What alternative energy sources can be used in cars?

Answer 1

The ignition of the fuel/air mixture in the cylinder causes a pressure increase, which drives the piston, turns the drive shaft and so propels the car. So initially it is a chemical reaction releasing the potential in the fuel, which is then converted to rotary mechanical energy, and via the transmission and wheels to linear kinetic energy

Answer 2

Chemical energy used in propelling cars. Chemical energy used in storing and releasing electrical (battery) energy. Mechanical energy used to make electrical power to recharge the battery / batteries, and other systems. Fluid power used to convert engine rpm to driveshaft rpm (in automatic transmissions). Fluid power used to dampen "surges" in crankshaft. Fluid power used (in some cases) to convert steering wheel motion to steerable wheel angle. Electrical energy used to power ignition, lights, radio, and so on. Mechanical energy transmitted through drive belts to pump cooling water, power AC compressor, Power Steering pump, alternator (makes electrical energy), cooling fan (in older cars), and some pollution control devices.

Answer 3

There are three prominent alternative energies used by the automotive industry: hydrogen power, fossil fuel/electric (hybrid), and electric. While these are the prominent energies being researched and developed, they are not 100% in use or 100% effective and efficient.

Answer 4

One alternative energy source already in widespread use is ethylene, and indeed Brazil uses more ethylene than petrol for transportation. Unfortunately, ethylene is mainly made from crops and therefore ethylene production competes with food production, leading to higher prices and global shortages. Ethylene may not be a very desirable alternative fuel in the long run.

Biodiesel is another fuel in fairly widespread use. It is made from used cooking oil and some waste foodstuffs, so is environmentally friendly and does not compete with food production in the way ethylene production does. However, there is only so much used cooking oil available, so this will always be a niche market.

Hydrogen is another fuel often mentioned, but its production requires electricity, which in turn is usually generated by burning fossil fuels. Until we produce electricity from renewable resources, not a great deal will be gained by using hydrogen in our cars.

Electric cars hold some promise, especially as more space-efficient batteries are produced. Once again, they require electricity and this usually requires fossil fuels to be burnt, but at least electric motors can be more efficient than internal combustion engines generally are.

Until electricity generation no longer requires consumption of fossil fuels, there is a real limit to available alternative-fuel solutions to global warming. However, there are other things we can do. We can require motor vehicle manufacturers to build more efficient cars; we can purchase smaller or more fuel-efficient cars when we make a purchase; we can use public transport whenever possible.

Answer 5

Mechanical energy that is for main use.

heat energy that is useless .

Answer 6

Usually some fuel like gasolene (chemical energy). However, some cars are already using electricity from batteries (also chemical energy).

Answer 7

solar electric and manure

Answer 8

Fossil Fuels

Answer 9

air is the best option

Answer 10

heat + sound + electricity