As gas prices continue to rise with no end in sight, it causes the argument of whether we should try substituting alternative fuels instead of gasoline. Alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, vegetable oil, and non-fossil natural gas are substances that can be used in place of current conventional fuels, which include petroleum, propane, and natural gas. They are often less harsh on our environment than typical fuels from gasoline-fueled vehicles. While they haven’t gained popularity the way gasoline has, alternative fuels have become viable options that can be used as sources of fuel in our future.

Biodiesel is produced using various vegetable oils and animal fats. It is actually already being used in some vehicles. Biodiesel is actually biodegradable and nontoxic, which makes it much safer and gentler on our environment. It reduces greenhouse gas emissions and is even better for vehicles than diesel fuel or gasoline. On the negative side, similar to gasoline prices, biodiesel prices tend to fluctuate frequently and recently have had the same or an even higher priced average than that of gasoline.

Natural gas is made up of a mixture of hydrocarbons, such as methane, ethane, propane, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor through an extraction process from oil wells and gas. It is already used as a source of energy for residential homes or businesses. Natural gas is also nontoxic, non-carcinogenic, and non-corrosive, posing no danger to soil or water sources. Since the current supply of natural gas is mainly produced in the United States, it is a type of alternative fuel that is readily available as soon as it is needed. When natural gas is blended with hydrogen, it easily leans toward becoming the type of fuel source we can see regularly used in the future.

It is clear that right now, there is not enough demand in order for alternative fuels to take the place of gasoline. While they are better for our environment, at this point, they aren’t exactly any cheaper than what we are already paying for gasoline. This could easily be an option the country turns to one day, or in case of some sort of oil catastrophe and shortage, but they are not likely to take over anytime in our immediate future. On the bright side, at least alternative fuels are proving to be viable options that can potentially be turned to in times of need or when gasoline is no longer an option.

The main question we can ask is: “Is this even a possibility?” The answer is not totally clear. Imagine a world without traditional gas stations on every single corner? Imagine the money that would be lost in harvesting and selling these fuels? There are so many financial ties to big oil and the government. The reality is that for this to happen the whole world (literally) would have to change. A new market would be created, but one would almost all but shut down. Herein lies the potential pitfalls of such a global switch.

Author Bio: Lexus Long Island specializes in new and used Lexus car sales, certified Lexus service/parts and useful information regarding Lexus vehicles. Lexus of Smithtown is located in Long Island, New York.

Category: Automotive
Keywords: