The Green Automotive and Car Blog

Hydrogen is currently being used for fuel in a number of different fields, including space rockets.

Because of the low impact that burning hydrogen has on the environment, many people are researching the possibility of using it as an alternative fuel in automobiles, and several companies have announced that they are currently in the preliminary processes of producing the first models.

At the 2012 World Hydrogen Energy Conference, four major manufacturers, including Honda, Daimler AG, Toyota, and Hyundai, all confirmed that they are exploring the possibilities and are aiming to release hydrogen-powered vehicles to the public some time in 2015. They may enter showrooms later in 2013.

This will mark a great achievement in alternative fuels. Hydrogen is extremely clean, but carries with it a myriad of obstacles to overcome.

The research needed to widely produce hydrogen powered cars has convinced some experts that it’ll take roughly 40 years, during which time it is likely that other, more accessible forms of energy will be implemented.

The amount of hydrogen needed to create reliable propulsion will necessitate high tank weights, high storage pressure, and the high capital cost of production.

While hydrogen is getting closer to being a solid alternative fuel, there are still a variety of hurdles to be jumped before it’s seen as a common option.

There are varied benefits of using alternative fuels. Many people investigate cars that run on alternative fuels for the environmental benefits.

Usually, an alternative fuel will produce fewer emissions when burned, which is particularly important to those who live in areas that consistently suffer from smog.

In certain hybrid vehicles, which use a balance of gasoline and electricity, emissions are reduced by up to 80 percent. As well, alternative fuels consistently get better gas mileage, meaning that the same amount of fuel will take the car further.

Once again, using hybrids as an example, a car can get more than twenty extra miles per gallon than a standard sedan.

The other benefits of alternative fuels are largely monetary in nature.

The Federal Government rewards those who drive cars that run on alternative fuels. A hybrid merits a $3,000 tax credit, while a car that uses natural gas receives a $4,000 tax credit.

As well, most alternative fuels are renewable, meaning that they can be gathered from the environment in such a way that they are rapidly replenished. Ethanol is created by fermenting corn, while Biodiesel is made using oils and fats.

The benefit of using hydrogen as a fuel is that burning it would produce water, which can then be separated back into oxygen and hydrogen for further use as a fuel.

Keep an eye on this blog for further updates on alternative fuels.