The United States uses 25 percent of the world's oil supply, but we only produce about 10 percent of it. You can help to lower dangerous levels of air pollution by learning about alternative fuels and considering a change from gasoline or diesel to one of the other options. Today's improved technology has made electric cars a more practical option, with quick-charging batteries for faster refueling, and new technology that improves vehicle range and performance. Electric cars can now go longer distances, and the cost of buying one is coming down. Fuel and maintenance costs are already less than they would be for a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle.
Ethanol produces lower emissions of ozone-forming compounds and toxic air pollutants.
A special engine oil must be used, and oil changes may be more frequent. Vehicles running on methanol require a special engine oil and may need more frequent oil changes. While it produces very low levels of pollution, it is not as convenient to refuel. Vehicles may have a more limited driving range, since the equivalent amount of natural gas takes up about four times as much space as a gallon of gasoline. A car that runs on natural gas also may be more expensive to purchase, but gasoline-powered cars can be converted to run on natural gas in addition to gasoline.