Fuel Technology - Transportation Innovations

Part of the Series: Show Me Science Series - Advanced

The automobile industry is going through revolutionary changes. The standard petroleum gasoline fueled engine has some new competition from gas-electric hybrids, electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, natural gas vehicles and even some automobiles that get some of their power from the sun. Alternative fuel vehicles produce less harmful emissions and are better for the environment. Many of these fuels can be derived from renew-able resources. Hybrid vehicles such as ones that are powered by a combination of gasoline combustion engines and electric motors are becoming more common. Other vehicles that are in development are powered by fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, propane, and hydrogen fuel cells.