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In addition, because all vehicles affect
environment directly (tailpipe emissions) and indirectly (how fuel is produced and brought to market), labels on used AFVs advise consumers to compare environmental costs of driving an AFV to driving a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Alternative Fuels: Among fuels covered by Fuel Rating Rule and Alternative Fuels and Vehicles Rule are methanol, ethanol, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gases, hydrogen, coal derived liquid fuels, and electricity. For example, methanol is an odorless, clear liquid produced from natural gas, coal, or biomass resources, such as crop and forest residues. It usually is sold as a blend of 85 percent methanol and 15 percent gasoline. Ethanol, a liquid produced from grain or agricultural waste, usually is sold as a blend of 85 percent denatured ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. The labels for these fuels are orange to distinguish them from gasoline octane labels, which are yellow. They must be placed on fuel dispenser so that they are fully visible to consumers.
Gasoline labels tell you octane rating. Alternative fuel labels describe fuel and its principal component(s). The rating for an alternative fuel - other than electricity - is commonly used name of fuel and amount of its principal component, expressed as a minimum percentage. For electric vehicle fuel dispensing systems, fuel rating is a common identifier - such as electricity - and system's kilowatt capacity, voltage, whether voltage is alternating or direct current, amperage, and whether system is conductive or inductive.
Consider Alternatives: Why consider switching to alternative fueled vehicles or alternative fuels? According to Department of Energy, emissions from 200 million cars and trucks on U.S. roads - mostly hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide - account for about 50 percent of all air pollution and more than 80 percent of urban air pollution. Driving alternative fueled vehicles could reduce level of vehicle emissions, and choosing domestically produced alternative fuels - instead of imported oil - could help reduce trade deficit, create jobs, and promote economic activity. At same time, you should be aware that some alternative fuels have a lower energy content than gasoline. On a gallon for gallon basis, some do not allow consumers to travel as many miles as they could in a vehicle powered with gasoline or diesel fuel. In addition, an AFV may cost more than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.
The good news is that you can help reduce pollution from vehicle emissions even if you don't choose an AFV or alternative fuel. If you live or work in an area where air pollution is a continuing problem, you may be able to find reformulated gasoline at local service stations. Reformulated gasoline is conventional gasoline with added oxygen. It burns more cleanly than conventional gasoline. It is required in areas with most serious levels of ozone air pollution and is being used by choice in others.
For Information on gas saving tips visit:
How to Save on Gas
Pierre Schexneider is president of The Schexneider Group, LLC an E-commerce consulting business. As a consultant his research abilities have afforded him many opportunities to expand his knowledge base. For gas saving tips please visit:
How to Save on Gas
