Despite knowing that fossil fuels are finite and harmful to the environment when burned, we remain reluctant to give up our cars. However, the future of automobiles must change dramatically to embrace new propulsion technology. Although it is unlikely that the car will vanish as it has become deeply integrated into our society, electric cars with comparable performance to current cars are still in development. Toyota's Prius, Honda's Insight and new Civic Hybrid are petrol-hybrid cars that offer a promising alternative. These vehicles operate on the combination of a small efficient petrol engine and a powerful electric motor, producing an impressive output with an easily achievable 60mpg+. The electric motors are powered by specially designed batteries that cleverly store regenerated energy produced during braking.
Currently, modern 'common-rail' diesel cars have a superior advantage over hybrid vehicles. These diesel cars are more cost-effective and
...powerful, making them the most valuable 'alternative fuel' option. Diesel emissions have been greatly reduced thanks to common-rail technology, which also offers excellent fuel efficiency. Direct-injection technology, similar to that used in diesel engines, is gradually being integrated into petrol engines as well, providing comparable benefits in fuel economy and emissions.
Although the conventional petrol/diesel engine's long-term future may not be promising, implementing more efficient engines can reduce their impact on natural resources and the environment until replacement technology is introduced. Another emission-reducing option is gas, such as factory-fitted choices like Vauxhall's Dualfuel and Volvo's Bi-Fuel. Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) is both cheaper and cleaner than petrol and is widely available. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) also helps reduce emissions and is environmentally friendly, while being readily accessible in the UK since it's th
same as domestic gas, despite requiring heavy pressurised storage containers. Choosing LPG or CNG can easily make a positive impact.
While the presented options do not effectively tackle the issue of reducing fossil fuel reserves, Bio-Diesels made from harvested crops could prolong the lifespan of diesel engines when compared to their petrol counterparts. To catch a glimpse into what's coming next, it is imperative to observe company laboratories where research on fuel cell vehicles like Toyota's FCHV-4 is likely taking place. These cars are fueled with hydrogen that undergoes "reverse electrolysis" in a fuel cell which combines with oxygen, generating electricity and producing only water as a by-product. The result is zero emissions, unrestricted travel range and performance equivalent to conventional vehicles.
Fuel cell cars are becoming increasingly practical and efficient, with twice the efficiency of traditional cars. BMW is also moving towards a hydrogen-based future, opting for hydrogen-powered combustion engines that produce only water from the tailpipe. While this technology is similar to traditional cars, careful storage of liquid hydrogen is required, resulting in necessary investment before it can become viable.
While the future of alternative fuel technologies in the automobile industry is uncertain, it is clear that efforts are being made towards developing environmentally-friendly cars. One potential solution involves producing hydrogen from renewable sources such as wind and solar power to create a truly ecologically-neutral vehicle. These steps towards sustainability represent a positive development for the future of our planet and the automobile industry alike, particularly given concerns over dwindling fossil fuel reserves and environmental impact.
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