Electric Cars And Rising Gasoline Prices

Rising gasoline prices may just make other forms of alternative means of transportation become more attractive. One of the ways not to be affected by the rising prices of gas is to have an alternative means of travel. Of course, saving up on gasoline use may help in some way, but such actions may still leave one affected with the rising prices of gas. A better way would be trying to use a mode of transportation aside from one that makes use of fuel aside from gasoline. One such example is the use of an electric car.

An electric car is one type of an alternative vehicle. It makes use of electricity as its primary power source. Instead of an internal combustion engine, the electric car, also commonly called as an EV or electric vehicle, has an electric motor to make the vehicle move. It is an alternative fuel vehicle that does not use refined fossil oil for fuel.

Electric cars get electricity for power by means of electric battery packs built on board. One of the advantages of using electric vehicles or EV’s is that they are environmentally friendly. Unlike fossil fuel that emits a number of pollutants into the air when being used, the use of electricity for power does not do so, except that the power plants that may produce them do. But with using electric cars, the emission of harmful pollutants may be reduced substantially. Less cars using fossils fuel and gasoline would help make this possible. And someday, when more electric power is sourced from nuclear, solar, wind and hydro-electric power plants, pollutant emissions will even be reduced more.

Performance-wise, electric cars offer smoother and noiseless operation that cars relying on gasoline. Electric cars provide stronger acceleration and the electric motor requires lesser maintenance than the internal combustion engines of cars using gasoline and other fossil fuels. By using electricity through batteries, energy conversion is more efficient. Electric motors makes use of 75 percent of the chemical energy converted into electricity to run the car. Internal combustion engines or ICE’s only are able to make use about 20 percent of the energy stored in gasoline to power the vehicle.

If most think that the electric car is a recent invention, then they are mistaken. The electric vehicle is in fact one of the earliest vehicles known to exist. Small electric powered vehicles even predate the development of the diesel and gasoline engines. The earliest electric carriage was built between 1832 and 1839. The development of other electric cars also increased for some time during the 1860’s along with the improvement of the storage battery. It was even the electric cars that held many of the speed and distance records during this time. But unfortunately, the advent of the internal combustion engines came during the early 1900’s, which led to the decrease in the use of electric cars.

With the appearance of the more powerful and affordable diesel and gasoline powered cars starting in the early 1900’s, the market for electric cars slowly disappeared. Although there were still electric cars being made, those that do exist were being produced for specialized applications. One of the most common use for the electric vehicle today may be found in the golf carts as a primary mode of compact transport in golf courses. But because of the rising gasoline prices as well as the worsening pollution, there has been an renewed demand for the less polluting alternative electric vehicles in recent years.

Gas prices are rising and you are feeling the pinch everytime you top up diesel fuel at the station. The best way to get out of the increasing fuel price is to look into alternative fuel.

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Diesel Fuel Prices Versus Gasoline Prices

History has it that the gasoline prices have been higher than the diesel fuel prices.  But then again, this does not always hold true.  During some winters, the demand for distillate heating oil increases which also raises the price of diesel fuel—so much so that is becomes more expensive than gasoline.

In the United States since September 2004, the price of diesel fuel has been by and large higher than the price of gasoline all year round and this is due to numerous reasons.  The worldwide steady increase of demand for diesel fuel and other distillate fuel oils has put pressure on the tight global refining capacity—more so with the strong demand of such products in China, Europe, and the United States.

The transition from low sulfur diesel (LSD) fuel to ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel in the United States has affected the diesel fuel production and distribution costs.  This is due to the new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for diesel fuel sulfur content.

Another reason for this shift in the norm between gasoline and diesel fuel prices is that the federal excise tax on the latter is higher than the tax on gasoline.

The Primary Factors Affecting The Price Of Diesel

Cost and supply of crude oil – The worldwide supply and demand of crude oil determines its price, and the rising demand has put great pressure on the supply.  The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has all of the spare production capacity and possesses a significant percentage of the world’s crude oil reserves.  The prices spike as a response to the disorder in the international and domestic crude oil supply.

Tight refining capacity and international diesel fuel demand – Refineries in the United States have been in operations at around 90-percent capacity.  Other countries depend more heavily on distillates and diesel fuel than does United States, thus making the refining capacity tight worldwide.  Competing international demand for refined distillates affects the price of diesel fuel in the United States.

Product supply/demand imbalances – The prices of other commodities are more stable as compared to the prices of fuels because of the dependence on petroleum and because there are few alternative fuels in the market.  The stocks decline fast if the supply declines unexpectedly.  When stocks are low and declining, some players may bid higher for the product.  Prices will stay high if the diesel fuel transportation system cannot support the flow of surplus supplies.

Seasonality in the demand for diesel fuel and distillates – The price of diesel fuel slowly rises during the fall, declines in the late winter, rises through the early spring, and then declines in the summer.  The demand by farmers during the different seasons creates an upward pressure on the diesel prices.

Transportation costs – The distance between the retail location and distribution terminals and refineries has a direct relationship with the transportation cost—that is, an increase in one increases the other.

Regional operating costs and local competition – Depending on the location of the dealer, the cost of doing business varies which include wages and salaries, benefits, equipment, lease, insurance, overhead, and state and local fees. Even if retail stations are in close proximity to one another, they still have differing costs.  Another factor that affects diesel fuel prices is the number and location of the local competitors.

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Diesel Fuel Prices To Skyrocket - Water As The Next Best Option

The title says it all, and here’s why: first of all, everyone’s feeling the pinch of fuel prices. And it’s not just the average Joes, it’s everyone. Yes, even those who are high up in the economic world — those who own airlines, investment companies, real estate, you name it. We’re hearing about airlines asking passengers to pay for their airline food so they don’t have to raise prices. Investment companies are crashing in the United States and the whole world feels the earth quake. Real estate firms are closing down buildings and liquidating their funds to stay afloat. All this because of diesel fuel prices.

If people were a tad ambitious or daring, we could go for something that has been proposed a few years ago as an alternative to diesel fuel — water. First of all, it makes the car start and run. That’s the most important thing we need to consider when dealing with alternative fuels. Second, it’s inexpensive as compared to gasoline or diesel. Even if we say that gasoline is cheaper than diesel, there is still a substantial difference between using gasoline or diesel and using water. There may be some power technicalities, and car aficionados who love racing would attest to that, but the reality is that it works. Surveys show that people would consider using water as fuel for their cars if it means saving buckets of money that goes to the cashier at the gas pump.

The concept of water being used as fuel is simple. You will be using Hydrogen gas or H2 gas instead of diesel fuel or gasoline. Right now, technology still doesn’t permit us to utilize 100% Hydrogen gas on a car. It is usually mixed with a little bit of diesel, but still it reduces the money you’ll have to pay for diesel fuel. When you use the hybrid of diesel and hydrogen gas in your car, your car runs efficiently and it will get you to where you need to go.

How does water fuel come about? Here’s a quick look at the science behind this amazing piece of technology. Electrolysis is the process by which water is converted to usable hydrogen gas. The device that initiates the electrolysis gets its power from the car’s battery — the circuit is fired up and hydrogen gas is ready to go. The gas is then released into the engine’s air intake system where it travels through the combustion chambers and mixes with a little bit of diesel. This economical mixture of hydrogen gas and diesel makes for a perfect combination that maximizes the car’s mileage and saves you gas money which is essentially the whole point of using alternative fuels.

You may think that there will be some complicated mumbo jumbo that you need to figure out before your car can run on water, but it’s really easy to set up. Just make a visit to the hardware store, get all the things you need, come back home, get on the internet, and search for step by step instructions. That’s basically all you need to do to save on gas money. Soon enough you’ll see your savings skyrocket as high as the diesel fuel prices themselves.

Gas prices are rising and you are feeling the pinch everytime you top up diesel fuel at the station. The best way to get out of the increasing fuel price is to look into alternative fuel.

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Combating High Diesel Fuel Prices

With the gasoline and diesel fuel prices increasing, people have come up with various solutions to go around this situation.  One of these solutions is the use of diesel fuel additives.  Primarily they are known to increase lubricity of fuel, hence decreasing the wear and tear of engine parts.  What is more is that it also can increase gas mileage.

Being a highly complex fuel, diesel fuel’s chemical structure changes from the time it leaves the refinery to the time it is pumped into holding tanks and fuel station to the time it gets pumped into the vehicle.  Oxidization and structural changes occur in the fuel molecules.  The energy per unit volume of the fuel can change during this phase, and this is what will cause your engine to have poor performance.

To combat the effects of fuel degradation and increase the fuel’s cetane value (discussed in detail below), the right type and ratio of fuel additives have to be used.  Among a myriad of benefits, the engine will be able to obtain more power from a gallon of fuel.

Diesel fuel has more energy per gallon as compared to gasoline.  The three types of diesel fuel are 1D, 2D, and a combination of the two.  The lighter grade is 1D, and it offers less energy than 2D.  It is more commonly used to reduce, if not eliminate, the gelling of fuel during cold winter climates; some people combine it with 2D.

The cetane rating denotes the diesel fuel’s ignition quality.  The higher the rating, the easier the fuel burns evenly and the more power is produced.  The average diesel fuel is at the 40-cetane level.  Large diesel trucks and diesel pickup trucks prefer a cetane rating in the 45- to 50- level; this is considered as the premium diesel. However, this is not a general categorization—that is, the state’s regulations will dictate at which cetane rating is diesel fuel considered premium.

You should check with the fuel station with regard to the cetane ratings of the fuel they are selling.  The higher the cetane rating, the better the drivability as well as reduced emissions.  Moreover, the driver of the vehicle can feel the change in power (for the better).

Choosing the right diesel fuel additive can assure you that the diesel fuel will perform at its maximum because of its optimum quality.  Here are some of the effects of a good quality diesel fuel additive:

- Reduces Cylinder Wear:

It neutralizes acids during combustion.  It minimizes the wear of the acidic cylinder and it reduces the rate of engine oil depletion; thus, maintaining the quality of the engine oil for better protection.

- Minimizes Soot Loading:

It cleans fuel injectors and piston rings for better combustion and sealing.  This reduces soot loading, controls soot-related wear, and increases engine oil viscosity.

- Stabilizes Fuel:

Fuel degradation increases deposits, which can promote the plugging of filter.  The additive improves oxidation and thermal stability of the diesel fuel.

- Improves Fuel Economy:

It cleans dirty injectors as it improves the acceleration and restores horsepower, and in the long run it will enhance performance.

- Improves Water Tolerance:

An alcohol-free additive protects fuel systems against water contamination, helping to prevent emulsions.  It also protects the metal against rust.

To combat the increasing diesel fuel prices, you can consider using a diesel fuel additive and experience the change in your expenses as well as the drivability of your vehicle. Another way to get out of the increasing fuel price is to look into alternative fuel.

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Alternative Fuel To Fight Diesel Fuel Prices

When diesel was much cheaper than gasoline, everybody went to buy diesel engine vehicles. But the soaring prices of crude oil in the world market and the increased demand for diesel have significantly increased diesel fuel prices, especially in July 2008. While it is becoming cheaper now, no one really knows if diesel prices will stay at its current low price level. And so technologists, scientists and environmentalists have developed alternative fuel to fight the soaring cost of fuel prices including diesel and gasoline.

Biodiesel

Originally, the diesel engine was designed to run on vegetable seed oil or peanut oil. But since petroleum fuel was cheaper then, people have forgotten that diesel engine can run on these natural oils. Now, it is making a comeback. Biodiesel, as we know it today, can be soybean oil, animal fats, vegetable oil or recycled restaurant grease. The good thing is, any diesel engine can run effectively on B20 (a mixture of 20 parts biodiesel and 80 parts petroleum diesel). These natural oils are clean and biodegradable. Biodiesel has lower carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulates emissions. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) LPG is a byproduct of petroleum refining, which are widely used for home heating and cooking, can be a substitute to diesel fuel. LPG is cheaper than all petroleum products. It contains hydrocarbons and vapor at its normal pressure and temperature. Its main component is propane. LPG is widely available and can be used as an alternative fuel with a conversion kit.

Ethanol (E85)

Ethanol is made from fermented biomass, usually corn. Completely biodegradable and renewable, ethanol is clean and doesn’t contribute to greenhouse gas emission. It got the name, E85 because it is composed of 85% alcohol and 15% gasoline. Although it is becoming widely available today and can be used on any diesel engine vehicle, E85 is pricier than other types of alternative fuel.

Methanol

Methanol is naturally abundant on earth or can be made by fermenting biomass. It is somewhat similar to ethanol. However, the availability of methanol is still a problem.

Electricity

The two main issues of electric cars are: it cannot cope with the current traffic and battery life. But with the release of the first sports car that runs on pure electricity – Tesla – these 2 issues are put to rest. However, the technology has yet to completely take off. There may be developments here and there but aside from Tesla, there are very few (plug-in) electric cars on the market today. Aside from this, electric cars are very expensive. The next best option, then, is to go hybrid. Hybrid cars have electric motor and diesel or gasoline engine (there are other types of hybrid cars). Although they are more expensive than regular cars with diesel or gasoline engine, they have the best fuel mileage the market can readily offer.

Hydrogen

The most abundant element on earth is hydrogen so it is only fitting to use it as a form of energy. But you cannot get hydrogen for free; it can be made by electrically splitting (electrolyze) water to its basic components – hydrogen and oxygen. In a sense, a hydrogen-powered car runs on water. Unfortunately, the market has yet to see mass-produced hydrogen cars. You may have noticed that almost all alternative fuels have a problem of their own. But with the undergoing development and constant research, it won’t be long before we see our vehicles running effectively from any of these alternative fuels.

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Dealing With High Gasoline Prices

The rising gasoline prices has everyone concerned about the future. Of course, with gasoline being the fuel of the most common form of transportation today, who would not be? And since gasoline is still a major fuel used by most cars in the world, there is nothing that can be done except deal with the changes. People may not have that much of an influence in lowering the current gas prices especially with the great demand for gasoline elsewhere in the world. The most effective means would be making a collective effort of minimizing gasoline use as well as trying to get more out of every gallon of gas as possible.

The pricing of gasoline is a combination of a number of different factors. One of the most important parts is the price of crude oil in the market. You can say that crude oil is the primary raw material from where gasoline is being derived from. In fact gasoline is a major product of crude oil. That is why crude oil accounts for more than half of the price tag of gasoline in gas stations. If the price of crude oil goes up, the price of gasoline also goes up.

Another factor that affects gas prices is the refining costs. Different states require certain refining regulations to be followed. This is to follow the certain standards in refining gasoline to make them acceptable for use locally. Certain refining additions to the process would likely add up to the retail price of gas sold in different states. Taxes are also considered a prime factor in setting the price tag for gasoline at retail gas stations. Different areas in the country follow different tax standards for gasoline.

Aside from the federal taxes, states also have their own set of taxes being placed on petroleum products. The higher the taxes placed on gasoline, the higher its retail price eventually becomes. The difference in state, federal and local taxes  is also one of the reaosns why different states have different gasoline prices.

Dealing with the high gasoline prices for the car owner does not depend on these factors however. It has more to deal with trying to get the most out of every drop. And this usually means that car owners try to get the best mileage out of their vehicles when using them.

Good mileage does not usually mean having a new car. It also has a lot to do with a number of factors. For one, driving habits can also affect a car’s mileage. Aggressive driving can lay waste to gasoline use and reduce a car’s mileage quickly. Drivers who are prone to sudden and quick accelerations and fond of hard braking can put some strain into a car’s performance after awhile.

Another means of improving mileage that car owners can actually do is keeping up with their car’s scheduled maintenance. As the car is used day in and day out, it can aquire certain wear and tear along the way. A car’s scheduled maintenance process would enable the car to get much needed repairs and maintenance work even before things get worse. This can help maintain a car’s good mileage. The longer the car enjoys better mileage the better chance a car owner would have in dealing with the rising gasoline prices. Another way to get out of the increasing fuel price is to look into alternative fuel.

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Is Biodiesel The Answer To Unstable Diesel Fuel Prices ?

You were probably shocked when we had the record breaking fuel prices both on gasoline and diesel in July 2008. What was more shocking was that at one point, diesel prices become more expensive than gasoline.What happened next was completely unexpected. After a couple of months, fuel prices began to drop steeply. Speculator say that prices will reach as high as $200 per barrel but now, it is at $40 to $60 per barrel.

Still, the government took action by releasing funding on exploration of alternative forms of energy and gave incentives on those who produce crops that will be converted into fuel. While the government had been active in its campaign to become energy independent since time immemorial, it was just recently when crude prices were up, that the government had seriously taken it as a priority.

But is biodiesel the answer to unstable diesel fuel prices?

Originally, the diesel engine was designed to run on vegetable oil. But since petroleum diesel was cheaper then, vegetable oil was simply not an economical choice. But now, pump prices have driven farmers to convert their lands into biodiesel plantations. On one hand, the production of alternative fuel like biodiesel is good since its use will reduce our demand for petroleum oil. And if the demand is low, the prices will follow as well.

Since biodiesel comes from vegetable oil, it is 100% biodegradable. It does not hurt the environment. Furthermore, a wide spread use of biodiesel in the future will help solve air pollution in big cities because biodiesel help reduce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emissions. The decrease on petroleum consumption has a good environmental effect.

On the other hand, experts say that while converting farmlands into biodiesel will ease the demand on petroleum products, it will drive the food prices up and may create food shortage. This is because lands that are supposed to be used in producing food are now producing fuel. Many farmers are now focused on fuel production and not on food production. Early signs of food shortage were felt right after farmers began planting more corn. It should be remembered that just recently, corn prices began to rise because of the increasing demand for biodiesel. Prices of other farm-produced fruits and vegetables rose as well.

There are other ways to get biodiesel. Recycled restaurant grease, vegetable oil and animal fats can be used to drive your diesel engine vehicle. Other alternative forms of energy that are both efficient and do not harm the environment include solar energy, electric and even water.

Gas prices are rising and you are feeling the pinch everytime you top up diesel fuel at the station. The best way to get out of the increasing fuel price is to look into alternative fuel.

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