There are buzzwords related to automotive industry and they can be hard to understand for average car owners. However, enthusiasts should be keen to discuss about exciting new technologies in the market. One topic that is often discussed is alternative fuels and this should help us to explore new possibilities. In general, we should know how much energy is needed to proper a car. Many car owners are enthusiastic about powering their cars with renewable fuel sources. However, we should be aware that there are variables that we need to consider.
In general, the easiest transition to alternative fuel usages is by purchasing brand new hybrid cars. There are many models in the market that we could purchase today, including the ever popular Toyota Prius, with its combined electric motor and petrol engine configuration. If we want a much cleaner model, we could purchase completely electric cars that use only battery power. They have no harmful gas exhaust and very quiet. However, we should be aware that electric cars are suitable for long-distance travels and it could be costly to replace the battery every few years.
Obviously, we should be aware of one real drawback of electric vehicles with plug-in system. However, we should be aware that much of our electricity is still generated by fossil fuel, such as coal. In this case, we merely relocate the carbon emission to different places and this won’t have any significant effect our effort to save the Earth. Overall, the aim is to convert the chemical energy into kinetic energy. Electric cars are based on Lithium ion technology, which is appreciated for its performance and range. Compared to NiMH packs, Lithium ion has higher power density.
Ethanol should be considered as bio-fuel and it is produced from various plants, such as rapeseed. However, these plants are typically considered as less efficient ways to produce fuel. It would require us to plant many acres to fulfil the needs of the entire world. However, there have been advances made to make non-fossil fuels more suitable for today’s usages. If we have diesel engine, we should consult with local experts about things we could do to modify our car. However, we should consider the overall investment needed and whether bio-diesel is available in enough quantity in our area.
Lithium ion packs have been developed since 1990’s and the latest models are based on laminated, planar structure and manganese anodes. This system is obviously more effective that the usual cylindrical design. Laminated Lithium ion battery should be reasonably cost effective with good cooling performance and long life. The battery also has fewer components and the overall simplicity should reduce possibilities of malfunctions. The power capacity is also larger, about 150 percent more on average. The design also makes the Lithium ion battery more durable and it could be replaced after 100,000km or five years. Some cars are also equipped with brake regeneration system that recover some braking energy to the battery pack.