The new generation of environmentally friendly (or "green") cars and vehicles are being designed to run on a number of different power sources; anything from bioethanol to biodiesel and hydrogen. Here's a rundown:
Hydrogen-powered
Plain old water is the only emission from hydrogen-powered cars.
However, like other experimental hydrogen-powered vehicles, it's prohibitively expensive and hydrogen production is still CO2 intensive.
Hybrids
Hybrid vehicles use two types of power sources; a petrol engine and an electric motor - which maximises the benefits of both and opens up possibilities for the future.
Hybrid vehicles typically use one of two types of hybrid systems; the series hybrid and the parallel hybrid.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is made from vegetable oils or animal fats and can be blended with tradional diesel. It's possible to use the waste product from restaurant and takeaway deep fat fryers to run some diesel vehicles. However this type of vegetable oil is not considered fuel grade and requires serious investigation and vehicle modification before attempting.
Bioethanol
Bioethanol is made from the fermentation and distilling of products containing sugars and starches. It can be blended with petrol, many new vehicles can run up to a 10% blend of Bioethanol. Again, however, its production can be CO2 intensive.
LPG
Any petrol engine can be converted to run on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), but although it may cost you less at the pump, the conversion can be pricey and you may lose precious boot space to the second fuel tank needed.
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More information
Our friendly AA Technical Services Helpline can help and advise all motorists on many general problems, including repairs and car buying advice:
- AA Members enjoy this service for free, call toll free on 0800 500 333
- Non AA Members can call 0900 58 324 (a flat fee of $7 per call applies)