Alternative fuels

Different fuels have different environmental advantages.

Everyday Fuels Used Today

Diesel

vehicles have significantly lower CO2 emissions compared to petrol, because of the higher efficiency of diesel engines. Diesel engines emit higher levels of NOx and particles than new petrol vehicles. Diesels are therefore generally better for global warming, but worse for local pollutants.

Petrol

vehicles are better for human health with their lower NOx and particle emissions. Some new petrol technologies - particularly GDI (gasoline direct injection) will offer significant improvements in fuel efficiency

Both petrol and diesel cars of Euro III or IV standards are considerably cleaner than previous generations of cars

Alternative Fuels

CNG

(compressed natural gas) offers even lower CO2 emissions than LPG, probably as low as a diesel, and with lower particulate emissions, but at present there are no new CNG cars on the UK market.

Hybrid Vehicles

offer reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with potentially lower emissions of all pollutants. They combine a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. The electric motor may provide the main drive power, with the combustion engine driving an electric generator, or it may simply provide additional power during acceleration and high load conditions. At least two hybrid models are now on the market, and grants are available to help with purchase.

Electric Vehicles

(EVs) A wide range is now available. They are cheap to run and have virtually no emissions at the point of use. From a lifecycle assessment they also look environmentally friendly. The drawbacks are battery technology which remains heavy and expensive and the time taken to recharge batteries. EVs have a limited range - typically 50 miles - but are worth considering as an urban runabout, suitable for shorter journeys.

Grants for Cleaner Vehicles

Grants are available to help you buy vehicles running on LPG, CNG, hybrid technology and electric power, through the Powershift programme (Tel: 0845 6021425)

Source NSCA (2003)