alternatiivkütus

Alternatiivkütus, or alternative fuel, refers to any substance or material that can be used as a source of energy for vehicles, machinery, or power generation, other than conventional fossil fuels like gasoline, diesel, and natural gas. The primary drivers for developing and adopting alternative fuels include environmental concerns, energy security, and economic considerations.

Common types of alternative fuels include biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, which are derived from organic matter like corn, sugarcane, or vegetable oils. These fuels can be blended with traditional gasoline or diesel or used in dedicated engines. Another category is electricity, used in electric vehicles (EVs) powered by rechargeable batteries. Hydrogen is also a significant alternative fuel, which can be produced from various sources and used in fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) that emit only water vapor.

Other alternative fuels encompass liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), and synthetic fuels. Synthetic fuels can be manufactured from non-petroleum sources like coal, biomass, or even captured carbon dioxide. The sustainability and environmental impact of alternative fuels can vary depending on their production methods and end-of-life management. Research and development continue to focus on improving the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental performance of these energy sources.