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General: technology, financial, legal

Content of general interest

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Alternative propulsion explained

This section presents in short the existing concepts which may be bought in commercially sold vehicles.
This will answer mostly technical as well as commercial questions like:

How does a serial hybrid work?
What is the difference in max. power when switching to biofuels?
What power-train is suited best for my driving curve/operation?

Fuel properties of alternative fuels

This section presents the characteristics of biofuels, compressed and liquefied natural gas, biogas, ethanol, biodiesel - methylesther and blends. It will answer questions like:

What is the energy content per gallon/litre?
Is the fuel stable (Oxygen, UV...)?
Is there a difference regarding lubrication?

Fuel logistics/refuelling

This section gives an overview of refuelling procedures for different types of fuels. It also covers the fuel logistics i.e. what has to be taken into consideration for providing in time and high quality refuelling. Typical questions are:

Is it possible to refill my tanks using one truck?
What about nozzles and compatibility?
Is the fuel quality the same all over the year?

Driveability

This section gives a clear picture of the use of vehicles operated with alternative fuels or employing alternative powertrains/propulsion. It answers those typical questions:

Am I able to participate in the traffic flow without becoming an obstacle?
Will there be problems with the endurance?
Is there a delay after the max. power is available if I want to overtake (hesitation or stumble)?
Will there be stall under certain conditions (unexpected engine stop)?
How smooth does this type of engine operate (idle roughness)?
Will there be more or less cyclic power fluctuations with this type of hybrid vehicles?
Do biofuels reduce or increase explosions in the exhaust system under certain circumstances (backfire)?

Operation and Maintenance

This section gives advise for the servicing and parking of the vehicles. It answers the questions about:

saftey measures & facility requirements (see also Summary Assesment of the Safety, Health, Environmental and System Risks of Alternative Fuel
special skills maintenance staff
maintenance operations consideration & schemes

Incentives and laws

This section presents the financial incentives in the various countries which support switching to alternative fuels and alternative propulsion. This includes one time reimbursements, tax deductions etc.
Typical questions include:

Is there a cost reimbursement?
What about fuel prices in 5 years?
May I switch to another fuel without loosing the benefits?

Leasing and financing

This section answers question about the financial aspects of vehicles operated with biofuels or having alternative propulsion systems.
Typical questions are:

Do I meet the break even when switching to a cleaner cheaper fuel?
What is the residual value of my biofuel car?

Technological potential

This section outlines the technological potential of the alternative fuels and/or power trains.

Emission reduction potential

Potential to improve air quality in Europeas cities

Is there enough knowledge to decide about buying alternative fuel vehicles?

yes, plenty

could be better

no, not sufficient

Choose your country:

Click on your country in the map for changing the texts of this website to the language of the country. If texts are not translated in your language, they will appear in English (will be coloured grey). On country specific sites (refuelling sites, financial incentives) the focus will jump directly to your country.


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