Sustainable Fuels

Let’s face it… gasoline is efficient, but it is far from being a sustainable energy resource.  What is a sustainable energy resource? A sustainable energy resource is one that doesn’t take anything away from the environment. 

These sustainable fuels include: biofuel, ethanol, water, electricity and even manpower.  A detailed discussion about each of these fuels is provided below.

1. Biofuel

Biofuel is a sustainable fuel created from a process known as transesterification.  This is a process that creates a chemical reaction by combining methanol and sodium hydroxide. 

Such a reaction is necessary to get soybean oil to function as a fuel.  Once it gets to your car, it is more efficient because the oxygen content allows it to release less carbon into the air.  Yet, on the downside constantly using this type of sustainable fuel could more frequent filter changes.

2. Ethanol

Next on the list of sustainable fuels is ethanol.  Known as E85 when it fuel form, ethanol is usually combined with a small amount of gasoline, (around 15 percent). 

So, in terms of sustainable fuels, it’s not the best because it still uses gasoline.  But it can be a better alternative against non-sustainable fuels, because the oxygen content helps control carbon emission.

3. Water

That’s right… it is possible to use water as a sustainable fuel.  You don’t even need a hybrid car to this.  All that is required is the right setup, which you can create yourself if you’re mechanically inclined.  To guide you, there are a variety of “car on water” e-books, articles and videos available for download.

As far as the science behind it, basically through the special setup, the water breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen.  These gases then proceed to help power your car… just like any other type of fuel.  So, while it may sound impressive the chemistry behind it all is really simple.

4. Electricity

Electricity is a type of sustainable fuel that is often utilized in hybrid cars.  However, most of the name-brand hybrid cars will only use electricity as a partial fuel source, as you will still need some gas to run the car. 

But things are still sustainable because you won’t need to use as much gas.  Of course, if you would prefer to use electricity as a sole fuel source, you can opt to get a car that is 100% electric. 

Just keep in mind finding a completely electric car in the United States might be difficult if not impossible, since the main brand of electric car, (the EV1) was discontinued.  You would have to research new electric cars being made or find a used EV1.

5. Manpower

Why is manpower on the list of sustainable fuels?  It’s because while manpower isn’t technically a ‘fuel’ it is a sustainable option for getting around. 

Manpower is most often seen in bicycles, though interesting innovations are being created to allow for more widespread manpowered vehicles. 

An example is the Buscycle, which is a bus that works from every passenger peddling it along.  Yes, such a concept might seem a little strange, but who knows where that type of thinking could lead.