Alternative Fuel Vehicles

There are many alternative fuel vehicles available and there are companies working on developing even more. As we make the transition from a petroleum transportation system to alternatives, there will be many challenges. The biggest challenge may be changing the way we think about transpiration and changing our habits.

Certain newer gasoline vehicles are designed to run on up to 85% ethanol blend fuel (E85).*** All gasoline vehicles are capable of running on 10% blend ethanol (E10). Ethanol is derived from corn. Cellulosic ethanol is derived from corn stalks, small diameter trees, switch grass and other perennial grasses. A gallon of ethanol contains roughly 66% of the energy of a gallon of gasoline. In actual use, drivers can expect a fuel economy reduction of at least 15% relative to gasoline. E85 fueled vehicles produce lower greenhouse gas (carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide) and lower levels of ozone forming pollutants (nitrous oxides and volatile organic compounds). E10 reduces greenhouse gas emissions. However, it actually increases ozone emissions compared to a gasoline fueled vehicle. The energy and resources that are consumed throughout the agricultural process of "growing ethanol" are being considered and improved upon.

How do you know if your current vehicle is an E85 flexible fuel vehicle (FFV)? The answer is in the Vehicle Identification Number. First, look for your vehicle model and engine size in the listing below. If the model, engine size, and year of your vehicle is not on this list then it is not an FFV. For those that are on the list, the models from Chrysler, Ford/Mercury, General Motors, Isuzu, and Mazda will have the flex fuel identifier in the 8th digit of your vehicle's VIN. Models from Nissan will have the flex fuel identifier in the 4th digit. Models from Mercedes Benz have no correlating digit but all of the models listed in the chart built in the year indicated are FFVs.

National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition's Listing of FFVs (as of January 2008)
How to Read a Vehicle Identification Number

*** Johnson County currently has one public station equipped with an E85 pump located in Olathe at 800 N Ridgeview Road.

• There are not currently any commercial electric vehicles but there have been in the past.
• Electric vehicles themselves do not have emissions; however, actual electricity production is pollution intensive. Most electricity is derived from coal-fired power plants.
• Electric vehicles run on a battery that can be charged from home. They can run for 100-120 miles before needing to be recharged. The recharge takes several hours.
• The cost of fueling an electric vehicle versus a gasoline vehicle is significantly lower.

• Some vehicle engines are designed to run on natural gas or propane.
• The fuel is commercially available at many stations.
• Emissions compared to gasoline fueled vehicles are significantly lower.
• Propane and natural gas are not renewable resources

• Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant grease.
• It may require certain engine modifications to avoid maintenance and performance problems and may not be suitable for wintertime use.
• It is biodegradable and reduces air pollutants substantially compared to straight diesel fuel

• Fuel Cell Vehicles (FCV) are powered by electricity that is generated onboard through a process using hydrogen fuel and oxygen from the air.
• FCV fueled by hydrogen emit no pollutant; the only byproducts are water and heat. FCV can also be powered using hydrogen-rich fuels such as methanol, natural gas or even gasoline; however, these fuels emit small amounts of air pollution.
• There are some downfalls to the fuel cell:
  • The hydrogen must be stored in high-pressure tanks so safety standards are being developed.
  • While the vehicles are energy efficient, the hydrogen is difficult to store onboard. The tank can only currently carry enough to travel one third of the distance of a conventional gasoline vehicle.
  • Cold weather operation is a consideration because of the freezing element of the fuel cell's byproduct, water.
  • Convenience is an issue. There are no facilities currently compatible with the way our current filling stations operate. New facilities and systems will be required.
  • Finally, cost.