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With the high price of gasoline and concern for the environment, many motorists are considering alternative-powered vehicles for transportation. There are many such vehicles now available. At the ACT Expo in Dallas to be held May 4-7, 2015, more than 200 exhibitors will display clean transportation solutions, including all types of alternative fuel – hybrid, electric, natural gas, hydrogen, propane autogas, and renewable fuels, according to the ACT Expo website.
Although we all know that clean fuel is better than fossil fuel for the environment, consumers also have to consider the practicality and cost-effectiveness of alternative fuel transportation.
Electric Cars
The biggest benefit of electric cars is that there is no need to buy gasoline. There are also savings on maintenance, as electric cars do not need oil changes or expensive engine work that gasoline powered cars often require. Brakes wear more slowly on electric cars, as well.
Electric cars are inexpensive to buy, particularly when you factor in the tax credits. According to Autotrader, the federal tax credit is $7,500, and many states offer credits as well.
As for disadvantages, range anxiety – the fear of running out of juice when you are not near a charging station – is the number one problem with electric vehicles, according to Autotrader. Many drivers feel they need to install a charging station at home if they drive an electric vehicle, which detracts from the purchase cost savings. Batteries in electric vehicles are expected to last approximately a decade, and replacements costs can run well into the thousands, says Autotrader.
Although pure electric vehicles eliminate the use of gasoline, you still have to pay for electricity. Autotrader claims that most electric vehicle owners will not see additional cost of more than $20 per month on their electric bills.
Hybrid Cars
Hybrid cars have several benefits in addition to clean energy, lower fossil fuel dependence, and tax credits. They perform like normal cars. Their regenerative braking keeps the battery charged. They are fuel efficient because of their smaller engines and lighter weight, and they have higher resale values.
However, the disadvantages of hybrids are considerable. They have lower power output, poorer handling, higher centers of gravity, higher maintenance costs because of the complexity of the dual compulsion system, and high sticker prices. Hybrid versions of vehicle models can run $5,000 to $10,000 more than standard versions, according to Cars Direct.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
The U.S. Department of Energy says that hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have the potential to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower emissions that are contributing to climate change. Several challenges must be overcome, per the DOE, before these vehicles will be competitive.
Regardless of how our vehicles are powered, American motorists continue to have accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 32,719 people died and 2,313,000 were injured in traffic crashes in 2013.
If you have been injured in a car accident, consult with a knowledgeable car accident attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to file a claim for compensation for your injuries. At Goodman Acker Personal Injury Law Firm, they have 30 years of experience helping injured victims obtain the compensation they deserve.
Nik Donovic believes that what may be good for business today may negatively impact the environment tomorrow. He believes it's time to stop being selfish with the environment and start being sustainable.
