Diesel and bio-diesel both provide some advantages in comparison to using regular gasoline, but which of these two options is the better choice? Read on for a detailed comparison of the benefits offered by these fuel types…

ENVIRONMENTAL: For the most part, bio-diesel is considered to be environmentally preferable to conventional fuel; according to the Environmental Protection Agency website, biodiesel produces fewer emissions of most types, decreases waste, and is easier to clean up when spilled (because it is biodegradable and non-toxic). However, the EPA indicates that it is still unclear as to whether biodiesel produces more or less nitrogen oxides.

FUEL COST: Regular diesel is generally preferable to bio-diesel with regard to cost. According to fueleconomy.gov, biodiesel presently costs more and provides slightly lower fuel efficiency. It is possible that this will change in the future. An entry on biodiesel at Wikipedia.org lists a few reasons supporting this possibility, and points out that biodiesel is sold less expensively than conventional fuel in Germany.

VEHICLES: Conventional fuel can be used in more vehicles than bio-diesel, but it is possible to use biodiesel in more automobiles than most other alternative fuels. According to fueleconomy.gov, it can be used in most newer diesel engines, although some warranties are voided by using pure biodiesel or blends with greater than five percent. EPA.gov indicates that vehicles older than fifteen years are more likely to need conversion work before they can run on it; according to wikipedia.org, older Mercedes cars are often converted so they can run on biodiesel.

Overall, bio-diesel is better for the environment and may eventually become cheaper, but regular diesel is less expensive and can be used in more vehicles. Both offer greater fuel efficiency in comparison to gasoline powered vehicles.

A number of grants have been issued by U.S. federal and state government agencies to encourage the use of biodiesel fuel. Such grants have been received by educational programs for promoting the implementation of biodiesel and projects for distributing or producing this type of fuel.

Government agencies which have issued biodiesel grants include the U.S. Department of Energy, the Dept. of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Michigan Dept. of Labor & Economic Growth, and the Ohio Dept. of Development. According to epa.gov, the EPA issued a $75,000 grant to organizations in California so that a project to convert waste vegetable oil from restaurants into biodiesel could be carried out. Another report, on energy.gov, indicates that the governor of Kentucky’s Office of Energy Policy awarded a $25,000 grant in April 2007 to two suppliers, both conducting projects to store and distribute this type of fuel.

There are many other examples of such grants being issued by the government. As reported by michigan.gov, the state government provided a grant of $24,500 to the Capital Area Producers Cooperative in 2004, to be used toward the purchase of two tanker trucks intended for the transport of biodiesel to farms in the area. A news story on deltafarmpress.com states that the USDA released grants totaling $960,000 to organizations involved in educating businesses and government agencies which possess fleets of vehicles, as well as the public in general.

The provision of such grants is sure to assist organizations, businesses, and local government facilities in the expansion of biodiesel usage, thus helping to improve environmental conditions, increase fuel efficiency, and eliminate waste.  Check out www.gaswatch.info for more information on alternative fuels, and to monitor fuel prices in your area.

Dedicated natural gas automobiles are a type of vehicle which only runs on natural gas. According to energy.gov, automobiles of this type generally have preferable performance and produce fewer emissions than vehicles designed to use another type of fuel in addition to natural gas. It also indicates that these vehicles generate less emissions than gasoline or diesel automobiles, they tend to require less maintenance, and most natural gas consumed in the United States is produced in North America.

Dedicated natural gas vehicles are more common than many people would expect. It is possible to purchase them both new and used in a variety of types, including cars, trucks, and large vehicles of various kinds. The Department of Energy indicates that more than 150,000 natural gas powered automobiles are in use in the United States, including one-fifth of newly manufactured transit buses. According to fueleconomy.gov, the following passenger vehicles have been manufactured in dedicated N.G.-powered versions: 1998/2000-05/2007 Honda Civic, 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, 2005 GMC Sierra, 2000-04 Ford F150, 2000-2001 Toyota Camry, and 1997/1999-04 Ford Crown Victoria. It is also possible to convert other automobiles to run on this type of fuel.

Although dedicated natural gas vehicles are somewhat more difficult to locate and purchase than gasoline or diesel models, a fairly good variety of cars and trucks of this type have been manufactured in the past ten years. Using this type of vehicle may provide savings on maintenance or fuel costs, helps protect the environment, and enhances national self-reliance.

Buying an efficient diesel car can be a great way to conserve fuel and save money. Unlike hybrid vehicles, they can be purchased both new or old, thus making them more affordable. They are also available in a variety of types, including hatchbacks, wagons, and sedans. However, not all of these cars are fuel efficient, so it is important to choose an appropriate model for this purpose.

Some examples of new diesel cars (2006/2007) include the Mercedes E320 Bluetec (23-32MPG) sedan, and the diesel versions of Volkswagen’s Beetle (31-40MPG), Golf (31-40), and Jetta (30-38) models. As in the past, most diesel cars are manufactured by these two brand names, with few exceptions. Although they do not fit into the category of cars, it is worth mentioning that Jeep has introduced some models which use this type of fuel, mostly in the 17-24MPG range.

Older cars of this type with high efficiency include such models as the 2002 VW Beetle (35-44MPG), the 2000 VW Golf (35-44), the 1998 VW Passat Wagon (32-45), the 1996 Mercedes E300 (24-32), the 1992 Volkswagen Jetta sedan (31-36), the 1989 Mercedes 190D (24-30), and the 1986 Volvo 740/760 (22-27MPG).

The above-mentioned vehicles generally have much better gas mileage than their regular or premium gasoline counterparts. In recent months, diesel fuel prices have often been lower or equal to regular gasoline, thus providing additional savings. Even if prices become slightly higher as they have sometimes been in the past, buying a fuel efficient diesel car will continue to provide substantial savings.

Efficiency data provided by FuelEconomy.gov and based upon the most fuel efficient version of each particular model.

The use of alternative fuels, such as natural gas, biodiesel, and propane, to power automobiles and other equipment can help the environment by reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency. Domestically-produced alternative fuels also do not generate pollution involved in transporting fuel from other countries.

Biodiesel, which can be produced using some types of restaurant waste and other materials, is one of the more well-known alternative fuels for powering automobiles. According to fueleconomy.gov, it is non-toxic, biodegradable, and affects the environment less than regular diesel when burned. It does have slightly lower fuel efficiency than normal diesel, but most diesel passenger vehicles are more fuel efficient than equivalent gasoline models.

Propane is another option among the alternative fuels which can be used in vehicles. The Department of Energy (energy.gov) website indicates that approximately two-hundred thousand vehicles in the U.S. run on propane, it has less impact on the environment than gasoline, and most of it is produced in the United States. However, fueleconomy.gov doesn’t list any propane vehicles made after the year 2004, when two Ford F-150 propane truck models were available.

Another option is natural gas; fueleconomy.gov indicates that vehicles are available which run on natural gas exclusively, while others can run on either natural gas or another fuel. It states that only one new natural gas vehicle is currently available in the United States (the Honda GX CNG), but natural gas generates less pollution than gasoline and most of it is produced domestically, which will also help reduce harm to the environment.

Overall, all three above-mentioned alternative fuels help protect the environment, although their cost and other characteristics vary. Vehicles capable of running on biodiesel are the most commonly available of the three types.  Check out www.Gaswatch.info for more information and to monitor feul prices in your area!

E85: Environmental Benefits As time goes on, it becomes more difficult to dispute the fact that global warming is a legitimate and immediate concern. It is also widely accepted that carbon dioxide emissions, which are largely a result of fossil fuel consumption, are increasing global warming and its frightening effects. Because of this, great efforts are being made to find alternative energy sources that are less harmful to the environment.  

E85, which is fuel made of 85% ethanol and 15% petroleum, shows great potential as an alternative fuel. Not only is E85 domestically produced and completely renewable, but it is also an environmentally friendly source of energy.  

 #1- E85 Lowers Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions are believed to be one of the major culprits behind global warming, and automobiles are a significant contributor to the total emissions released into the environment. According to the American Lung Association, using E85 instead of regular petroleum will lower your vehicle’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to an incredible 30%.

 #2-E85 Reduces Ozone Forming Pollutants Ozone is a gas that occurs naturally in the upper levels of our atmosphere. However, when it forms at lower elevations, it can have serious impacts on human health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, inhaling ozone can aggravate asthma, cause breathing difficulties, and may even cause permanent lung damage over time. Nitrous oxide and volatile organic compounds, both of which are released by gasoline powered cars, contribute to the development of ground level ozone. According to the American Lung Association, using E85 to power your vehicle can reduce these emissions by up to 20%.

#3-E85 is Less Toxic
Some of the many harmful compounds founds in petroleum are benzene and xylene. Benzene is a known carcinogen, while zylene can affect brain function. Because of the harmful nature of petroleum compounds, being exposed to them is of great concern. Exposure could occur when fumes are inhaled when you fill your car with gas. A greater concern, however, is that huge accidental gas spills could release these substances into the environment on a large scale. Because E85 consists of only 15% petroleum, the potential for environmental damage is lessened.

#4-E85 Degrades Quickly in Water

In the United States, gasoline leaking from underground storage tanks is a genuine problem. Because so many Americans depend on groundwater as a drinking source, the risk of consuming water contaminated with gasoline is substantial. Large oil and petroleum spills in oceans and lakes can also harm wildlife and even entire ecosystems. Furthermore, cleaning up large spills is a time-consuming and difficult endeavor. Unlike gasoline, E85 degrades quickly in water. This not only cuts down on costly clean up projects, but also reduces the risk to people and wildlife.

#5-E85 Doesn’t Have to Travel as Far
Most oil used in the United States is imported from other areas of the world. Along with the costs to transport this oil such great distances, the trip also involves using fossil fuels. The freightliners and transport trucks delivering the oil are burning fuel while they travel. Because ethanol is produced domestically, it has a shorter distance to travel before it reaches the pumps, which aids in reducing emissions.  

Sources:

American Lung Associationhttp://www.cleanairchoice.org/outdoor/E85background.asp   Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/airnow/health/smog.pdf  

Solar power offers a variety of advantages in the fields of environmental impact, on-going cost, flexibility, and self-reliance, although there are some disadvantages regarding its initial cost and the effects of weather conditions.

ADVANTAGES: The advantages of solar include the fact that no pollution is created in the process of generating electricity, there is no on-going cost for the power it generates, it can be flexibly applied to a variety of stationary or portable applications, and it offers much more self-reliance than depending upon a power utility for all electricity. Unlike most forms of electrical generation, the panels can be made small enough to fit pocket-size electronic devices, or sufficiently large to charge an automobile battery, power attic fans, or supply electricity to entire buildings.

DISADVANTAGES: One of the major disadvantages of solar power is the initial cost of purchasing stand-alone panels or devices with built-in panels. However, it is possible to reduce the impact of this cost by starting with one panel and expanding over a long period of time, or buying one solar-powered device (fan, radio, battery charger, outdoor light, etc.) at a time as extra funds become available. Another one of the disadvantages is that electricity won’t be generated during some types of weather conditions, like snow or rain, and snow-covered outdoor solar panels will need to be cleared.

Overall, solar generally offers more advantages than disadvantages, and is one of the few realistic options for home and small business owners to generate their own electricity.

One rarely discussed alternative method for powering automobiles is solar energy. Solar powered cars, while not very common, exist in a variety of forms. This includes cars with numerous solar panels directly attached to them, electric powered vehicles which use an external panel to charge their batteries, and electric cars or buses which are charged by a solar power plant.

Cars with directly-attached panels are, according to wikipedia.org, not a realistic form of transportation at present. However, they do exist as experimental vehicles and very small race cars. It seems more likely that vehicles which are partially powered by the sun may become popular at some point in the future; perhaps an automobile with a panel on its roof for charging its electrical systems, but otherwise powered by gasoline or diesel, would be a realistic option.

Electric cars which are indirectly powered by photovoltaic panels offer a more feasible option. Panels mounted on a home can be used to recharge them, and energy of this type is available through regular electrical lines in areas with solar power plants. Electric vehicles available in the United States, which are listed on the fueleconomy.gov website, include the 2000 Nissan Altra, 2000-03 Toyota RAV4 electric version, and 2001 Nissan Hyper-Mini.

According to the website of Naresuan University in Thailand, the university operates forty solar energy powered buses on their campus and recharges them at a small solar power plant at the university, which appears to have a large number of batteries for storing the energy. It is not clear as to whether or not the buses have panels directly mounted on them as well, but this would be advantageous when the large surface area of buses is considered.

The price of E85 fuel, which is also referred to as ethanol, can be higher or lower than the cost of regular gasoline in different parts of the country. In addition to the actual prices, other factors should also be taken into account when comparing the cost of gasoline and ethanol.The US Dept. of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Price Report for March, 2007 indicated that E85 prices were, on average, about twenty cents lower than regular gas prices. The difference varied regionally, from $0.91 less in the midwest to $0.28 more in the central atlantic region. It also listed the price of E85 in November, 2006 as being lower than gas, but by a smaller margin. The cost of ethanol was lower than most other alternative fuels in both months as well.

Two of the most common fuels containing ethanol are E85 and E10, which is often referred to as “gasohol” because of its greater gasoline content. The number after the letter “E” refers to the ethanol percentage in the fuel, with the remainder consisting of gasoline. Both types offer some benefits and drawbacks.

VEHICLES: Gasohol can be used in just about any gasoline powered vehicle, while E85 is limited to flex-fuel vehicles, which can run on E85, gasohol, or gasoline. According to hawaii.gov, “all gasoline powered cars sold in the United States “can use gasohol with up to ten percent ethanol content”. There are a variety of flex-fuel vehicles available from a number of different brands, especially in recent years.

EFFICIENCY: Fuel efficiency (miles per gallon) is reduced as the percentage of ethanol increases; according to cleanairtrust.org, gas mileage decreases slightly when E10 gasohol is used, and more substantially for E85 ethanol. However, it also states that researchers are working on methods of improving the efficiency of ethanol, and E85 is cheaper due to its higher ethanol content.

AVAILABILITY: It is difficult to determine just how many gasohol stations there are, but they appear to be more common than E85 stations. According to the Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau (2005), the states of Montana, Minnesota, and Hawaii have required or plan to soon require that all gasoline be replaced with 10% gasohol. The East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition website indicates E10 stations are the most common alternative station type in eastern Tennessee. GasWatch.info can be used to monitor the price of E85 in your area, along with regular gas and other fuels.

Overall, gasohol is available at more stations and can be used in a greater number of vehicles, but E85 produces fewer emissions and costs less.