Alternative Fuel

Alternative fuel may be your answer to combating the rising price of gasoline.

All of us have gotten so used to having gasoline available (and any fossil fuels for that matter) in our daily lives, that we have almost taken fossil fuels for granted. (That is, we will until they start becoming scarce or harder to acquire).

Alternative fuel is, very simply, a fuel that is alternative to what we normally use on a daily basis (mainly conventional or fossil fuels).

Since most of the world is so dependent on fossil fuels for energy and transportation, most of us in the more developed countries are starting to realize just how limited those fossil fuels really are.

OPEC and oil-producing countries also contribute to that rising price (as does increased demand) by controlling and limiting production.

As we continue to see rising gasoline prices and shortages, it seems more and more frustrating not knowing what other fuels are available, or what is being researched. It's also very frustrating not knowing how to acquire these fuels or how to start using them instead of gasoline.

We understand this frustration all too well.
So, what is the answer?

Here is a list of the other fuels that are currently available, as well as those fuels being researched for future use:

Biodiesel - Biodiesel is a fuel that is typically made from plant oil or animal fat. It is cheaper to make and can be used in ordinary diesel engines and has very little carbon emissions. Click here to learn more about biodiesel and how you can make it at home in your own garage.

Methanol - Similar to ethanol, this fuel has some hazardous properties, but could potentially be an alternative to using gasoline, or as a gasoline additive.

Ethanol - Basically ethyl alcohol, this fuel can be produced from fermenting corn, sugar cane, and other plant substances into a liquid form. Click here to learn more about ethanol and how it is made.

Electric Power - Electric power has long been the dream for transportation and powering our vehicles. See what is currently available and peer into the future of electric vehicles.

Hydrogen - When hydrogen is used as a fuel, it creates no emissions, and is converted directly back into water. If hydrogen can be utilized (and set up for use) in our vehicles, the future of this alternative fuel is almost infinite.

Natural Gas - Natural gas is found when drilling for petroleum. This gas is being examined for possible fuel properties, as it too creates very little carbon emissions, and has (until very recently) been considered a waste product in the industry. Learning how to use natural gas effectively could show promise.

HHO Product Review - You can run your car on water, supplemental to gasoline, to increase your car's fuel efficiency and reduce your fuel costs significantly. Our easy conversion guides will show you how to use electricity from your car's battery to separate water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen), and save up to 40% on fuel.

What is a Fuel?

The simple definition of a "fuel" is something that typically can be burned to extract, or create, energy.

It's well known that some substances burn well and others do not. Wood, grass, and alcohols burn well. Things like water, salt, and stone do NOT burn well.

A fuel is any material that is capable of releasing energy when its chemical or physical structure is altered. A substance becomes a fuel when it can be used in combustion. Combustion needs 3 things:

1.) Oxygen - Oxygen has to be present for a fuel to burn and release energy.

2.) Heat - Heat, usually from the burning process, is needed to convert the fuel to another state.

3.) Fuel - The fuel itself is needed for combustion to take place. This fuel is usually converted to some other state (usually carbon and oxygen) after burning.

If the material or substance can be used in the combustion process, it is considered to be a "fuel".

Why is Alternative Fuel Important?

When considering how much we currently use fossil fuels (gasoline, oil, coal, etc.), we also have to take some other factors into consideration.

Presently, the more developed countries of the world use fossil fuels in every facet of everyday life. Fossil fuels are not only used in transportation, but in manufacturing, infrastructure, health care, communications, and many other ordinary little ways that most of us tend to forget about in our daily routines.

Why do we need to begin using, or seriously considering alternative fuel?

Well, according to the U.S. Department of Energy in 2004, it is estimated that we could potentially run out of fossil fuels sometime within the next one hundred years.

These are best estimates, of course, but these estimates are based on the CURRENT rate of usage and do not take population growth into account (which is expected to explode in the next 50-100 years).

For more on fuel statistics visit our fuel statistics page to see the latest facts and figures..

Consider the Cost

Here are the most up-to-date, average prices for gasoline in each state in the U.S.:

Gasoline Prices

Two other major side-effects of fossil fuel usage are:

Global Pollution - Greenhouse gas emissions caused by the burning of fossil fuels are starting to show some effects on overall global warming. We don't know how badly this global warming trend has been affected by fossil fuel usage, but it may be worse than first suspected.

Political Implications - As fossil fuel usage increases, political, military, financial, and social tremors are being seen more and more, as the more developed countries have to rely on oil-producing countries for their well-being.

Using, or switching to alternative fuel seems to be THE short-term (and possibly permanent) answer to the fossil fuel crisis that looms on the horizon. But, only time will tell...

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