Introduction

This article describes the alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) technologies on the market right now--how they work, what cost savings they offer, and maintenance issues. Each vehicle type is followed by links to more information:

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV)
Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles
Electric vehicles (EV)
Flexible fuel vehicles (FFV)
Tax incentives for AFV purchases

Why use alternative fuels?

Alternative fuel center in Minneapolis, Minnesota Alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) are an attractive money-saving option for drivers. More important, vehicle emission pollution is a health and environmental hazard that threatens generations to come.

The time is right for alternative fuel vehicles!

The technology has matured, and it's time to switch. Alternative fuels include electricity, ethanol, natural gas, propane, methanol and gasoline blends (M85), biodiesel, and hydrogen. Any of these choices reduces our dependency on foreign fuels and increases air quality.

According to Automotive Counseling and Publishing (2004), "nationwide registrations for new hybrid vehicles rose to 83,153 in 2004, an 81% increase over 2003, according to R. L. Polk & Co. Since their introduction in 2000, hybrid sales are up more than 960% but represent a small percentage of the 16.8 million vehicles sold in the US during 2004."

Which one is right for me?

There's an alternative fuel system that will fit your driving habits. I urge you to take some time to analyze your yearly driving habits, budget, and environmental opinions before committing to a AFV type. Then match your habits to each AFV type that I describe in the sections below.

In general, urban drivers who make only a few long-distance trips each year can buy electric- or natural gas-fueled vehicles. Honda Inisght hybrid car Those who make frequent long distance trips should consider flexible fuel or hybrid vehicles. For most two-car urban families, having one electric vehicle and one other AFV may be a good option.

At right, the Honda Insight hybrid.

Check around the area in which you drive to see what alternative fuels are available. Asking managers "when will alternative fuels will be available?" shows them that the demand is there.

Hybrid vehicles

The two major offerings in hybrids are the Honda Civic and the Toyota Prius, although more hybrids are being announced every month, even in the SUV class. They all take separate approaches to manufacturing their cars, but the end result is the same: they use less gasoline, but still contribute to air pollution.

Hybrids use two power sources to propel the car, one gas engine and one electric motor. During braking and idle conditions the gas engine is shut down. They also use regenerative braking to recover lost braking energy. This is accomplished by reversing the current to the electric motor and directing the collected electricity back into the battery pack.

This blending of technologies effectively increases city gas mileage by sacrificing highway mileage. Yes, that's right--unlike a normal gasoline car that gets better mileage cruising on the highway, hybrids get better mileage in the city instead when they use electric power. The fuel economy numbers are inverted !

How they work:

Parallel hybrid -- Designed for personal use in daily commuter road traffic, the most complicated type of HEV drive system is also the most fuel efficient. The internal combustion engine (ICE) and the electric motor are both connected to the wheels and used for propulsion. Through sophisticated software and mechanical control systems, the engines are used one at a time or blended together for the best possible fuel efficiency. System complexity leads to service and repair issues. At this time the popular hybrid car types are this kind.

Series hybrid -- The simplest design, where only the electric motor is used for propulsion, the gas engine is connected to a generator only and not mechanically connected to the wheels. This system is used for short-range specialty vehicles or in industrial heavy equipment. While simple and durable this type of drive system is not as fuel efficient as a parallel system, but holds great promise when combined with the hydrogen fuel cell technology of the future.

Plug-in -- Home recharging systems call for a larger battery pack that is recharged with the car parked. This is identical to the self-contained (parallel) hybrids currently available with the additional ability to run for 20 to 60 miles on only the electric motor, then falling back on the gas engine for further range if needed. This is a huge step in the right direction and promises great personal mobility while radically reducing gasoline consumption.

I recommend holding off on that new HEV purchase as I believe the next generation HEV plug-ins are worth waiting for. In order to further this cause, we should start asking for and even demanding that the next generation of HEVs adopts this goal of "save the gas for last."

Cost savings? Yes and No...

1. First, only urban driving habits take full advantage of the savings made possible by the inverted city-highway mileage numbers that are the main benefit of this vehicle type. Remember, the electric mode of the hybrid only kicks in during stop-and-go conditions.

2. Battery packs must be replaced. Any gasoline savings in hybrid cars may be cancelled out by the battery pack replacement as part of normal use. It has been my understanding that battery packs would not be covered under warranty as they are considered "fuel." Battery packs cost approximately $1800 to $2500 (depending on market pressures) and last about 80,000 miles. It is possible that some companies may provide a warranty replacement for the first battery pack only.

I urge you to ask about battery packs BEFORE purchasing your hybrid vehicle. Ask specifically if it can be recharged by "plugging in." I have not done the math myself, but I have read that it may take as much as 200,000 miles of HEV operation to recoup the initial investment through fuel cost savings. What is not clear at this time is how many expensive battery packs it will take to GO that far.

3. Repairs. Technicians need an entirely new level of knowledge and skill sets to diagnose and repair hybrids because of the new higher voltage present in the Honda Accord hybrid interior electric drive and completely new power deployment strategies. For these first few years, technicians are unfamiliar with the technology and naturally will take longer to diagnose and fix any problems. As always, new model parts cost more.

4. Finally, hybrids are now sold at a loss in order to encourage acceptance by the public, so you will absorb the depreciation and promotion costs during this beta-testing phase. Before you invest heavily in a high-maintenance hybrid car, keep in mind that the AFV car market is expanding rapidly, and hybrid car technology will eventually be abandoned as zero emission alternatives become mainstream--and we finally move away from burning any gasoline.

Maintenance issues: In general, maintenance issues in hybrids are:

Hybrids are NOT maintenance free. In fact, they have all of the same and MORE maintenance needs as do gasoline cars because they combine the old gasoline problems WITH new electric problems. Some models, such as the Toyota Prius, have significant maintenance issues while other makes are more reliable (see next section).
The hybrid engine technology is new and difficult to repair. At general repair shops, the technician training is far behind the demand and only a talented few will even attempt it. With a new car warranty, you are tied to the dealer whether they are up-to-speed or not.
In case of an accident, hybrid cars are much more likely to be totaled because of very high parts prices and repair costs. This happens during all innovation periods.
If the hybrid car's battery goes dead it can't be jump-started with a pair of cables in the trunk. Yes, the gas engine will still start, run and move the vehicle while spinning the electric motor-generator in an attempt to recharge the battery pack, but it will use gasoline during the whole recharge attempt if it is programmed to do so.

Toyota Prius maintenance issues:

Since 2001, I have studied the new hybrid Honda Civic and Toyota Prius systems. I predicted that the Prius would suffer from too many maintenance problems, but that the Civic would emerge as a better buy because of its durability. Both predictions have come true. The Prius system was a big leap upwards to the highest system Toyota Prius hybrid car voltage that engineers thought would be usable in the field.

A voluntary recall is in effect for all 2004-2005 Prius models sold worldwide (160,000+ cars). The problem involves the computer and an intermittent stalling of the gas portion of the engine that leaves the driver with only the electric motor for power and movement. The fix involves a software patch to remedy the technical difficulty of controlling a needlessly complicated drive train.

By comparison, the Civic has no recalls as yet, and only the routine number of service bulletins of any modern car. The Civic also used a more modest approach by starting with a lower voltage system - leaving room for future improvements.

It's just my long-time technical experience that leads me to expect more technical service bulletins (TSB) and recalls for the Prius. An average new car does not have a recall of this scope over something as simple as software, so I conclude that it was Toyota's rush to market in a heated competition with Honda that led to this mistake.

Hybrid Links:

Compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles

Honda Civic GX runs on CNG CNG (compressed natural gas) cars use the same household fuel that is used by kitchen stoves and clothes dryers. CNG or propane is used in passenger vehicles, taxicabs, and medium-duty delivery trucks.

The CNG-powered Honda Civic GX is pictured at right, and heavy-duty trucks such as the Chevy Silverado and the GMC Sierra also can run on CNG. Most vehicles can be fitted with aftermarket conversion kits. Some vehicles can even have two fuel systems, one for gasoline and one for CNG, but they run somewhat less efficiently due to the added weight of the conversion.

CNG gives you the benefit of 100+ mile range driving, hauling capacity, and good fueling availability. If you want a near-zero emissions vehicle--the benefits of CNG are extraordinary and should be investigated.

The Clear Air Act requires that municipalities with the worst air quality must switch to CNG or other alternative fuels, and encourages all others to switch anyway. Because of this, fueling stations for CNG are becoming plentiful as more municipalities and companies make the switch. Watch for them.

How they work:

The CNG gas is stored under high pressure in cylinders, much like a propane tank for your home or grill. The gas flows through a regulator valve to reduce pressure and then injected into the intake manifold through a spray bar. The flow is electronically controlled to match the engine load. In the manifold, the gas is mixed with air and then is drawn into the engine cylinders, ignited by the spark plugs, and burned. The exhaust gases (nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and some carbon monoxide) from the engine cylinders passes through a 3-way catalytic converter in the muffler where it is purified before being discharged into the air.

CNG has become a very popular fuel for commercial taxis and delivery vans fleets, and many gas stations are adding on lucrative CNG pumps. A "quick fill" system can fuel a vehicle in five minutes, similar to the time it takes to fuel a vehicle with gasoline.

If you are concerned about fuel tank accidents, know that the technology for making CNG cylinders (tanks) is well known and mature. In the event of a vehicle collision, CNG fuel tanks are much stronger and safer than either diesel or gasoline fuel tanks. Also, if a leak occurs, natural gas rises into the air and spreads away from the car instead of pooling under the crash site like gasoline.

CNG engines experience a minor power reduction, about 7-10%, because the intake air is slightly displaced by the fuel vapor. However, they do not experience the sudden power loss that hybrid fuel vehicles can have under certain conditions.

Cost savings? YES.

CNG fuel runs about 65 cents lower than conventional gasoline prices. It's a safe fuel that can be quickly refilled at any CNG fuel station or slowly refilled from a home by a unit that uses the existing gas line in your home (as in the photo below of a home CNG refueling port refilling a Honda Civic GX).

Conversion kits cost about $4,000 but are subject to the same tax breaks of other AFVs.

Maintenance issues:

CNG systems are easily repairable, similar to a gasoline engine, because they are gasoline engines that have been modified to accept a different fuel. The cars are otherwise identical to what we already own and operate.
Ask for a technician that has been certified by the ASE for "Light Vehicle Compressed Natural Gas" repair.
Aftermarket conversion kits should have quality parts, good warranties and be installed by an experienced technician. Some kit manufacturers have been designated as Qualified Vehicle Modifiers (QVM) by your car's original manufacturer. Ask about this.
CNG engines have a very long life due to the purity of the fuel source and naturally low emissions after combustion. Original emissions devices remain in place, and you should contact your state's environmental agency to see what emissions rules apply to CNG conversions.
The tanks that hold CNG fuel are strong and pressurized, but require periodic inspection and certification by a licensed inspector. You can easily find a list of these by contacting your state's department of agriculture, energy, or transportation. Keep the inspection certificate in your car.

CNG Links:

Electric vehicles

AC Propulsion's tzero electric car The best gas mileage of all is ZERO. I believe the future of personal transportation is going to be full electric. Electric cars are very quiet and are classified as zero emission vehicles (ZEV). Electric vehicles have been around since the early 1900s, when there were more electric vehicles than gasoline-powered cars. However, availability of passenger EVs has been largely suppressed by automobile and oil company political pressures.

Commuter Cars Tango T600 electric vehicle Many local governments are switching to AFVs to reduce taxpayer costs and improve air quality. EV acceptance in Europe in much higher than in the U.S. Newer urban buses and trains frequently use electric power or hybrid drives to reduce noise and eliminate diesel exhaust, a major pollutant.

EV photos (top): a yellow AC Propulsion tzero EV, a blue Commuter Cars Tango T600 EV

EVs have neck-snapping acceleration because, unlike gas engines which must rev-up mechanically to deliver full power, electric motors by their nature are capable of full horsepower from the moment it begins to spin.

Electric cars don't do long hauls—but driving 100 miles on a 3-5 hour charge cycle is normally more than enough for everyday urban driving habits.

Some electric cars, such as the Dynasty IT Sport pictured at right, are designated as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV) or low-speed vehicles (LSV). They are rated to be driven in town but not on highways because NEVs operate under 35 mph and have different features.

Other EVs are high performance normal looking luxury cars and SUVs capable of keeping up in traffic. Although not in full scale production just yet, this segment of the industry has been in place since the 60s and now waiting patiently for public interest and support.

How electric cars work:

Electric vehicles (EV) use energy stored in the batteries that is converted into rotating energy or torque on a single rotating element. Using a manual or automatic transmission, torque is transmitted from the motor to the car wheels, the same as gasoline vehicles. To reverse direction, the flow of electricity is reversed which changes the rotation direction of the motor and the wheels. This electric motor process is similar to the appliances and devices we've had in our homes and offices for years, like a golf cart, a blender or a hard drive.

Most electric cars use a dynamic, or regenerative, braking system. When drivers coast or step on the brake pedal, the EV's motor becomes a generator that sends electricity back to the battery. Operating equipment, such as headlights and computers, and car accessories, such as an air conditioner or audio equipment, will draw electricity as normal.

EVs use 16-24 specially-designed 6 volt batteries that are wired together in series to produce between 96-144 volts. The batteries are "refueled" by plugging a power cable into the car's tzero recharging dock recharging dock for 3-10 hours, depending on the car's voltage rating and the level of depletion. The dock has either a standard or conductive receptacle and has features that let you safely recharge in rain or snow. Batteries are also used to balance the center of gravity by being placed low in the vehicle. For electric vehicles, development of new battery technology is the key to improving range.

The only obstacle to public acceptance presently is the lack of available mileage range or size and styling issues. However, new products are released every year and research continues in earnest to solve these shortcomings.

Cost savings? YES.

Dramatic savings and outstanding environmental advantages are present with fully electric cars. Electricity is cheaper by the energy unit than all other forms of available energy and with the use of a solar panel for recharging on days off when you don't drive the energy is free. An electric car will pay for itself faster than other types of AFVs.

Second, both federal and State of Colorado income tax credits are available. On your federal taxes, purchasers of electric vehicles can get a $4,000 credit (see Form 8834). The Colorado Department of Revenue's credit is only available in the year during which the vehicle was purchased or converted, and a vehicle can qualify for this credit only one time. For an AFV purchase or conversion that permanently replaces a motor vehicle or power source that is ten or more years old , the percentage is doubled, up to a maximum of 100% of the incremental or conversion cost.

Maintenance issues with electric vehicles:

Tango interior seats 2 Like hybrids, full electric vehicles require battery pack changes about every 40,000 miles or 2-3 years and cost between $1,800 and $3,000. However, EVs have none of the gasoline engine maintenance that a hybrid will still endure.

Battery depletion and range depends on the rating of your vehicle, tire performance, and driving habits.

EVs will need tires replaced and other parts will require maintenance, such as axles, brakes, and power accessories, but the lack of complicated hydraulic and cooling systems will create an immediate savings.

Maintenance should be discussed with the manufacturer when you buy.

Some drivers worry about safety. Electric cars rated for highway travel must meet the same safety and crashworthy specifications as gasoline vehicles. Also, unlike a gasoline car's battery, EV battery packs do not use the chassis as a ground and thus cannot produce shocks when touching a damaged car's sheetmetal.

Electric Links:

http://www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/altfuel/electricity.html
List of available NEVs
Electric Drive Transportation Association
GM's EV-1, a popular but out-of-production EV
California's zero emissions vehicle program
High efficiency motors can be seen at wavecrest.com

Flexible fuel vehicles

Flexible-fuel vehicles (FFV) have a single fuel tank, fuel system, and engine but are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline PLUS an bio-fuel (either ethanol or methanol). The common mixtures are E85, an 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline fuel and M85, using 85% methanol.

Bio-fuels are made by converting grain to ethanol which helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels. FFVs that use ethanol blends or biodiesel emit 25 percent less carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide pollution, but may increase other types of pollution. On-going study of the long range emissions implications should reveal the true impact.

How flex-fuels cars work: The FFV's extra fuel sensor monitors the higher oxygen levels in the E85 fuel mixture and adjusts the timing and fuel flow as you drive. Vehicle parts that are in contact with the biofuel, such as the tank, lines, and injectors, are upgraded, and the car's computer is changed to match the fuel used.

While all cars and trucks in the U.S. can operate on 10% biofuel, some vehicles are already up to 85% FFV-compatible--check a list here to see if yours is one of them.

There are no conversion kits to change unleaded gasoline vehicles to FFVs due to stringent EPA regulations.

Maintenance issues with flex-fuel vehicles:

Alcohol in flex fuels is corrosive to standard 90-100% gasoline car parts. Do NOT put E85 fuel into a standard car. But you can run regular gasoline on occasion in a FFV if you can't find E85 or M85.
Some manufacturers require either synthetic motor oil or special oil when running a flex fuel vehicle. Check your vehicle specifications.
If you drive a turbo-charged engine and use biofuel mixtures, your fuel economy may not be as wished and you may have maintenance issues to monitor. Ask your technician.

Flex fuel links:

Tax breaks and other incentives

To encourage your switch to alternative fuel vehicles that reduce gasoline consumption and pollution, state and federal governments have tax incentives in place right now.

Electric cars get the highest tax breaks right now. In some states, ethanol and gas blends are promoted by lower fuel taxes and other incentives. On your 2004 federal taxes, purchasers of electric vehicles can get a $4,000 credit (see Form 8834). The IRS also states that the original purchaser of a qualifying hybrid gas-electric car may deduct $2,000 for the year the vehicle is first used, if that year is before 2006. In 2006, the deduction is scheduled to drop to $500. Find out more at the IRS webpage for these credits.

National legislation was passed in July 2005 to encourage fuel efficiency. Read a summary of how this impacts consumers and businesses here.

Denver metro incentives

AFV drivers can get a free CDOT permit to drive your single-occupancy AFV in Denver metro HOV lanes (or check your state for a similar program).

Furthermore, Colorado offers incentives for drivers to purchase AFV cars. A one-time income tax credit up to 85% is available from the Colorado Department of Revenue for the incremental cost of purchasing an HEV or for the conversion of a vehicle to operate using an alternative fuel. After 2010, this tax credit is reduced somewhat.

For an AFV purchase or conversion that permanently replaces a motor vehicle or power source that is ten or more years old, the percentage is doubled, up to a maximum of 100% of the incremental or conversion cost.

General AFV Links

Link to Alternative fuels data center >

Current price comparisons for alternative fuels at the DoE >

Link to Commuter Choice website >

Link to Fuel economy guides >

Directory of Alternative Fuels and Vehicles >

Other ways to reduce fuel costs >

Posted on 8 January 2006
Article by Norris Schleeter and Melanie McCalmont

Disclaimer

Second Opinion is committed to consumer advocacy by delivering insider information based on historical field service and technical research. I am not a journalist with "auto section" writing duties. I get no money by publishing this information. I just offer my extensive 20+ year insider information to help you save hundreds of dollars on your transportation expenses--and to stay safe.