Consider the Alternatives: By Pierre Schexneider M. Ed.
Alternative Fueled Vehicles and Alternative Vehicle Fuels
Driving a car fueled by something other than gasoline or diesel
fuel is no longer the stuff of science fiction. In addition to
conventional gasoline and diesel fuel, reformulated - cleaner -
gasoline and alternative fuels now are sold in many parts of the
country. Alternative fuels such as methanol, ethanol, compressed
natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and electricity produce
fewer tail pipe pollutants than conventional gasoline and diesel
fuel. Using them could improve our air quality.
In 1992, Congress passed the Energy Policy Act to promote the
use of alternative fuels. For example, the law requires owners
of fleet vehicles to purchase a certain number of alternative
fueled vehicles. Congress also directed the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC) to issue labeling requirements for alternative
fuels and alternative fueled vehicles. Two FTC Rules - the
Alternative Fuels and Vehicles (AFV) Rule and the Fuel Rating
Rule - require fuel dispensers and alternative fueled vehicles
to be labeled with information to help consumers make
knowledgeable decisions when it comes to filling up or buying a
vehicle. The AFV Rule applies to new and used alternative fueled
vehicles that are sold to consumers or leased to consumers for a
minimum of 120 days. This Article explains the labels you'll see
on alternative fueled vehicles and alternative fuel dispensers,
and suggests several important factors to consider as you
investigate the options.
Alternative Fueled Vehicles:
AFVs are vehicles that operate on alternative fuels, such as
methanol, ethanol, compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum
gas, electricity, and others designated by the U.S. Department
of Energy. Some AFVs can run on conventional fuels, such as
gasoline, and alternative fuels. They are called dual-fueled
vehicles.
The required labels must be placed in plain view on the surface
of all new and used AFVs. The labels on new AFVs must include
the vehicle's cruising range as estimated by the manufacturer
and its environmental impact, as well as general descriptive
information. It's important to know how many miles your new AFV
will travel on a supply of fuel because, gallon for gallon, some
AFVs don't travel as far as gasoline-powered vehicles. The
label's description of the Environmental Protection Agency's
(EPA) emission standard for the vehicle tells you to what extent
the vehicle produces emissions. If a vehicle meets an EPA
emissions standard, a box on the label will be marked and a
caret (^) will be placed above the particular vehicle's
certification standard. The label shows the levels of emissions
standards in a series of boxes that range from a "Tier l"
vehicle - one with more emissions - to a "ZEV" - a zero
emissions vehicle. The labels on new and used AFVs also advise
consumers to consider the following items before buying or
leasing an AFV.
Fuel type. Ask what kind of fuel powers the vehicle.
Operating costs. Fuel and maintenance costs for AFVs may differ
from gasoline or diesel-fueled vehicles.
Performance/convenience. Vehicles powered by different fuels
vary in their ability to start when they are cold; their
acceleration rates; the time it takes to completely refill the
vehicle's tank; and how they are refueled.
Fuel availability. Find out whether refueling or recharging
facilities are available in your area for the fuel the vehicle
uses.
Energy security/renewability. Consider where and how the fuel
powering the vehicle is produced so you can anticipate long-term
fuel availability at a reasonable price.
These labels also must include additional sources of information
from the federal government: The Department of Energy maintains
a toll-free National Alternative Fuels Hotline to answer
questions about alternative fuels, give information about the
availability of alternative fuels in a particular area, and
suggest more sources of information about alternative fuels and
alternative fueled vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration's toll-free hotline offers information about
safety related automobile issues.
In addition, because all vehicles affect the environment
directly (tailpipe emissions) and indirectly (how the fuel is
produced and brought to market), the labels on used AFVs advise
consumers to compare the environmental costs of driving an AFV
to driving a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Alternative Fuels: Among the fuels covered by the Fuel Rating
Rule and the Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Rule are methanol,
ethanol, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gases, hydrogen, coal
derived liquid fuels, and electricity. For example, methanol is
an odorless, clear liquid produced from natural gas, coal, or
biomass resources, such as crop and forest residues. It usually
is sold as a blend of 85 percent methanol and 15 percent
gasoline. Ethanol, a liquid produced from grain or agricultural
waste, usually is sold as a blend of 85 percent denatured
ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The labels for these fuels are
orange to distinguish them from gasoline octane labels, which
are yellow. They must be placed on the fuel dispenser so that
they are fully visible to consumers.
Gasoline labels tell you the octane rating. Alternative fuel
labels describe the fuel and its principal component(s). The
rating for an alternative fuel - other than electricity - is the
commonly used name of the fuel and the amount of its principal
component, expressed as a minimum percentage. For electric
vehicle fuel dispensing systems, the fuel rating is a common
identifier - such as electricity - and the system's kilowatt
capacity, voltage, whether the voltage is alternating or direct
current, amperage, and whether the system is conductive or
inductive.
Consider the Alternatives: Why consider switching to alternative
fueled vehicles or alternative fuels? According to the
Department of Energy, emissions from the 200 million cars and
trucks on U.S. roads - mostly hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and
carbon monoxide - account for about 50 percent of all air
pollution and more than 80 percent of urban air pollution.
Driving alternative fueled vehicles could reduce the level of
vehicle emissions, and choosing domestically produced
alternative fuels - instead of imported oil - could help reduce
the trade deficit, create jobs, and promote economic activity.
At the same time, you should be aware that some alternative
fuels have a lower energy content than gasoline. On a gallon for
gallon basis, some do not allow consumers to travel as many
miles as they could in a vehicle powered with gasoline or diesel
fuel. In addition, an AFV may cost more than a comparable
gasoline-powered vehicle.
The good news is that you can help reduce pollution from vehicle
emissions even if you don't choose an AFV or alternative fuel.
If you live or work in an area where air pollution is a
continuing problem, you may be able to find reformulated
gasoline at local service stations. Reformulated gasoline is
conventional gasoline with added oxygen. It burns more cleanly
than conventional gasoline. It is required in areas with the
most serious levels of ozone air pollution and is being used by
choice in others.
For Information on gas saving tips visit:
About the author:
Pierre Schexneider is president of The Schexneider Group, LLC an
E-commerce consulting business. As a consultant his research
abilities have afforded him many opportunities to expand his
knowledge base. For gas saving tips please visit:
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