If you could choose your fuel, which will it be?
The petrol and diesel fuel prices have us all by the throat but then, we can choose an alternative should we have the means.
Electric vehicle sales are increasing, especially in first world countries. Locally, some fleet owners are in the process of making the switch.
Considering though that there are other sources of fuel other than petrol or electricity, its value as an alternative should be investigated.
There are at least five other sources of fuel, and, says CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, “Choosing the best option for your fleet depends on your requirements in terms of efficiency, sustainability, operational needs, current fuel expense, driver experience or available training, infrastructure, budget and even legislation affecting each source.”
Here are six options to consider:
Electricity
These vehicles can be charged at the office or at home. It is clean and despite the aging infrastructure in South Africa, it is still relatively reliable. But of course, the price of these vehicles is for most buyers, prohibitively expensive.
Hydrogen
The advantage of hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) is accessibility, efficiency, ability to quickly refill and minimal emissions.
“Developing fuelling infrastructure is difficult and expensive. South Africa is posited as an ideal location for developing hydrogen infrastructure because of access to resources but, thus far, little development has occurred,” says Herbert.
Biodiesel/bioethanol
Biodiesel in pure form or with a diesel mixture can be used. It may well not be cleaner than conventional petrol or diesel, but it is better.
Current stats show that biodiesel only accounts for 2.5% of South Africa’s liquid fuel market. And last but not least, it is as expensive as or more so than conventional petrol or diesel.
LPG/CNG and LNG
LPG/CNG is the third most commonly used fuel source worldwide. LNG has the potential to power medium to heavy commercial vehicles, even long-distance. In South Africa, availability and access is limited and only provide a small saving in comparison to fuel. Conversions on current vehicles are possible though.
Air
Compressed air can power a vehicle, but only up to approximately 50 to 60km/h, after that another power source, normally fuel, needs to kick in. Although the cleanest of them all, it is less than EVs.
“Each of these alternative sources is at a different stage of development and has its own benefits and disadvantages,” says Herbert.
Source: MotorPress
