For the past 15 years, consumers and auto manufacturers alike have long awaited the arrival of alternative fuel technologies that are practical for daily driving. While consumers clamor for a vehicle that promotes better gas mileage, better protects the environment, and blends in with the rest of the cars on the road; auto manufacturers are scrambling to develop their own stable of “green” vehicles that consumers will aspire to drive.

In 1995, Toyota was the first manufacturer to market with the debut of the hybrid-based Toyota Prius at the Tokyo Motor Show. Today, the Prius recently surpassed 1 million in vehicle sales. Ford, General Motors, Toyota and Honda, along with the rest of the manufacturers are all working quickly to bring more alternative fuel vehicles to market.

The big question on consumer’s minds is…what should I buy?

To better help address this question, we have provided below a short synopsis of what types of technologies are in today’s current “green” marketplace:

Hybrid – By far the most recognized and accessible alternative fuel technology on the market today, hybrid technology combines both the current internal combustion engine with battery-powered technology. This will continue to be the most popular trend for both auto manufacturers and consumers alike. Current vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and Nissan Ultima Hybrid will continue to shine. Vehicles like the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner hybrids will also continue their upward ascent. 

E85 Ethanol -  Although only available in certain locations, Ethanol is produced domestically from corn and other crops and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than conventional fuels. It has been stated that E85 can reduce CO2 levels by 60%. E85 is currently available in such vehicles like the 2007 Chevy Tahoe and Ford’s new Crown Victoria.

Biodiesel - Biodiesel is derived from vegetable oils and animal fats. It usually produces less air pollutants than petroleum-based diesel. Many auto manufacturers are looking at this form of technology as well because it helps promote a transition away from petroleum-based fuel.

CNG - Compressed Natural Gas is one of those types of technology that can make an immediate impact to daily driving as we know it. Although the infrastructure is still sparse, you can find CNG equipped vehicles in many different municipalities and fleets. Many refuse trucks use CNG and other forms of natural gas like Liquefied Natural Gas. CNG is a fossil fuel that generates less air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Propane – Propane, or LPG, is a combination of hydrocarbon gases like those used in heating appliances and vehicles. It works to increasingly replace chlorofluorocarbons as an aerosol propellant and a refrigerant to reduce damage to the ozone layer.

Varieties of LPG bought and sold include mixes that are primarily propane, mixes that are primarily butane, and the more common, mixes including both propane (60%) and butane (40%), depending on the season—in winter more propane, in summer more butane. Propylene and butylenes are usually also present in small concentration. A powerful odorant, ethanethiol, is added so that leaks can be detected easily.

Hydrogen - Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology is one of the most exciting forms of alternative fuel technology today. Although we are many years away from seeing this in mainstream America, you can expect to continue seeing auto manufacturers working to build cars with this form of technology. It can be produced domestically from fossil fuels (such as coal), nuclear power, or renewable resources, such as hydropower. Fuel cell vehicles powered by pure hydrogen emit no harmful air pollutants. Many of the commercials for this product show the byproduct of water through the tailpipe.