Fuel Options Other Than EV

The world right now is dependent on IC engines and moving toward shifting to EVs. In an environment where we emit gases like nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons and particulate matter due to the use of gasoline fuel.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel, biodegradable fuel manufactured from the domestic waste of vegetable oils, animal fat or recycled grease. Renewable diesel is also known as green diesel. It is an unblended form and sometimes to increase the performance in cold weather blending in biofuel happens and performs better. Using this fuel can increase energy security, improves air quality and the environment, and provides safety. Biodiesel improves fuel lubricity. It is safe to handle, store and transport.

Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from various plant materials collectively known as biomass. It is made of biomass feedstocks, which are transported to the production facility. Then feedstocks are converted into ethanol and then it is sent to fuel filling stations from where general people use it. It is a clear colourless liquid. The process of making ethanol does not require more energy than the amount of energy contained in the fuel itself.

Hydrogen is an alternative fuel that can be produced from diverse domestic resources. Hydrogen is abundant in our environment. It is found in water, hydrocarbons and other organic matter. The challenge in using hydrogen as a fuel is to extract it from these compounds is not much easy. Hydrogen is a zero-emission vehicle. It only emits water vapor and warm air. It is two to three times more effective than IC engines. Hydrogen has a low volumetric energy density. Ways of storing hydrogen are under development. Storing hydrogen is challenging because it requires high pressures, low temperatures, and chemical processes to be stored.

Natural gas such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a domestically produced gas at a low price and is commercially available. It is found in liquid form. LNG is produced by purifying the natural gas and super cooling it to 260 degrees Fahrenheit to turn it into liquid. Then the gas is cooled below its boiling point, removing all of the extraneous compounds found in the fuel. LNG is limited in the market because it has a high production cost as well as it is needed to store in an expensive cryogenic tank. It is kept at a cold temperature and double-walled, vacuum-insulated pressure vessels. LNG is used in medium and heavy-duty vehicles.