The following link provides more information about exciting new technologies that can contribute to a reduction in petroleum fuels consumption. It connects to theU.S. Department of Energy's Clean Cities Website.
Look for information on the following:
Alternative Fuels
Biodiesel: Biodiesel is a renewable alternative fuel produced
from a wide range of vegetable oils and animal fats. Pure biodiesel or
biodiesel blended with petroleum diesel can be used to fuel diesel
vehicles, providing energy security and emissions and safety benefits.
Electricity can be used to power electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
directly from the power grid. Vehicles that run on electricity produce
no tailpipe emissions. The only emissions that can be attributed to
electricity are those generated in the production process at the power
plant. Electricity is easily accessible for short-range driving.
Ethanol: This Ethanol subsite represents a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Energy's Biomass and Vehicle Technologies
Programs and covers the entire production cycle of ethanol, from the
field to the fuel tank. For information on other biofuels, go to the Fuels section of the Department of Energy's Web site.
Hydrogen: Hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize transportation and,
possibly, our entire energy system. The simplest and most abundant
element in the universe, hydrogen can be produced from fossil fuels and biomass and even by electrolyzing water. Producing hydrogen with renewable energy and using it in fuel cell vehicles holds the promise of virtually pollution-free transportation and independence from imported petroleum.
Methanol: Also known as wood alcohol, methanol can be used as an alternative
fuel. The use of methanol has dramatically declined since the early
1990s, and auto makers are no longer manufacturing vehicles that run on
it.
Natural Gas: Natural gas is a domestically produced alternative fuel and is readily available to end users through the utility infrastructure. It can produce significantly fewer harmful emissions than gasoline or diesel when used in natural gas vehicles.
Propane: Propane, also known as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is used by many fleets. It has a high energy density, giving propane vehicles good driving range, and propane fueling infrastructure is widespread.
Blends
Blending amounts of alternative fuel with conventional fuel is an
important option for reducing petroleum consumption. Examples of
low-level fuel blends include E10 (10% ethanol/90% gasoline), B5 (5%
biodiesel/95% diesel), and B2 (2% biodiesel/98% diesel). Blends can
also consist of two types of alternative fuels, such as hydrogen and
compressed natural gas (HCNG), which can be a combination of 20%
hydrogen/80% CNG. B20 (20% biodiesel/80% diesel) and E85 (85%
ethanol/15% gasoline) are not considered low level blends.
Fuel Economy
http://fueleconomy.gov/
Hybrids
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) combine the benefits of high fuel economy
and low emissions with the power, range, and convenience of
conventional diesel and gasoline fueling. HEV technologies also have
potential to be combined with alternative fuels and fuel cells to provide additional benefits. Future offerings might also include plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
