People purchase hybrid vehicles to either save money on gas or because they want a car that is better for the environment than their traditional gasoline powered clunker. If you're not interested in buying a hybrid vehicle but you still want the perks that hybrids deliver like high gas mileage and low emissions, there are several options. Cars that run on E85 ethanol, diesel, electricity, hydrogen, or a small car that runs on the traditional gasoline engine will help you achieve both or at least one of these perks.
Small Cars
Vehicle weight is the single biggest determinant for how much fuel a car will use. Since smaller cars weigh less than big ones, like SUVs or big sedans, you can use less gas with a small car. Reducing your fuel requirement is not only easy on your wallet but you will be contributing a smaller amount of pollutants into the air simply by burning less gas out of your exhaust pipe. Unless you have a large family that you transport around frequently, small cars are a good fit for your commute and quick errands around town. The Mini Cooper is a subcompact car that gets 35 miles to the gallon and retails for $18,700.
E85 Ethanol
This fuel alternative to traditional gasoline is an 85 percent blend of ethanol that is derived from corn. Reducing your smog-forming emissions up to 50 percent depending on the car you switch from, E85 ethanol powered vehicles contribute less to pollution however the miles per gallon is not as strong as gasoline. Another drawback to E85 ethanol vehicles is that they are only available in the Midwest. The Dodge Caravan E85 gets 18 miles to the gallon and retails at $22,400.
Diesel
Not only do diesel vehicles run on different fuel than traditional cars, but they have a more efficient combustion cycle. By using higher compression ratios and higher combustion you get more mileage out of your diesel fuel, which is vital since diesel costs more than regular unleaded. In fact, diesel engines get up to 50 percent higher fuel economy. This factor that has lead to soaring popularity in Europe, with American sales slowly catching up. The Volkswagen Jetta TDI gets 40 miles to the gallon and has an MSRP of $21,900.
Electric
Common household electricity charges these vehicles which measure efficiency based on their range per charge versus miles per gallon. Early on electric vehicles, or EV's, had a limited range but they are improving. Using battery reserves that power and electric motor, the Ford Focus EV will have a range of 100 miles when it is released in 2011.
Hydrogen
The first commercial hydrogen vehicle was released to a family in California by Honda in 2005. Unlike the vehicles discussed above, hydrogen vehicles run while delivering zero pollutants into the environment. If global warming is a concern of yours, you should feel comfortable driving one of these cars since the only byproduct of running a hydrogen vehicle is water vapor. The Honda FCX Clarity is a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle that first became available in 2008.
Member Comments