Check out our Top 10 List of Hybrids & Alt Fuelers for 2008
Clean Diesels - Biodiesel & Diesel
If it's a diesel, it's an alt fuel vehicle by default. Biodiesel blends can be used in any diesel engine; however, it's important to use the blends in accordance with the manufacturers’ specs. With more and more clean diesels coming on line, keep your eyes peeled for those ULSD pumps too. With fueling stations in all 50 states, it's getting easier and easier for diesels to go cleaner and greener.
Hybrids - Electric Vehicles
Hybrids are vehicles of mixed composition—basically, an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Commonly powered by a gasoline engine that generates its own electricity and stores it in an onboard battery, hybrids are a popular choice for awesome fuel economy and squeaky clean emissions.
Pure electrics offer zero emissions and plug directly into a standard AC outlet--while their range is limited, there are a selection of good choices available.
Flex-fuels - E85/Gasoline
If it's a flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) it can subsist on a diet of E85, gasoline or any percentage of the two. E85 is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, and burns cleaner than gasoline, contributing fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Natural Gas Vehicles
One of the cleanest burning fuels, natural gas is a common retrofit and fleet alt fuel. Although there are over 5 million vehicles worldwide powered by natural and compressed gas, in the United States there's currently only one production vehicle available that comes ready to fuel up at any CNG station--but that's not the only way to power up with CNG.
Propane Vehicles
Also known as liquefied propane gas (LPG), propane powers over 10 million vehicles worldwide, with 270,000 of them on the roadways of America. Find out if it's the fuel of choice for your set of wheels.
Fuel Cells & Hydrogen Vehicles
There are basically two ways to use hydrogen to power a vehicle—burning it in an engine or using it as an energy carrier for a fuel cell. While hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are in various states of development, there are a few that have actually hit the roads:
Check out our Top 10 List of Hybrids & Alt Fuelers for 2008