FXSTD – Alternative Energy Center

By: Bryce Stone
The term green vehicle is used to refer to vehicles that are said to be ‘environmentally’ friendly and provide sustainable transport. These vehicles are also designed to lower the costs of energy through measures such as alternative methods of propulsion, which is the most significant way, by use of an efficient vehicle whose engine consumes less petroleum or preferably one that uses other sources of energy that are renewable. Other proposed sources of energy include use of biofuels in place of petroleum. One can also create a green vehicle by maintaining their vehicle properly. They can do this by regularly changing the oil in their vehicles, engine turn-ups and maintenance of the proper tire pressure. One can also remove any items in the vehicle that are unnecessary in order to reduce its weight and fuel consumption. 

There are several types of green vehicles such as those that make use of partly renewable resources and partly conventional fuels. Other options available include the fuel and electric powered vehicles. Some examples of such vehicles include the hydrogen cars, electric cars and fuel-cell cars. The electric cars are said to be more efficient than the fuel-cell powered cars based on the wheel. This has made the battery-powered cars popular. Unlike the conventional cars, the battery-powered cars have fuel economy. Their batteries however require charging on a regular basis.  Electric cars on the other hand have costs which are related to the electric batteries. These provide a great improvement on the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere when compared with other sources of energy for cars such as diesel or gasoline vehicles. This is however dependent on the source of electricity that is in use. 

Other types of green cars include the hybrid cars that make use of partly fossil fuel and partly hydrogen or electric powered. These cost more than other types of cars but have a better fuel economy over a period of time.  The traditional conventional cars can be improved by use of renewable fuels which are mixed with the petroleum used in them. In some states in America this has been tested where the gasoline has some ethanol added. This has resulted in greener air in those states. For instance, gasoline can take a certain proportion of ethanol. This can be added to the gasoline in order to create greener vehicles.

Liquefied petroleum gas can also be used in greener cars. This gas is also referred to as propane. Vehicles that are propelled on this gas are likely to pollute the air less than those propelled using diesel or gasoline engines. In addition to being environment friendly, this fuel costs less than gasoline. Not all gasoline comes from petroleum. One therefore can use gasoline that is obtained from coal.  In addition, liquefied natural gas can be used to create greener cars. This gas is made by liquefying natural gases. It is ideal for fueling large trucks so that they can go on for very long distances without stopping for gas.