Advanced Technology and Alternative Fuel Vehicles

008182782001PDFBooklet/PamphletDOE/GO-102001-1142, FS143Electric vehiclesElectricityEthanolFuel cellsAir pollutionAir qualityAlternate fuelsElectric vehiclesElectricityEthanolFuel cellsGlobal warmingHybrid automobilesHydrogenMethanolNatural gasOilsPUnited StatesUnited States. Dept. of EnergyUnited States. Dept. of EnergyNational Renewable Energy Laboratory (U.S.)US Transportation CollectionSurveys show that Americans are concerned about the environment, global warming, and related issues. Yet many don't realize that the cars and trucks they drive are a major source of these problems, and that there are alternative choices they can make today. Advanced and alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) help reduce our dependence on foreign oil imports, save us money on fuel costs, and improve our air quality. Transportation accounts for more than 67% of the oil we consume in the United States. The average vehicle on the road today emits more than 600 pounds of air pollution each year. This paper presents the alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles being researched today. Many of these alternatives are already available for use by the public. Alternative fuels include ethanol, biodiesel, methanol, natural gas, propane, electricity, hydrogen, and p-series. Alternative fuel vehicles include flex-fuel vehicles, bifuel or dual-fuel vehicles, dedicated vehicles (like electric vehicles), high-efficiency advanced vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, advanced drive trains, and fuel cell vehicles.79