Alternative Fuels
About Natural Gas
In addition to providing energy to heat our homes, manufacture goods, and produce electricity, natural gas, which is the second most commonly consumed energy source, may also be used as an alternative to petroleum to fuel our vehicles. Natural gas is significantly cleaner than petroleum and can be produced domestically. Natural gas is considered a nonrenewable fossil fuel. However, methane gas makes up 90 percent of natural gas, and if the methane gas in natural gas comes from landfills, the natural gas is considered a renewable source.
Benefits of Natural Gas
Natural gas made from landfill methane emits lower amounts of particles into the atmosphere than other frequently-consumed gases. In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) quarterly alternative fuel report states that nationwide natural gas prices are 78 cents lower than gasoline.
Growth in Usage of Natural Gas
Although there are currently over 118,000 natural gas vehicles in the United States, the infrastructure in Mississippi has not yet expanded to include transportation.
For tax credit information for natural gas vehicle purchases, scroll to the “Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Vehicles” section at the bottom of this page.
Benefits of Natural Gas
Natural gas made from landfill methane emits lower amounts of particles into the atmosphere than other frequently-consumed gases. In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) quarterly alternative fuel report states that nationwide natural gas prices are 78 cents lower than gasoline.
Growth in Usage of Natural Gas
Although there are currently over 118,000 natural gas vehicles in the United States, the infrastructure in Mississippi has not yet expanded to include transportation.
For tax credit information for natural gas vehicle purchases, scroll to the “Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Vehicles” section at the bottom of this page.
About Propane
Propane is a fossil fuel derived from natural gas and petroleum. Approximately 10 percent of the propane used in the United States is imported; of the propane produced domestically, about 30 percent of the petroleum used to produce it is imported. While its widely-known uses are for heating and industry, propane has been consumed as a commercial motor fuel for more than 80 years.
Benefits of Propane
The price of propane motor fuel is typically two-thirds that of gasoline. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, reducing carbon monoxide emissions by 50 to 92 percent and hydrocarbon emissions by 30 to 62 percent. In addition, propane leaves no lead, varnish or carbon deposits that cause the premature wearing of pistons, rings, valves and spark plugs in automotive engines, meaning less maintenance and an extended engine life. Without the need for additives, propane’s octane rating of 110 is higher than most available gasoline.
Usage of Propane
The number of propane fueling sites nationwide is second only to gasoline. There are approximately 35 propane retailers in Mississippi offering refueling services.
For tax credit information for propane gas vehicle purchases, scroll to the “Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Vehicles” section at the bottom of this page.
Benefits of Propane
The price of propane motor fuel is typically two-thirds that of gasoline. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, reducing carbon monoxide emissions by 50 to 92 percent and hydrocarbon emissions by 30 to 62 percent. In addition, propane leaves no lead, varnish or carbon deposits that cause the premature wearing of pistons, rings, valves and spark plugs in automotive engines, meaning less maintenance and an extended engine life. Without the need for additives, propane’s octane rating of 110 is higher than most available gasoline.
Usage of Propane
The number of propane fueling sites nationwide is second only to gasoline. There are approximately 35 propane retailers in Mississippi offering refueling services.
For tax credit information for propane gas vehicle purchases, scroll to the “Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Vehicles” section at the bottom of this page.
About Biodiesel
Biodiesel, a nontoxic and biodegradable renewable fuel produced from renewable sources such as new and used vegetable oils and animal fats, is a cleaner-burning replacement for petroleum-based diesel fuel. Though biodiesel can be made by amateurs from recycled restaurant grease, it is suggested that fleets using biodiesel fuel meet the industry ASTM D6751 specifications.
Benefits of Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a clean-burning fuel readily able for light duty and heavy duty diesel vehicles. Popular blend B20 may reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions by 10 percent, carbon monoxide emissions by 11 percent and unburned hydrocarbons by 21 percent compared to gasoline. Biodiesel blends such as B5 may experience less than 1 percent drop in fuel economy.
For tax credit information for biodiesel gas vehicle purchases, scroll to the “Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Vehicles” section at the bottom of this page.
About Ethanol
Ethanol is an alcohol fuel made from sugars and starch found in plants. There are several ongoing studies being conducted to determine more sources for ethanol beyond corn, such as soy, wheat and wood waste, all of which are domestic and renewable sources. Ethanol is cleaner than gasoline, and ethanol fuel is blended with gasoline to use in flexible fuel vehicles. (Conventional vehicles are not able to use higher blends such as E85, which is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petroleum.) Although higher blends of ethanol result in a 20 to 25 percent loss in energy and fuel economy compared to petroleum gasoline, oil changes are not required as regularly in vehicles using ethanol.
Benefits of Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a clean-burning fuel readily able for light duty and heavy duty diesel vehicles. Popular blend B20 may reduce particulate matter (PM) emissions by 10 percent, carbon monoxide emissions by 11 percent and unburned hydrocarbons by 21 percent compared to gasoline. Biodiesel blends such as B5 may experience less than 1 percent drop in fuel economy.
For tax credit information for biodiesel gas vehicle purchases, scroll to the “Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Vehicles” section at the bottom of this page.
About Ethanol
Ethanol is an alcohol fuel made from sugars and starch found in plants. There are several ongoing studies being conducted to determine more sources for ethanol beyond corn, such as soy, wheat and wood waste, all of which are domestic and renewable sources. Ethanol is cleaner than gasoline, and ethanol fuel is blended with gasoline to use in flexible fuel vehicles. (Conventional vehicles are not able to use higher blends such as E85, which is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent petroleum.) Although higher blends of ethanol result in a 20 to 25 percent loss in energy and fuel economy compared to petroleum gasoline, oil changes are not required as regularly in vehicles using ethanol.
About Electricity
In addition to its many well-known uses, electricity can also be used as a transportation fuel to power battery electric vehicles (EVs). EVs store electricity in an energy storage device, such as a battery. The electricity powers the vehicle's wheels via an electric motor. EVs have limited energy storage capacity, which must be replenished by plugging into an electrical source. As a result, electricity is mainly accessible for short-range driving only. Vehicles that run on electricity produce no tailpipe emissions, and the only emissions that can be attributed to electricity are those generated in the production process at the power plant.
Incentives for Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) purchased in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. The credit amount will vary based on the capacity of the battery used to fuel the vehicle.
About Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are powered by two energy sources—an energy conversion unit (such as an internal combustion engine or fuel cell) and an energy storage device (such as batteries or ultra capacitors). Hybrid electric vehicles run on gasoline and do not have to be recharged by electrical outlet, but receive their energy from regenerative braking. During low cruising speeds, the electric motor assists the engine. Hybrids can have 10 to 20 percent or 25 to 40 percent fuel efficiency, depending upon the hybrid design.
Like HEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) may also be powered by gasoline. In addition to receiving power from the energy conversion unit, the energy storage device is recharged by plugging into a standard 110-volt electrical outlet. PHEVs have a larger battery pack than conventional hybrid electric vehicles, and during typical daily driving, most of a PHEV's power comes from the stored electricity. However, the engine can be used when longer trips are required, and the PHEV does not need to be plugged in to operate.
Incentives for Hybrid Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
For vehicles converted to qualified plug-in electric vehicles, a 10 percent tax credit is available through 2011, with a cap of $4,000. Beginning in 2010, full-scale commercial PHEVs can earn a maximum tax credit of $7,500, depending on their battery capacity. The credit will phase out over a year after each manufacturer sells 200,000 plug-in vehicles.
Incentives for Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles (EVs) purchased in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. The credit amount will vary based on the capacity of the battery used to fuel the vehicle.
About Hybrid Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are powered by two energy sources—an energy conversion unit (such as an internal combustion engine or fuel cell) and an energy storage device (such as batteries or ultra capacitors). Hybrid electric vehicles run on gasoline and do not have to be recharged by electrical outlet, but receive their energy from regenerative braking. During low cruising speeds, the electric motor assists the engine. Hybrids can have 10 to 20 percent or 25 to 40 percent fuel efficiency, depending upon the hybrid design.
Like HEVs, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) may also be powered by gasoline. In addition to receiving power from the energy conversion unit, the energy storage device is recharged by plugging into a standard 110-volt electrical outlet. PHEVs have a larger battery pack than conventional hybrid electric vehicles, and during typical daily driving, most of a PHEV's power comes from the stored electricity. However, the engine can be used when longer trips are required, and the PHEV does not need to be plugged in to operate.
Incentives for Hybrid Electric and Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
For vehicles converted to qualified plug-in electric vehicles, a 10 percent tax credit is available through 2011, with a cap of $4,000. Beginning in 2010, full-scale commercial PHEVs can earn a maximum tax credit of $7,500, depending on their battery capacity. The credit will phase out over a year after each manufacturer sells 200,000 plug-in vehicles.
Idle Reduction: Advanced Technology and Good Habits
Idle reduction is a type of automobile emissions control aimed at reducing the amount of energy wasted by an idling vehicle. Drivers can practice reducing idle time to avoid petroleum waste and reduce particle matters emitted into the air.
Reducing idle time saves fuel, engine wear and money while reducing emissions and noise.
To practice idle reduction:
Reducing idle time saves fuel, engine wear and money while reducing emissions and noise.
To practice idle reduction:
- Turn off your engine when you are parked or stopped (except in traffic) for more than a minute.
- Avoid using a remote vehicle starter, which encourages unnecessary idling.
- Avoid drive-thru windows; walk inside instead.
- Encourage your local schools to enforce a no-idle zone for school buses and personal vehicles or consider the Clean School Bus Program.
- Make your next vehicle purchase a hybrid electric vehicle, which limits idling at traffic stops.
Other advanced technologies are also available for truck drivers to avoid idle time during rest periods, including:
- Air conditioners
- Auxiliary power units
- Cab and block heaters
- Truck stop electrification
- Cylinder deactivation
Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Vehicles
Created under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit offers credits for four types of qualified energy-efficient vehicles, including hybrid vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, alternative fuel motor vehicles and heavy hybrids and advanced lean burn technology vehicles. A qualifying vehicle purchased or placed into service between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2010, may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $4,000.
The credit is only available to the original purchaser of a new, qualifying vehicle. The vehicle credit begins to phase out in the second calendar quarter after the calendar quarter in which at least 60,000 of the manufacturer’s qualifying passenger automobiles and light trucks have been sold. As of 2009 this tax credit may also be applied towards the alternative minimum tax. This credit ends for vehicles purchased after December 2010.
For more information, visit the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit info page on the Internal Revenue Service website.
The credit is only available to the original purchaser of a new, qualifying vehicle. The vehicle credit begins to phase out in the second calendar quarter after the calendar quarter in which at least 60,000 of the manufacturer’s qualifying passenger automobiles and light trucks have been sold. As of 2009 this tax credit may also be applied towards the alternative minimum tax. This credit ends for vehicles purchased after December 2010.
For more information, visit the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit info page on the Internal Revenue Service website.
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