Using “Green” Cars Could Reduce US Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 80% by 2050
Ecological models that use alternative fuels would help to reduce gas emissions
Electric cars and cars powered by renewable fuels seemed like a thing of fiction, but they started to come out of the paper and now even have a scientific basis regarding their need for implementation. American research released in March 2013 states that environmentally friendly automobiles would have the potential to reduce by more than 10% the amount of greenhouse gas and particulate matter emissions that the United States provides to the Earth's atmosphere.
The use of this type of vehicle for daily commuting (from home to work and vice versa) can reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the US by up to 80% by 2050. Small trucks and private cars are identified as the responsible for approximately 17% of national greenhouse gas emissions, says the study.
The research, carried out by the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS, its acronym in English) predicts lighter automobiles with aerodynamic design and much more efficient technologies than current ones, combined with alternative energy sources such as electricity and biofuels. These cars will be able to travel 42.5 kilometers on a liter of fuel. The alternatives with the greatest potential for fueling new cars are produced with lignocellulosic biomass, that is, fuel produced from wood residues, wheat straw and corn. Ethanol and other types of biodiesel will also have a large market share.
Models and cost
The vehicles examined were battery-powered electric models that are already on the market, such as the Chevrolet Volt, and the Toyota Prius, as well as hybrid, electric and hydrogen-powered models, such as the Mercedes F-cell, which was launched at the market is forecast for 2014.
Although they are much more expensive than conventional ones, the long-term benefits of green vehicles are greater than the upfront costs. According to NAS, car prices will remain high for at least a decade, a fact that could discourage many consumers.
Still, the National Academy of Sciences research attested that the benefits to society in terms of energy savings, better vehicles, reduced oil consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions would be "much greater than projected costs ".
The goals set will be "difficult but not impossible to achieve" as long as they are guided by strong public policies, says the research, financed by the renewable energy sector of the US Department of Energy.
