It seems that whether it's a movie star talking about their new electric-gas hybrid car or a politician proclaiming the virtues of biodiesel, alternative-fuel powered vehicles are all the rage right now. There are many claims about these vehicles ranging from astounding miles per gallon (mpg) to the peace of mind it gives the driver, but why should someone buy an alternative-fuel powered vehicle?
Many alt-fuel vehicle owners speak of the financial benefits of owning such a vehicle. It is true that you can save money on your monthly fuel bill, depending on what choice of alt-fuel vehicle you drive. Because of the relatively new technology involved, many alt-fuels are just as expensive as or more expensive than traditional petroleum based fuels. It seems that the most money saving option is an electric-hybrid engine, but you usually end up paying more upfront for these as the cost for an electric-hybrid car is greater from the dealership than a standard car.
Another reason some drivers choose so-called "green" cars is because of their positive effect on the environment. The thinking is that if the emissions released by the car are cleaner, then it is more environmentally friendly to drive it than a standard engine. Without a doubt this is true for almost all forms of alternative fuel. Still, attention has to be paid to the fuel manufacturing and consumption process as a whole. There is scientific evidence that the current method of extracting hydrogen from natural gas can create far worse emissions than extraction from petroleum.
Developing new technology, such as alternative-fuel use, costs a great deal of money. Some alt-fuel vehicle drivers purchase their vehicles so that they feel they have helped an industry they believe in. By infusing money into the industry via the purchase of the vehicle itself, additional options, and the fuel supply needed they are contributing to the further development of that technology.
Drivers have also been known to turn to alternative-fuel vehicles as a way of helping or encouraging their country to eliminate its need of foreign oil. Many people feel that western countries have become dangerously dependent on oil producing nations. At a time when wars have been fought over, among other things, the protection of oil interests, some citizens have been looking for a way to make their country more able to support itself. When a country is not completely dependent on it's trading partner, it has the advantage when it comes to international trading.
There will always be a certain segment of society that likes to do the "in" thing. They were the first ones to wear bell-bottom pants in the 1970's, Members Only jackets in the 1980's, and baggy pants in the 1990's. There will also always be people who want the newest "toy" or technology because it's a status symbol, especially when it's something being used by celebrities. Alternative-fuel vehicles definitely are no exception to this market. Whether these buyers continue to own alt-fuel cars after the fad have passed on or it's no longer a status symbol is anyone's guess.
Similar to the people trying to reduce their country's dependency on foreign oil are a group of people, whose main reason for owning alternative-fuel vehicles is to support the agricultural industry in their own country. This would mainly include the alternative fuels known to as Biodiesel and Ethanol. Both Biodiesel and Ethanol are somewhat made from vegetable oil. Usually for a car to run on Biodiesel or Ethanol there has to be some minor modifications done to the engine. If the Biodiesel is made from used vegetable oil, then it has to be refined first to clear it of impurities.
Many people buy many different types of alternative-fuel vehicles for many different reasons. These people don't as a group even agree on the reasons they do this, but they are united by their actions and they are encouraging the entire alternative-fuel industry to develop faster than if it was just developing on it's own.
Mark Allen is an avid supporter of the continuing search for a viable alternative-fuel. More info at: BiodieselPlans.info |
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