Jul 16, 2008 8:24 pm US/Eastern
Gas Prices Push Drivers To Alternative Fuels
CARROLL COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) ―
The skyrocketing cost of gas is forcing drivers to turn to alternative ways of filling up their tanks, but can those new gas sources really mean savings at the pump?
In the last 100 years, fuel for transportation has evolved from hay and water for horses and buggy to now more than $4 for a gallon of regular gas.
Gigi Barnett reports drivers say that's forcing many of them to look for alternative fuel sources.
Out of the tailpipes of most cars goes cash and ozone-harmful emissions, and drivers are trying to cut back on both.
But with gas locked at prices no one ever expected to pay, people are looking for alternatives.
"Fuel prices never been like this before," said truck driver Russell Seward.
Many people are going electric.
Back in 2004, about 56,000 electric cars were on U.S. highways. Today, that number has doubled to more than 100,000.
Even more popular than fully electric cars are hybrids.
"Hybrids are the big thing. That's really not an alternative fuel vehicle," said Ed Kriston, fuel specialist with AAA.
While you don't have to fill them as often, hybrids still need that $4 plus per gallon to get them going.
So many drivers are looking for gas alternatives, but they could cost you.
"The fuel itself does not have as much energy content as true gasoline does by itself. It's going to get less miles per gallon," said Kriston.
Right now, some gas alternatives are available for drivers. If the car has been modified, drivers can use:
- Ethanol
- Natural Gas
- Propane
- Biodiesel
Biodiesel is made of natural products like vegetable oils and soybeans.
"They'll drive 100 miles out of their way just so they can get this product and run it in their diesel vehicles," said John Hoffman, product specialist for Tevis Oil.
Hoffman says some drivers, especially truck drivers, are turning to biodiesel. It will cost more at the pump, but with cleaner emissions can save cash on maintenance.
"If you reduce the maintenance necessary on them and extend the number of miles you get, you are going to save money on the back end," said Hoffman.
So, several alternatives are already on the market, but the ultimate green is just around the corner.
"The hydrogen fuel cell is probably going to be the more popular in the next year or two," said Kriston. "It is a complete electric vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cell. This is a true zero emissions vehicle, which means the only thing coming out of the tail pipe is water vapor," said Kriston.
While they may be popular soon, these cars are still in the testing phase. Yet many drivers just aren't ready to make the switch.
"I don't want one. I'm a gas man and I'm going to keep it that way," said driver Gilbert Cochran.
Although many of the alternative gas sources are cheaper, cleaner and greener, experts say drivers will have to wait a few more years before they can pull up, fill up and pay up.
Electric cars are also gaining more popularity, but car makers like Honda are still testing them.
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