Alternative Fuel Essay 5
Alternative Fuel 1
Alternative Fuel Sources
Priscilla Townsend
Unit 4 Environmental Science
Everest University
Sherry Ogg
September 4, 2010
Alternative Fuel 2
For many years automobile companies have been coming up with new ideas for gasoline alternatives to fuel vehicles. These alternatives have the tendency to be better on the environment and somewhat energy efficient. Of three of the many alternatives to using gasoline to power vehicles are ethanol, electric vehicles and solar powered vehicles.
Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with an agreeable odor. In North America most ethanol is produced from grain. Some operations integrate existing processes and ethanol production by making us of “waste” such as potatoes, waste cheese whey, brewery waste, sugar cane, bagasse, and rice hulls. Ethanol is currently produced primarily through the fermentation of sugar ( Eco Network, 2010).
Ethanol is a renewable energy source. Assuming a net energy gain, ethanol blended fuels can help limit climate change and reduce greenhouse gases. Unlike fossil fuels, ethanol does not increase atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and it also displaces gasoline consumption. When used as a fuel additive, ethanol has the potential to displace 10% of gasoline consumption and 15% diesel consumption. This gasoline alternative also reduces our reliance on imported oil, which in turn improves the security of our energy supply, as well as some of the harmful effects of petroleum exploration, processing and transportation (Eco Network, 2010).
Electric Vehicles or EVs generally cost less in total to own, operate and maintain than combustion-powered vehicles, even in cases where the initial purchase price is somewhat higher. Electric motors have very few moving parts and don’t need fluids such as engine oil, anti-freeze or transmission fluid, so they require relatively little maintenance and are far less likely to leak. EVs emit no pollutants from the tailpipe, so they’re
Alternative Fuel Sources
Priscilla Townsend
Unit 4 Environmental Science
Everest University
Sherry Ogg
September 4, 2010
Alternative Fuel 2
For many years automobile companies have been coming up with new ideas for gasoline alternatives to fuel vehicles. These alternatives have the tendency to be better on the environment and somewhat energy efficient. Of three of the many alternatives to using gasoline to power vehicles are ethanol, electric vehicles and solar powered vehicles.
Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with an agreeable odor. In North America most ethanol is produced from grain. Some operations integrate existing processes and ethanol production by making us of “waste” such as potatoes, waste cheese whey, brewery waste, sugar cane, bagasse, and rice hulls. Ethanol is currently produced primarily through the fermentation of sugar ( Eco Network, 2010).
Ethanol is a renewable energy source. Assuming a net energy gain, ethanol blended fuels can help limit climate change and reduce greenhouse gases. Unlike fossil fuels, ethanol does not increase atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and it also displaces gasoline consumption. When used as a fuel additive, ethanol has the potential to displace 10% of gasoline consumption and 15% diesel consumption. This gasoline alternative also reduces our reliance on imported oil, which in turn improves the security of our energy supply, as well as some of the harmful effects of petroleum exploration, processing and transportation (Eco Network, 2010).
Electric Vehicles or EVs generally cost less in total to own, operate and maintain than combustion-powered vehicles, even in cases where the initial purchase price is somewhat higher. Electric motors have very few moving parts and don’t need fluids such as engine oil, anti-freeze or transmission fluid, so they require relatively little maintenance and are far less likely to leak. EVs emit no pollutants from the tailpipe, so they’re