2. A Growing
Vulnerability
Americans are consuming petroleum at a
rapidly accelerating rate.
We are more inclined to energy shortages
and higher gas prices than ever before.
Our seemingly limitless consumption of
gasoline is leading to global warming and
greater foreign dependence.
It seems as if the country is at a stand still
with these issues because a large number of
questions and problems are arising with the
production of new and efficient cars and their
fuels.
3. New Technologies
to Fuel Cars
The three most commonly used technologies for growing cars of
today and the future are hydrogen, ethanol, and electricity.
Subtly breaking into the spotlight is hydrogen.
Scientists have now found a way of using hydrogen to fuel cars
through a new process though it is not yet widely used and not
expected to be until it is ready for the market.
This new process involves fuel cells.
Basically how fuel cells work is that hydrogen atoms combine with
oxygen atoms in a fuel cell and are broken apart- releasing electrons
that then flow through a circuit and provides electricity to propel the
car, and the only emission is water vapor!
FUEL CELL EXAMPLE ^
4. Ethanol, Electric, &
Hybrid Vehicles
Vehicles that can run on a combination of fuels are called
"Hybrid" or "Flex Fuel" cars.
Hybrids run on a combination of gasoline and electricity while
Flex Fuel vehicles can run on gasoline and ethanol.
Purely electric cars are exactly what they sound like. They
can be plugged in and charged almost like a cellphone.
Ethanol is a corn based fuel though its true efficiency is
questionable. Growing enough corn to fuel the country and
then extracting its energy requires a lot of time and
resources.
Like hydrogen, ethanol's success relies on how expensive it
is to make and how much of it a company can produce.
5. Advantages
Cars are likely to consume 30% less energy and
produce 30% less carbon.
Being able to take electricity from almost
anywhere could reduce greenhouse emissions
by 40%.
Foreign dependence on oil will lessen greatly.
Spending less money on oil will lead to a better
economy as our money can go towards other
projects.
Over all, America would become less vulnerable
as it will consistently break away from the
bondage of oil and become a more self sufficient
country while also improving the environment.
6. Infrastructure
Necessary
To encourage and make it easier for
people to own hybrid and electric cars,
it is necessary for more charging
stations to be instituted at gas stations
and other stores.
For hydrogen cars in the future,
hydrogen pumps will also need to be
located in convenient locations.
7. Disadvantages
Unfortunately, using hydrogen to fuel cars is very
expensive. Other issues involved with using hydrogen are
that the fuel cells may not be durable enough and
adequate storage areas for the hydrogen in the car.
Another main issue is simply changing a person’s mind
and essentially their taste. Some people just don’t want to
give up their gas guzzling car for many reasons. This
could include the aesthetic appeal of their car, inability to
purchase a hybrid or electric car (they can be rather
costly), or perhaps some sentimental value to their original
car.
Lastly, scientists and researchers of the subject say it
would take nearly 50 years before people and companies
make a drastic change in the way they fuel their cars and
build their engines- implying that this is a very slow
process.
8. Government Role
The government can play a huge role in setting regulations
and mileage standards.
Federal laws can push people to get rid of inefficient cars and
make smarter choices to purchase a hybrid or electric car.
New mileage standards were set a few decades ago in 1985
and remained unchanged until 2007. This could hint that
perhaps the government is not taking this issue as seriously as
it needs to be. But luckily, new and efficient cars are capturing
the desire of consumers who are taking more initiative to
change.
The government offers incentives such as tax credits. These
incentives are good for car buyers and also the producers who
will have an easier time selling the cars.
The federal government offers consumers a tax credit of up to
$7,500 to people who buy a plug-in car. That includes plug-in
hybrids or electric cars.
9. My Future
Alternative Fuel Car
I think the Kia Optima Hybrid is a
wonderful alternative fuel car because
it utilizes both environmentally friendly
and luxury qualities.
I like this car the most because other
electric and hybrid cars such as the
Nissan Leaf or the SmartCar look a bit
too goofy for my liking.
The Kia Optima Hybrid gets good
mileage of 36 MPG and looks very
nice!
10. My Future
Alternative Fuel Car
I think the Kia Optima Hybrid is a
wonderful alternative fuel car because
it utilizes both environmentally friendly
and luxury qualities.
I like this car the most because other
electric and hybrid cars such as the
Nissan Leaf or the SmartCar look a bit
too goofy for my liking.
The Kia Optima Hybrid gets good
mileage of 36 MPG and looks very
nice!
