Cost Comparison of Alternative and Traditional Fuels
With the price of almost everything rising at an alarming rate, many consumers are ever searching for a way to save money. We all grumble in dismay every time we have to refill the tanks on our vehicles. It seems that buying gas and diesel are not much better than burning money. You may ask what choice we have. We all have to get to work, the market, school, and to our various activities, right? Luckily for us all, there are choices available that are not only easier on our bank accounts but also easier on the environment. Here is how the cost of different fuel sources compares.
Begin with traditional fossil fuels. Gasoline prices vary, as do the mpg ratings of different automobiles. As an average, gasoline costs commuters 18 cents per mile. That doesn't sound like much until you factor in the average miles driven in the United States each year is around 15,000 (much more for many of us). This brings us to a cost of $2700 dollars per year. In addition to the financial cost, the environmental cost of gas-powered vehicles is staggering. The average vehicle produces approximately 5 tons of CO2 annually. Add that to the amount of motor oil and coolants that are leaked or improperly disposed and you have a major hazard.
Diesel fares somewhat better than gasoline at an average cost of 11 cents per mile. While it is true that diesel costs more per gallon than gasoline, diesel engines get more mpg, which makes it a better deal financially. Unfortunately, diesel fuel's impact on the environment is much the same as that of gasoline, therefore making the global cost high.
Considering these facts coupled with the dwindling supply of fossil fuels, it is a wise decision to begin looking toward alternative fuel sources. Surprisingly, many of the choices available to us are exceptionally cost-efficient. Electric or hybrid electric cars are widely obtainable and compare favorably in price to traditional automobiles. Operating costs for a hybrid electric car average 5-7 cents per mile, very little more than the 2-4 cents per mile for a plug-in hybrid (even while running on gas, the plug-in hybrid only costs 5-7 cents per mile). The overall winner financially is the 100% electric car at a mere 1-4 cents per mile. Environmentally, these cars are the hands-down choice. Very low to zero emissions (depending on the model) coupled with less, or no, motor oil and coolants make these vehicles a green dream.
So if you are searching for a way to save your money and your planet all at once, consider switching from gas or diesel power to a cleaner alternative. New advances in battery technology and other green fuels are being tested daily and many new alternatives will be on the market in the coming years, but why wait? There are many models of hybrid and electric cars available and, with the proper research, you are sure to find one that is perfect for you.
