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hybrid electric vehicles are a top contender to be the alternative fuel vehicle, replacing the gasoline powered vehicles of today. They are efficient, reliable and becoming most cost effective every day. Popularly known as the hybrid, this alternative fuel vehicle runs on battery electric power and good old fashioned gasoline. It gets much higher mileage per gallon than traditional vehicles and dispels less carbon dioxide to boot.

Popularly known as the hybrid, this alternative fuel vehicle runs on battery electric power and good old fashioned gasoline. It gets much higher mileage per gallon than traditional vehicles and dispels less carbon dioxide to boot.

solarpowerenergygeneration.com/alternative_fuel_vehicle.html" target='_blank'>alternative fuel vehicle Not only that, this alternative fuel vehicle is being adopted by and large in the marketplace. Most major automotive manufacturers produce at least one hybrid and you can buy them at any new car dealership. Many manufacturers of vehicles are adding hybrids to their line up of available models.

Another benefit to this kind of alternative fuel vehicle is that it will last longer because there's less wear and tear. Alternative energy research has given us a vehicle with a combustion engine that stops running when you enter a traffic jam or slow down considerably and the battery electric engine takes over.

This means you won't wear your combustion engine out by taking off or slowing to idle. Instead, you can rely on the dependable and less complex battery engine that gives you better acceleration and torque to begin with. You also get the benefit of recapturing waste energy via the regenerative braking system, which helps minimize pollution.

solarpowerenergygeneration.com/alternative_fuel_vehicle.html" target='_blank'>alternative fuel source As with any other alternative fuel vehicle, hybrids are more expensive. However, they do manage to compete with conventional automobiles in terms of depreciation. They are also more fuel efficient and this helps justify the higher price tag since you're spending less at the pump to get from point A to point B. Additionally, hybrids reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will go a long way to curbing increasing global warming temperatures.

A final positive is that the hybrids can also run on other forms of alternative energy research. Vehicle manufacturers can add a flexible fuel engine, or you can just use bio-diesel, ethanol or biogas. This gives hybrids a flexibility that most others in the alternative fuel vehicle category don't have.

alternative energy projects When considering whether or not to adopt a flexible fuel vehicles hybrid as your alternative fuel vehicle, you should consider many things. The price, the feasibility of a different type of alternative fuel vehicle and the fuel efficiency. Hybrids are one of the most popular of the alternative fuel vehicle bunch and the reason is clearly the versatility of the vehicle itself.

With the high gas prices which are readily seen on the market today, individuals who are looking to purchase a new car are perusing the options with fuel efficiency in mind. Prospective car buyers want to purchase a vehicle which really peaks their interest and is one which they truly desire; however, these prospective automobile purchasers may in fact be swayed should the vehicle which they are considering purchasing have inefficient fuel economy. There are a few different reasons why fuel economy is so important to car owners these days.

High Price of Gas Recently, an alarming phenomenon has been taking place. In the last few months, gas prices have been increasing at staggering rates which has led to individuals rethinking their automobile purchase choices. For those people who are currently in the market for a new vehicle, the high price of gas that has recently been seen has pushed them to consider other, more fuel-efficient automobiles. As one never knows when gas prices will decrease, thinking in terms of purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle may be on the forefront of a number of individuals minds. The high price of gasoline is an important factor which individuals consider when purchasing a new vehicle or even trading in their old car for a more recent model.

Environmental Factors Another reason why prospective car buyers may be looking into the purchase of a more fuel-efficient vehicle is due to the environmental ramifications that go along with certain gas guzzling automobiles. The less gas a car uses, the more environmentally friendly that vehicle is. There are a number of different types of pollution which are directly related to automobile use. Therefore, more and more individuals are looking into hybrid vehicles which utilize both electric and gas fuel components to make the car run and are more environmentally sound overall.

Having to Fill Up With Gas Less Often How many times has one tried to take their vehicle as far as it could go on a single tank of gas so as to avoid having to stop at a gas station to fill up? Most likely the answer is quite frequently. Although filling the car up with a tank of gas does not take a long time to do, it is still an inconvenience to some individuals, especially those who are often running late for one appointment or another. Therefore, by purchasing a vehicle with good fuel economy, the driver will have to stop less often to fill up their gas tank and this in and of itself is something which pleases many individuals immensely.

Most Fuel-Efficient Cars in 2005 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) often compiles lists showing the vehicles with the best fuel economy based on a fuel efficiency gauge for both city and highway travel and are shown in a city/highway ratio. The EPA files these types of lists as fuel economy is quite relevant to pollution and other environmental factors. The following paragraphs will summarize the top 10 list of the most fuel-efficient vehicles which was compiled by the EPA for 2005.

The vehicles ranking in the number 10 spot of the EPA list are the Dodge Neon and Toyota Celica GT which both get 29/36 mpg. Those vehicles ranked in the number 9 slot are the Scion xB (31/35), Toyota Matrix (30/36), Pontiac Vibe (30/36) and Honda Accord Hybrid (30/37). Rounding up the number 8, 7, and 6 slots, respectively, are the Scion xA (32/37), Toyota Corolla (32/41), and Toyota Echo (35/42).

The top 5 most fuel-efficient automobiles contain quite a few from the same car manufacturer with the Honda Civic HX (36/44) coming in at 5 th place and three various types of Volkswagens, Volkswagen New Beetle TDI, Volkswagen Jetta TDI and Volkswagen Golf TDI, all coming in at 4 th place with a 38/46 ratio. As for the top 3 spots, these belong to the Honda Civic Hybrid (45/51), the Toyota Prius (60/51) and the Honda Insight (61/66).

One will notice by reading the list above that hybrid vehicles are often cited in the top 10 of all fuel-efficient vehicles. There are a few different reasons why choosing a hybrid vehicle may be the best choice for those individuals looking to purchase a new car.

Reasons to Choose a Hybrid Vehicle for Your Automobile There are two main reasons why purchasing a hybrid vehicle may be in the best interest of the driver of the automobile and the people around that individual as well. The first reason for choosing a hybrid vehicle is due to its fabulous fuel efficiency. There are a number of different car manufacturers who have either come out with hybrid vehicles or are in the process of making vehicles of this type. Car manufacturers realize that fuel efficiency has a vital place on an individuals car buying list of must haves.

Another reason for choosing a hybrid vehicle which is not only beneficial for the owner but for the general public as well is the environmental factors surrounding hybrid automobile use. The more gaseous fumes and toxins which are released into the air, the worse it is for the environment as a whole. Those who truly appreciate the fact that hybrid vehicles are more environmentally sound than other vehicles which strictly use gasoline as their main mode of power are ones who are more likely to purchase a hybrid vehicle. It is important to note that most hybrid automobile drivers purchase their hybrid vehicles due to fuel economy reasons as well. Car manufacturers have also responded to environmental concerns by producing vehicles which are of a hybrid nature and therefore much more gentle to the environment.

Choosing a vehicle which is fuel-efficient is an extremely wise decision. Not only will the driver of a fuel-efficient vehicle save a lot of money on gasoline purchases but will be doing their part to preserve the environment as well. These are two very valid reasons for choosing a vehicle which boasts good fuel economy.

Steven Anderson

Steven Anderson is the Reservations Director for Hawaiian Discount Car Rentals, specialists in Maui, Hawaii car rentals. He has personally driven to the top of Mauna Kea and rates it as one of the most panoramic views in his travels to Hawaii.

As people become more aware of the damage that has been done to our planet and to the environment, questions have risen about what to do now to prevent further damage. E85 ethanol is the name that a fuel consisting of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline is called by in the United States. Its less commonly found than E10 ethanol which is 10 percent ethanol and 90 percent gasoline; most likely because vehicles with specially designed engines (called flexible fuel vehicles) are needed to burn E85 ethanol while E10 can be used in most existing vehicles in the U.S.

Why should a person consider purchasing a flexible fuel vehicle and using E85 Ethanol? In addition to the benefits to the environment that are realized because a person using E85 Ethanol is decreasing the amount of toxins released into the air by using the much cleaner E85, it is a fuel that can (and is) refined in the United States which lessens the countrys dependency on foreign oil imports. E85 Ethanol is also less expensive than gasoline, usually around 30 percent less.

Ethanol E85 is made from starchy feedstock, with corn being its major ingredient. Since corn is already being grown at a tremendous rate in the Midwest, it also signals prosperity for farmers. To date, there are over 600 pump stations in the United States that supply E85 Ethanol. That may not seem like very many stations, but that is twice the number of E85 stations that were in existence two years ago. Because of the focus being given to the environment along with cleaner burning and renewable fuels, the number E85 pumps is expected to rise significantly in the next few years. Currently, the Midwest has the largest concentration of E85 pumps at about 400.

Right now, there are some states, like Florida for instance, where E85 Ethanol is not available for sale to the public. Instead, the fuel is reserved for purchase by Federal fleets. Fortunately, there is talk about adding more pumps to those states that are currently without them in the near future.

What do most people consider the biggest advantage of using E85? Its that E85 ethanol is better for our environment. Not only does it reduce tailpipe and greenhouse gas emissions, but it also burns clean because of its high oxygen content. In addition, it is also biodegradable and water-soluble. You know the smog you hate waking up to on some mornings? The fuel can also eliminate the smog by reducing the smog-forming pollutants at least by 15 percent.

Still, one may wonder what else sets Ethanol E85 apart from gasoline. Well, for one thing, the fuel itself has a reputation for offering high performance with a 100+octane rating, which rivals gasolines 87 octane rating. Those who use E85 Ethanol will attest that it gives a superb performance while also heightening horsepower.

The cost factor is also important in your decision to choose ethanol. Today, ethanol is currently being sold at prices approximately 35 percent lower than gasoline. But a persons realized savings will be a little less than 35 percent because E85 typically has a slightly lower fuel economy than regular gasoline. There is also a gas tax break/exemption on Ethanol that helps keep its price lower.

Even if you do not have a flexible fuel vehicle or have availability of E85 ethanol, seriously consider using E10 ethanol in your vehicle. E10 ethanol is widely available and is safe to use in most vehicles. And, even though it only contains 10 percent ethanol, it still releases fewer toxins into the air then regular gasoline making it a better choice for the environment. And, in order to help speed up the availability of E85 ethanol where you live, lobby your government representatives and let you know you want E85 available to you. And, the next time you go vehicle shopping, consider purchasing one of ever growing number of flexible fuel vehicles available.

Doreen Ruplinger

Dorrie Ruplinger is a featured contributor at GotEthanol . For information about E85 ethanol and the history of ethanol, visit us.

The topic 'global warming' may be unpleasant for some people. However taking action to stop air polluting could be a pleasant thing to do for anyone. What can you and I do to help?

A few years ago, General Motors started making the electric vehicle. It was called the (EV1). The reader knows well what I am talking about. They did not sale the cars in the beginning. They wanted to test it first by leasing it out. The car was a beauty. Then all of sudden without giving any explanation to the public, General Motors terminated the leases and went ahead and destroyed the EVE1s. I never knew why they did such a thing, but they did it. The reason could have been 'jobs', or the oil companies had something to do in stopping the EV1 distribution. The fact is that I still am a gasoline junkie until now.

Now General Motors will manufacture Hybrid Plug-in cars again. Oh yes… that is like music to my ears. Driving a PHEV is like navigating in two cars at the same time. One auto powered by fuel and one powered by electricity to be plugged for re-charge in your garage every night. Isnt it great?

But… it may happen that the oil companies will intervene again. You know, it is not nice to loose a profitable business. It is so profitable indeed. Mobil alone reported something like 29 and a half billion Dollars profit in 2006, the equivalent to about 4 million Dollars earnings per hour. There are trillions of Dollars yet to be made from here till the end of the oil reserves. But I say; the exploitation of fossil fuel has to stop now or there will be no clean air for our great grand children.

My gut feelings tell me that hybrid-plug in automobile will sell like hotcakes. If these features dont catch your attention what will? * Youll pay at the pump less than $1.00/gallon. If you do the math on the mpg, youll come up with about 78 cents a gallon. Isnt it great? * Your vehicle could become 100% clean, if you use American made ethanol (already offered at the pump in Central America and other parts of the world) instead of gas. * You are contributing to reduce Americas dependence on foreign oil. This fact will make you a proud individual. * And that is not all… Most people will spend 0 gallons of gas every week recharging the batteries overnight. Most of us work 30 miles or less from home; and because one charge will take you to a distance of 60 miles average, your weekly traveling will cost you almost 0 cash. * What about safety? You may ask. Relax, you may continue driving the same size of vehicle you are used to, hybrid plug-ins will be built in all sizes. Car manufacturers can make SUVs, vans, buses and more. * Whats more, the vehicle could be as fast as any gas propelled automobile. Lets remember that the fastest trains in existence today are powered by electricity.

Please join the campaign going on nationwide right now. I just did. Visit: www.pluginpartners.org www.calcars.org

Who is endorsing the campaign?

Senator Barac Obama. http://gristmill.grist.org/story/2006/2/28/225014/029

Senator Clinton http://calcars.org/phevs-in-dc.html#hc

President Bush video http://calcars.org/audio-video/bush-phevs-20feb06.html

http://www.foodsupplementshome.com

David Molina

A concerned individual

The call has gone out from President Bush to kick our oil habit. For many people, the mention of biomass as a fuel source was a new concept. Little did they realize they have already been putting it into their cars. Nope, that isnt your dads gas anymore.

There are Plants in My Gasoline?

In his State of the Union speech, President Bush made much of the alternative fuel sources available these days. While he should be commended for promoting their use, he perhaps was a bit vague in regard to how far along we are in using biofuels for cars. Most people dont realize that most government vehicles are already using bioethanol and have been doing so for a number of years. Yep, the government has already switched to bioethanol to improve vehicle performance and reduce air pollution. Now, how often does that occur?

Ethanol is the most widely used biomass fuel for cars these days. In excess of 2.8 BILLION gallons of bio ethanol were used as a gasoline additive in the U.S in 2003. Ethanol is a form of alcohol. It is produced through a process strikingly similar to the beer you find in your local tavern or store. Cellulosic biomass [plant pulp] is turned to mush. The mush is converted to base sugars and those sugars are fermented just like wine and beer. The ethanol is then separated from the sugars giving you instant fuel. This process is considered a biomass production because the starting point is a plant. , and most is made using a process similar to brewing beer where starch crops are converted into sugars, the sugars are fermented into ethanol, and then the ethanol is distilled into its final form.

In 1990, numerous cities and states were suffering massive pollution problems. Politics being what it is, nobody at the state level was doing much about the problem. Enter the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. These acts included language mandating the sale of oxygenated to cut down on carbon monoxide emissions from cars. The oxygenation was produced by adding bioethanol to the gasoline.

When youre filling up your car, have you ever notice the patch on the pump with oxygenation language? If so, you were using gasoline with bioethanol in it. And they didnt even tell you.

Rick Chapo

Rick Chapo is with solarCompanies.com, a directory of solarcompanies.com/' onclick="javascript:urchinTracker('/outbound/www._a_href=_http_//bizrock.earth4.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=AEHQSOL_solar_/a_companies.com/');">solar energy companies. Visit our biomass energy page to read more about bioethanol.