Comparing Green Car Technology Options
These days, there are several energy-efficient powertrains, but which automotive technology is most likely to replace the gas engine? Which will become your new ride?
GUIDE TO GREEN CARS, Summer 2012
By Todd Kaho
Efficient Gasoline EnginesPros: Newer automotive technologies such as direct fuel injection and turbocharging increase power and gas mileage Cons: Some of these advanced features can add cost and complexity; still dependent on foreign oil Infrastructure: Gasoline easiest to find of any motor fuel |
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Electric VehiclesPros: Cheaper to operate than most other fuels; zero tailpipe emissions; convenient home charging; potential to get cleaner over time as more renewable energy (such as wind, solar) is added to our energy mix Cons: Range anxiety, can’t realistically go cross-country; batteries are expensive Infrastructure: About 6,000 public charging stations nationwide; growing steadily |
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Compressed Natural GasPros: Domestically sourced fuel in abundant supply; cleanest emissions for an internal combustion engine; potential for home fueling and dual-fuel flexibility Cons: High-pressure fuel tanks; dual-fuel vehicles require two separate fueling systems and limits passenger/cargo space Infrastructure: About 1,000 fueling stations in the United States |
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Gasoline-Electric HybridPros: Now a well-refined green car technology; adaptable to many types of vehicles; great drivability and gas mileage; no need to plug in Cons: Advanced batteries are still expensive and heavy; battery materials come from foreign countries; can’t plug in Infrastructure: Gasoline available everywhere |
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Clean DieselPros: 30 to 35 percent better fuel economy than gas; great performance thanks to generous torque; renewable biofuel potential; superb engine longevity Cons: Petrodiesel dependent on foreign oil; more expensive to produce than gasoline engines; more complex emissions controls; debatable energy return on biofuels options Infrastructure: Diesel fuel readily available |
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PropanePros: Good choice for fleet use; less expensive than gasoline; clean-burning; possible to convert gas vehicles to propane; domestically produced fuel Cons: Misunderstood fuel; lower energy content than gasoline and lower mpg equivalency rating Infrastructure: 2,500 fueling stations in the United States |
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Plug-In Hybrid ElectricPros: Impressive fuel economy; ability to operate greater distances with zero tailpipe emissions; home charging adds convenience, greater all-electric range Cons: Requires even larger and more expensive batteries; added weight Infrastructure: About 6,000 public charging stations nationwide; growing steadily |
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Flex Fuel E85 EthanolPros: Partially a domestically sourced fuel; low-cost upgrade on most vehicles Cons: Up to 30 percent lower fuel economy than gasoline; misunderstood fuel that can damage vehicles not designed for its use Infrastructure: 2,500 stations nationwide; best coverage in the Midwest |
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Hydrogen Fuel CellPros: Electric drive provides good power; tailpipe emissions are water vapor and heat; hydrogen is the most abundant element on Earth Cons: Hydrogen is currently expensive and power-intensive to produce; fueling stations concentrated in the Southwest Infrastructure: Fewer than 100 public fueling stations in the United States |
