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Vehicle emissions are a major source of U.S. air pollution today. Recent advances in fuels and vehicle designs are making it easier for consumers to buy energy-smart cars—like alternative fuel vehicles and hybrid cars—that reduce our impact on the environment.
Alternative Fuels
There are many alternative fuels available, including biodiesel, electricity, ethanol, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane, which burn cleaner and can reduce harmful emissions. Researchers are working to make these fuels widely available and compatible with vehicle technologies. Some of these new fuels can be generated from renewable resources (ethanol from corn, for example), so we'll always have a continuous supply.
Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs)
Alternative fuel vehicles are those that can operate on at least one alternative fuel. There are three types of AFVs—dedicated, flex fuel, and bifuel. Dedicated AFVs are designed to operate on a single fuel, while flex-fuel AFVs have a single tank that can accept a mixture of fuels (such as a mixture of gasoline and ethanol). Bifuel, or dual-fuel, AFVs have two tanks—one for gasoline and one for an alternative fuel. The vehicle simply switches between the tanks.
Advanced Technology Vehicles (ATVs)
In addition to clean-burning fuel and AFVs, researchers are developing new vehicle designs, components, and materials that significantly improve fuel economy. Some of these new technologies include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which combine an engine with an electric motor, and fuel cells, which are electrochemical devices that use hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity to power the vehicles.
The sites below, and the organizations that maintain them, can provide you with more information on energy-smart vehicles:
- Vehicle Buyer's Guide
Information on incentives, vehicle prices, refueling station locations, and more for consumers and fleet managers.
From the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization & Intergovernmental Program.
- Consumer Energy Fact Sheets
Fact sheets on energy efficiency and renewable energy for your home or business. The following fact sheets may be of particular interest:
From the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
- Fuel Economy Guide
Interactive tool that helps you compare the gas mileage, emissions, pollution ratings, and safety information for cars and trucks. Includes information on improving gas mileage, new energy-efficient technologies, tax incentives, and fuel cells.
Sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Alternative Fuels Data Center
Information on alternative fuels, AFVs, and ATVs. Includes a database and maps of alternative fuel stations across the United States.
From the U.S. Department of Energy's Weatherization & Intergovernmental Program.
- Alternative Fuels
Information on alternative fuels, including fact sheets and links to other useful sites.
From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- EERE's Transportation Portal
Provides links to numerous transportation-related organizations and resources, arranged by topic and by type of product or organization.
From the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
- U.S. Department of Energy FreedomCAR & Vehicle Technologies Program
Information on FreedomCAR, an initiative to develop commercially viable hydrogen-powered fuel cells to power cars, trucks, homes, and businesses, and the latest research on energy-smart vehicles.
The FreedomCAR & Vehicle Technologies Program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
- Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE)
This online database provides state-by-state information on incentives, programs, and policies that promote renewable energy.
DSIRE is run by the North Carolina Solar Center for the non-profit Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
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