SmartWay Vehicles

The fuel burned by cars, SUVs and pickups is the source of the air pollution they generate.  The fuel choice you make at the pump can do a lot to help reduce emissions, reduce dependence on foreign sources of energy and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Alternative fuel options for you to consider include:

Ethanol

Ethanol is produced from crops such as corn, sugar beets or grasses and can be burned in most cars when blended into gasoline at low levels of up to 10%. It is a “renewable” form of energy, unlike gasoline, which is produced from petroleum – an energy source that cannot be replaced once it is used.

Another benefit of ethanol is that it creates lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline when burned in your vehicle. Most vehicles owned by individuals can run safely and efficiently on gasoline that contains low levels of ethanol.

Look for stations that sell low-level ethanol blends when you fill up. For more information on ethanol, see fueleconomy.gov

E85

If you own a flex fuel vehicle (FFV), you can fill your tank up with a fuel blend containing 85% ethanol and 15% traditional gasoline.  E85 produces significant greenhouse gas reductions, ranging from 16-70% depending on the original source of the fuel.  The availability of E85 is expanding rapidly, so be sure to look out for it at your local stations.

There are 6 million FFV’s on the road! Learn more about E85 and flex fuel vehicles.

Biodiesel

If you own a newer model diesel truck – from a standard pickup to a large, commercial truck – biodiesel can most likely be used to run your vehicle. Like ethanol, biodiesel is a renewable source of energy. It is an alternative fuel that is generated from vegetable oils and fats.

Electric Motors, Natural Gas and Propane

These fuels are becoming more common as our awareness of alternative fuels increases. Numerous automobile manufacturers now offer hybrid vehicles that combine gasoline engines and electric motors. Natural gas and propane are clean-burning alternatives that are frequently used in commercial or municipal vehicles, such as city buses, and may be found in some personal vehicles.

As research into alternative fuels continues, hydrogen fuel cells and other emerging technologies may further broaden consumers’ fuel choices.

Additional Choices that Reduce Pollution from Vehicles

In addition to looking for ethanol blends, biodiesel or other alternative fuels that your vehicle is equipped to use when filling up your tank, there are other choices you can make to reduce your vehicle’s emissions.

How you drive, how well you maintain your car and how you fill up your car can all affect the impact you have on the environment. Visit the Buy and Drive Smart page to learn more about these choices.