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Running Unconventionally: Alternative Energy Sources for Cars

It can be about the money. People are looking for alternative energy sources or alternative fuel for their cars nowadays. A few months ago, increasing prices of petroleum products were experienced almost throughout the world. With the increasing money spent on the pump, we are trying to look for alternative fuels for vehicles that can eventually lead us to bigger savings.

Cars or vehicles running on alternative fuel are generally running on fuel other than gasoline or diesel. Over the years, we have become witnesses on car running on electricity, a hybrid of gasoline and electric car, or even solar powered. There are even cars using water to supplement their gas through the water-to-gas technology.

There are several factors contributing to the rise and initiative of governments and manufacturers to produce alternative fuel vehicles. Heavy taxes on fuel, particularly in Europe and tightening environmental laws are several of the contributing factors. There is a possibility of further restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions.

Since cars are mostly running on fossil fuels which produce carbon dioxide which is a greenhouse gas, the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is increasing. It leads to temperature rise which results to global warming and climate change.

There are cars that are capable in running on LPG, solar power, ethanol, fuel cells, hydrogen, and compressed cars. There are also what we call hybrid cars. Cars running on liquefied petroleum gas or LPG runs on a mix of propane and butane. Its hydrocarbon gases turn to liquid when compressed. Cars running on LPG can cut the fuel expense into half compared to petrol and diesel. It is also said to reduce the carbon monoxide emission.

Cars using solar power convert sunlight into electricity. It can be used to power electric motors or produce fuels such as hydrogen. Solar panels are put on the surface, more often on the roof, of the vehicle. These solar panels then convert the sun’s energy into electrical energy.

Ethanol is an alcohol produced by the fermentation of plant juice with high levels of sugar or from crops with high levels of carbohydrates such as wheat. Brazil began converting sugar cane into ethanol in 1975. Since then, Brazil has saved $1.8 billion by replacing their 200,000 barrels of oil daily consumption.

Brazil has already created 5.4 million ethanol- powered cars that are being exported to Sweden and Japan. Because of this industry they were able to provide 900,000 jobs to their people. Using ethanol as fuel were also able to reduce the toxic emissions by 30 % compared with other fuel charged vehicles.

Fuel cell cars covert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity and heat. The electricity can be used to power and electric motor and the only emissions are heat and water. Cars running on hydrogen are considered to be the ultimate clean cars. Since hydrogen vehicles only produce heat and water vapour as its by-product, its emissions are considered environmental friendly.

Hybrid cars use two different energy source or motors. An example of a hybrid car is the Toyota Prius. It uses advanced technology to combine a small gas engine with an electric motor. At slow speed, the car runs on electric motor while on the freeway, both the gasoline and electric motor is being used. The battery is also being recharged during the process.

Exploring alternative energy sources for cars is a way of adapting to the increasing fuel costs and taking active steps in resolving environmental concerns.

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Hybrid cars offer significant advantages over conventional vehicles, such as fuel efficiency, low cost per mile and environmental benefits. That will drive the future of hybrid cars, says “Global Hybrid Car Market Forecast to 2010″, a newly launched research report by a leading industry research group.

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid: The fusion hybrid is a stylish vehicle and is considered being the top one among the rest of the hybrid models of this year, due to best fuel economy and efficient drive train. Ford Fusion is ranked well than the big names of hybrid cars with a small margin. It has a customizable dash display, which is very superior, innovative and entertaining. Though Fusion Hybrid is not first mid-size hybrid car, it will quite hopefully give a tough competition to other competitors in the market. Ford Fusion lovers will definitely consider low price and high value.

Key Facts * Sales recorded by the global hybrid vehicles market are expected to surge at a Compound Annual Growth Rate of around 12% during 2008-2015. * Hybrid cars sales in the United States are likely to cross 1 Million Mark by 2012. * Hybrid vehicle production in Japan is projected to hit a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 6.6% from 2008 to 2011. * HEV battery market is likely to attain a Compound Annual Growth Rate of around 10.4% during the period spanning from 2010 to 2015. * Hybrid car component market is expected to grow at a rate of 17.4% during 2008- 2012.
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During these times of economic crisis, people see the need to save and just use practical things in replacement for pleasure. And because of the gas prices continuously going high, some think of giving up their cars just to be able to save money. However, for people who have regular jobs, they need cars for easy transportation to and from their jobs. This is why it is difficult to decide whether to keep or give up their cars. Aside from the high gas prices, maintenance of the cars is also adding up to the problem.

One way to get rid of the thought of giving up your cars to save money is by having an electric car conversion. This is now convenient and affordable because of the emergence of the electric car conversion kits. These kits may now be bought from different auto stores. It helps one convert their fuel powered cars to electric right from their own garage. They can do the conversion since it includes an instructional video and manual to guide them go through the conversion. As before, conversion of cars may cost about thousands, but now, the whole conversion process including tools and equipments needed cost for about $200 to $300 only.

The whole conversion process is easy because of the electric car conversion kits. Even if you are not an auto expert, you can easily understand the guide that is included in the kit. Electric cars can also run like how a fuel powered car runs. The only difference is that you do not have to fuel up with a gas station and be billed with hundred of dollars for a few liters of gas. You just have to charge the battery for about 30 minutes and you are ready to go and drive. It is as convenient as that.

Aside from the fact that it is now cheaper to have an electric car conversion, having an electric powered car is more beneficial. It can help you save money on gas and maintenance. If your battery runs low, you can just recharge and you are off to driving again. Charging may take about 30 minutes. Imagine all the savings you can get once you do not need to fuel up. Maintenance of electric powered cars is also cheaper and more convenient. You can also get free batteries for your electric powered car from golf courses that have tons of these kinds of batteries.

Having an electric powered car saves you time and money. Also, it does not add up to the existing air and noise pollution since it emits less smoke and noise. Electric car conversion is your practical way of keeping your car amidst the high prices of necessities especially gas. People are now looking into saving a little something for other needs and wants of their families. And to be able to keep their cars but still save money from it is a big help for those who are affected by the economic crisis. There are still convenient ways to save and still have what you need.