Pros and Cons of Alternative Fuel

As with all new, slightly controversial subject, there will always be pros and cons to talk about, and it is no different with the new drive against the use of alternative fuels to power our vehicles. People who support alternative fuels the pros could list a hundred ways that alternative fuel helps. On the other hand, those who are against the cons could also list a hundred ways we should use alternative fuels.

To begin with, alternative fuel is cleaner burning than gasoline, which is good for the environment definitely a pro rather than a con. When we are confronted with many environmental problems these days such as global warming, many people feel we really need to take a moment and realize that it is up to us to help stop these problems. When you use an alternative fuel in the car instead of petrol, you're helping to stop the release of counter-productive elements in the air.

Many alternative fuels are also getting better fuel mileage which is another pro over con in the use of alternative fuels. Especially in hybrid cars may miles per gallon increased by more than 20 percent over a period! It can make a world of difference for many motorists.

There are many tax incentives that are available when you buy and use an alternative fuel vehicle. The government knows that there are advantages and disadvantages to the use of alternative fuels, so they want to make it as attractive as possible for consumers to switch. Who does not want to save money on their taxes? If you get a tax deduction, it can greatly benefit you, and you will be helping the Earth as well.

As for disadvantages of alternative fuels, while not as numerous as the pros, problems can be slightly larger in overall consumer awareness. Alternative fuels are often more expensive than regular gasoline vehicles. Although you can get a tax break for buying one of these vehicles, you can still expect to pay anywhere from 10 to 40 percent more retail price for an alternative fuel vehicle.

The availability of alternative fuels is another major con to offset the professionals. While many places now carry E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline), it can be difficult to find other alternative fuels. Even the stations that carry E85 are not as many as many people would hope, and they often find themselves driving out of their way just gas their cars.

Pros and cons of using alternative fuels can always be debated. What side you're on depends on your commitment to our environment and what you can do to stop some of the lethal effects of the gases we release from our vehicles.