Alternative Fuel Vehicles (AFVs) are vehicles that run on a fuel other than “traditional” petroleum fuels (petrol or diesel); and also refers to any technology of powering an engine that does not involve solely petroleum vehicles (e.g. hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles). Because of a combination of factors, such as environmental concerns, high oil prices and the potential for peak oil, development of cleaner alternative fuels and advanced power systems for vehicles has become a high priority for many governments and vehicle manufacturers around the world.

When thinking of energy, economics & the environment, here are some quick facts that help us better understand the importance and necessity for alternative fuels and advanced vehicles:

• Transportation accounts for 28% of total U.S. energy consumption
• Dependence on oil cost the U.S. economy $200 billion in 2013
• Almost 18% of household expenditures are for transportation
• An estimated 30% of national greenhouse gases (GHGs) are directly attributed to transportation, which is also the fastest-growing source of GHGs in the U.S., accounting for 47% of the net increase in total emissions since 1990

Additional Information

Want to check if a specific hybrid can save you money? Click here and allow the U.S. Department of Energy to tell you themselves.

Want to find the right hybrid for you? Click here for a side by side comparison of different hybrids.

For information on new & upcoming hybrids, click here.

For  information on tax incentives, with regard to buying a hybrid vehicle, click here.

 

Author: Raji Gunasekera

Editor: Justin Pie