These days, people rely on their vehicles for commuting to work and other important events. Unfortunately, internal combustion engines (ICE) create heavy pollution and carbon emissions that harm the environment.
Failing to move away from traditional vehicle manufacturing will have lasting consequences for Earth and those who live here. These are the most popular types of alternative fuel vehicles so you can reduce emissions and keep the planet healthy.
Hybrid
One of the most popular alternatives to ICE-based vehicles is hybrid gas-electric engines. Hybrid vehicles have a gas-powered engine and an electric motor to improve fuel economy. By switching over to the battery, drivers can avoid the excess emissions that accompany burning gasoline and extend the vehicle’s range.
Because they can conserve more energy, hybrid engines produce fewer emissions. They don’t entirely rely on fossil fuels, making them a flexible option for consumers. Most people view hybrids as a transitional technology between traditional ICE vehicles and those that run on alternative fuels.
Electric
Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around for a long time but have only recently become a reliable alternative to those that run on gasoline. EVs utilize a battery cell to run an electric motor. They can be externally charged and don’t require any fossil fuels to operate.
Electric vehicles are becoming incredibly popular. Although they currently cost more, they can save you money on fuel, have lower maintenance requirements, and provide better performance than their gas-powered counterparts. If you’re interested in the history of car manufacturing, you can find many different EV models for your diecast car collection.
Fuel cell
Another standard alternative fuel vehicle is the fuel cell. These engines use chemical reactions to create propulsion and are incredibly clean compared to other approaches. Hydrogen is the most common chemical used, with the only byproduct being water.
Fuel cells are also incredibly efficient, converting more than half of the available fuel into electrical energy. Unfortunately, the extraction process for hydrogen is currently expensive. The need for raw materials and infrastructure makes it less sustainable in the long run. There are also regulatory hurdles that industries must overcome before consumers can rely on fuel cells.
Looking toward the future
The thing that all these fuels have in common is that they offer a viable alternative to fossil fuels. While there’s still work to do, the industries have come a long way.
The most popular types of alternative fuel vehicles will pave the way for a more livable and less polluted future. Advancing this technology will require public interest and investment to ensure they become a viable replacement.
