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Alternative Fuel Options

The fuel burned by cars, SUVs and pickups is the source of the air pollution they generate. Alternatively-fueled vehicles can do a lot to help reduce emissions, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Consider these alternative fuel options:

Ethanol

Ethanol is produced from crops such as corn, sugar beets or grasses and can be burned in most cars when blended into gasoline at low levels of up to 10 percent. It is a “renewable” fuel, unlike gasoline, which is produced from petroleum – a fuel that cannot be replaced once it is used.

Another benefit of ethanol is that it emits fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline when burned. Most vehicles can run safely and efficiently on gasoline that contains low levels of ethanol.

Look for stations that sell low-level ethanol blends when you fill up. For more information on ethanol, see fueleconomy.gov

E85

If you own a flex fuel vehicle (FFV), you can fill your tank up with a fuel blend containing 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent traditional gasoline.  E85 can provide important reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.  The availability of E85 is expanding rapidly, so be sure to look out for it at your local stations.

Biodiesel

If you own a newer model diesel truck from a standard pickup to a large, commercial truck biodiesel can most likely be used to run your vehicle. Like ethanol, biodiesel is a renewable source of energy. It is an alternative fuel that is generated from vegetable oils and fats.

Electric Motors, Natural Gas and Propane

Many automobile manufacturers now offer hybrid vehicles that combine gasoline engines and electric motors. Pure electric vehicles are also starting to enter the market. Natural gas and propane are clean-burning alternatives that are frequently used in commercial or municipal vehicles, such as city buses, and may be found in some personal vehicles.

As development of alternative fuels continues, hydrogen fuel cells and other emerging technologies will broaden your fuel options.

Additional Choices that Reduce Pollution from Vehicles

In addition to using ethanol blends, biodiesel or other alternative fuels appropriate for your vehicle, there are other choices you can make to reduce your vehicle’s emissions.

How you drive, how well you maintain your car and how you fill up your car all affect the impact you have on the environment. Visit the Buy and Drive Smart page to learn more about these choices.

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