Air pollution has become a clear problem in Anchorage it has led to a demand for a reduction in air pollution. The Anchorage market is seeking the use of alternative fuel vehicles. There are various vehicle options depending on what fuels are available in the Eagle River area.
These vehicles have both advantages and disadvantages. Anchorage car owners should research and have more knowledge about them before purchasing a vehicle that uses alternative fuel.
Flex Fuel Vehicles
Flex fuel vehicles can run on gasoline or on a combination of both ethanol and gasoline. Ethanol is made from corn, so flex fuel vehicles lessen our dependency on fossil fuels. These vehicles have lower exhaust emissions than gasoline-powered vehicles which is less harmful. In Eagle River E85 is less expensive than regular gasoline.
Diesel
Diesel engines are common in Alaska and the great fuel economy is beneficial. Diesel fuel can be made from vegetable oil and other renewable sources. A diesel fuel made from algae will soon be on the market in Eagle River.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is less expensive than gasoline in Anchorage and burns more cleanly. There are special pumps that can be installed in a home gas line that can be used to fuel your vehicle. The disadvantage is the lower fuel efficiency and lack of refueling stating in Alaska.
Hydrogen
The appeal in using Hydrogen is that its exhaust is composed of water vapor. Hydrogen represents a clean-burning fuel. However hydrogen vehicles won’t come into widespread use until refueling stations become available here in Anchorage and throughout Alaska.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles are great for the environment. However the wont be widely used until research is done to improve battery life. They are easy to recharge, since they can be plugged in at home, but there are many researchers working on improving the battery technology in these vehicles.
Hybrids
Hybrids uses both gas and diesel engine and has an electric motor. They have become one of the most successful alternative fuel vehicles in Alaska. Full-hybrid vehicles rely on the electric motor for power, but the gas or diesel engine generates power for the battery. While it still consumes fossil fuels, it uses less of them than a standard automobile, and also reduces harmful pollutants. It also avoids the common issues all electric vehicles face.
There are numerous alternative fuel vehicles throughout the Eagle River area today, and more are now being developed.
