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9 > Purchase an Energy Efficient Vehicle
Hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles can be more fuel efficient and cheaper to drive than traditional cars, and often qualify for tax incentives. A good source to learn more is fueleconomy.gov.
Alternative fuel vehicles run on energy sources other than petroleum. These include: ethanol, biodiesel and natural gas.
Hybrid Cars:
- Hybrid vehicles combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor to increase a vehicle's fuel economy.
- The gas engine provides much of the car's power, while the electric motor provides the car with additional power when necessary (when passing another car or accelerating).
- The electric motor is powered by a battery that is charged from the gasoline engine during use.
Ethanol:
- Ethanol is produced in the United States, reducing our reliance on foreign energy sources.
- E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline) can be used in "flexible fuel vehicles."
- Ethanol produces less air pollution compared to regular cars.
Biodiesel:
- Biodiesel is a form of diesel fuel that is developed from leftover restaurant grease, vegetable oil and animal fat.
- Biodiesel can be used in its pure form or mixed with petroleum. Most engine manufacturers don't recommend a higher blend than 5% biodiesel-95% gasoline, anything higher might void your engine warranty.
- Biodiesel's benefits include: a reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gas compared to standard vehicle engines; biodiesel fuel is biodegradable and non-toxic and biodiesel fuel can be used in diesel engines, particularly newer models.
Note: If your vehicle has not been converted to run on biodiesel, do not use grease or vegetable oil in your engine, they will damage it.
Natural Gas:
- Natural gas is one of the cleanest burning fossil fuels currently on the market. It is available in either compressed or liquefied natural gas.
- Natural gas's advantages include: Almost 87% of natural gas used in the U.S. is produced in the U.S.; greatly reduced smog pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and it is less expensive than gasoline.
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