Alternative Auto Technologies

Real World Hypermiling | Hybrid Autos | Alternative Fuel Cars

The traditional vehicle with an internal combustion engine powered by gas or diesel is quickly be replaced by alternative technology and fuel vehicles. These are included below, along with information about each.

Hybrid Electric - These vehicles utilize regenerative braking to generate electric energy to power an electric motor and are becoming very common. They are becoming more affordable as well. A discussion of these hybrid cars is given here.
Fuel Cell Vehicles - These are vehicles that are powered by electric motors. The electricity for the motors is produced within a fuel cell through a chemical process where hydrogen gas is combined with the oxygen from the air. The hydrogen can be supplied from onboard high pressure tanks or it can be obtained from methanol, natural gas, or gasoline by use of a device called a reformer. Even though these vehicles would require hydrogen-based fuel of some sort, they are more efficient, emit far less pollutants, and may easily be powered by renewable fuels, according to Fueleconomy.gov. Test vehicles are already on the streets, but public availability on a wide scale might not happen until the year 2020, according to this article by Car and Driver.
Electric Vehicles - Surprisingly, electric cars have been around for over 100 years, as documented here! Of course, they had many drawbacks, such as limited travel distance, large size of a battery, extremely high cost of the battery, battery durability, ability to recharge while on the road, and extremely high cost overall. General Motors has made some great developments in this technology, however. They have developed the Volt, an electric concept car that has extended range, may be plugged into an ordinary household AC outlet, and a backup fuel regeneration system in case charging is not available. This electric vehicle is scheduled to be available to the public at the end of the year 2010.

Check out our BLOG Posts on Alternative Autos! Most Recent: Read about how the GM Volt Electric car is getting closer and closer to it's 40 Mile Range.