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Alternative Fuel Options

The fuel burned by cars, SUVs and pickups is the source of the air pollution they generate. Alternatively-fueled vehicles can do a lot to help reduce emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Consider these alternative fuel options:

Ethanol (E85)

Most vehicles currently use a blend of traditional gasoline combined with about10 percent ethanol. However, if you own a flex fuel vehicle or FFV (PDF), (3pp, 513K, EPA 420-F-10-010, May 2010) you can fill your tank up with a fuel blend containing 85 percent ethanol.  Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from plants such as corn, sugar cane, and grasses, and can provide reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.  The availability of E85 is expanding rapidly, so be sure to look out for it at your local stations.

Biodiesel

If you own a newer model diesel truck from a standard pickup to a large, commercial truck biodiesel can most likely be used to run your vehicle. Like ethanol, biodiesel (PDF) (3pp, 110K, EPA 420-F-10-009, May 2010) is a renewable source of energy. It is an alternative fuel that is generated from vegetable oils and fats.

Electric Motors, Natural Gas and Propane

Many automobile manufacturers now offer hybrid vehicles that combine gasoline engines and electric motors. Pure electric vehicles are also starting to enter the market. Natural gas and propane are clean-burning alternatives that are frequently used in commercial or municipal vehicles, such as city buses, and may be found in some personal vehicles.

As development of alternative fuels continues, hydrogen fuel cells and other emerging technologies will broaden your fuel options.

Additional Choices that Reduce Pollution from Vehicles

In addition to using ethanol blends, biodiesel or other alternative fuels appropriate for your vehicle, there are other choices you can make to reduce your vehicle’s emissions.

How you drive, how well you maintain your car and how you fill up your car all affect the impact you have on the environment. Visit the Buy and Drive Smart page to learn more about these choices.

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