Alternate Fuels

4 Pages 900 Words

Many large automobile industries are now experimenting with ways to make modern day vehicles more fuel-efficient and more environmentally safe. Alternative fuel sources used to power vehicles are currently one of the main ideas being focused on. There’s a need to decrease pollution associated with burning fossil fuels while increasing fuel efficiency. It’s within the interests of the consumer to use vehicles with alternative fuels because of the relative low cost in comparison with the high gasoline prices and for the well being of the planet. There have already been several developments that have increased fuel efficiency and reduced pollution.
Import cars were among the first to become fuel conscious. The Volkswagen beetle had started importing into the United States in the 50’s. It’s small size made this car popular with American consumers because it didn’t consume as much fuel and was more cost efficient to run. American companies soon followed suit after the rising gasoline prices in the 70’s. They too began manufacturing smaller vehicles that would increase gas efficiency.
Around this time additional measures were taken to reduce pollution by incorporating catalytic converters into the exhaust system. The purpose of this device is to turn harmful exhaust pollutants such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons into less harmful byproducts like carbon dioxide and water. A catalytic converter uses small beads coated in a metal that cause chemical reactions with exhaust gases and creates less harmful substances.
Eventually, fossil fuels will be sucked dry and cars will be forced to use an alternate fuel source. With that, gas prices, and pollution in mind; there have been several advances in the use of alternative fuels. Some of the ideas being tested include natural gas, electric, ethanol, gas/electric, and even hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Natural gas is widely available and it burns much cleaner than gaso...