Multifuel Hybrid Car

It’s a developing technology that is astounding consumers and drawing them like flies. The demand for regular hybrid cars has more than doubled since 2005. With celebrities and experts all jumping on the bandwagon to go “green,” this type of technology has certainly had its share of the spotlight.

What is a Multifuel Hybrid Car?

Simply put, this type of car is one that can utilize more than one type of fuel source. For example, Volvo’s Multi Fuel Prototype Car runs off three gas tanks and can utilize five types of fuels. The gases it uses are:

• Methane
• Hythane
• Natural gas
• E85 (consists of 85 percent bioethanol and 15 percent petroleum)
• Standard gasoline

Two of the tanks are constructed of steel. The other tank is gas-tight, lined with aluminum and reinforced with carbon fiber composite. This tank also features an exterior layer made of fiberglass hardened composite. The tanks are stored underneath the car, below the luggage storage area. In order to fuel the car up with all five fuels, the car owner must utilize two fuel fillers. One is used for liquid fuels, and gas fuels go into the other. Its advanced technology allows the liquids and gases to be combined together within the engine.

This car’s amazing feat, like other multifuel hybrids, is that it can utilize various sources of fuel on the go. By simply pushing a button, a new fuel source can be selected.

Reasons to Purchase

Although the initial logic for purchasing this type of automobile may involve economic concerns and the desire to save a dime or two, the real motivation behind purchases of “green” automobiles is a concern about the environment. Drivers likely to purchase cars with this type of technology report being concerned with larger issues than just themselves or their pocketbooks.

These types of cars:

• Produce lower emissions
• Utilize fewer valuable and dwindling fossil fuels
• Allow drivers more choices for fuel options

Typically, higher incomes, maturity and higher levels of education are characteristics of hybrid drivers.

Market Outlook

Experts are continually surprised at the amazing growth of demand for regular hybrid cars. DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche said, “We underestimated the interest that Toyota and Honda hybrids would generate.”

Accordingly, more and more makers of automobiles are dabbling in the world of “green” automobiles, whether it’s a car, SUV, truck or a luxury model. Makers include Toyota, Volvo, Chevrolet, Ford, Honda and many others.

Several of these are venturing into the multifuel arena as well. Ford calls theirs Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFV). Lexus has a concept car on the horizon. All of these cars promise to change the face of transportation in the coming years by proving that other fuel sources are viable and affordable.

Additionally, with supply increasing, the cost of these multifuel hybrids will be decreasing. More and more drivers will be led to these types of vehicles because of increasing awareness of fuel prices and pollution issues.

Previously a premier forecaster for J.D. Power, Walter McManus said after contributing to a U.S. Department of Energy report, that the “market potential” would be 1.2 million for hybrids in 2008. That estimate was based on 28 hybrids existing in the market in 2003. The Department of Energy actually reported 54 hybrids on the market for that year, and McManus increased his forecast.

Impact on the Environment

It's common knowledge that hybrid cars help the environment with their clean emissions. However, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, multifuel hybrid cars do not make much of an impact on the environment. In fact, the ACEEE's Green Book Online doesn't even include this type of vehicle. The emissions produced by these vehicles are comparable to standard gasoline vehicles currently on the road. In theory, one would think these vehicles produce fewer harmful gasses. When using their alternative sources of fuel, they would. However, according to the ACEEE, this is not typically the practice for these specific hybrid types. Alternative fuels are hard to find on the go. Less than one percent of gas stations nationwide actually carry these alternative fuels, including E85.

In turn, the ACEEE goes as far to say that these vehicles may even result in worse effects to the economy than if they didn't exist. Automakers receive credits for increased fuel economy, but few owners even know about the vehicle's capacity to utilize various fuels. As a result, the ACEEE says that "The credits for FFVs, while perhaps well-intentioned, are resulting in higher nationwide gasoline consumption, higher oil dependence and worse global warming pollution than would otherwise occur."

These multifuel hybrid cars promise much for the future; however, fuel accessibility and consumer awareness will ultimately determine their effectiveness for the environment.