be.

Hydrogen is another potential form of alternative fuel. This is a benificial source because it is not carbon based so its emissions are very clean. Hydrogen has been deemed by some critics as the most expensive and least efficient means when compared with other tested alternatives.

Toyota Prius has sold more

than three times any other

hybrid in the U.S.

“The Prius has been the highest selling hybrid in the U.S. from when they were introduced through 2007.” said sales representative Mike Terry of Brent Brown Toyota.

Many manufacturers are conquering the issues of these alternate fuel sources and combining the options as they do in Hybrid cars. Companies have combined resources such as an electric powered car that has a small efficient gas generator that can constantly recharge the battery source while using minimal fuel.

Find more information at:
http://www.hybridcars.com/
http://www.autobloggreen.com/

(495 words)