Reduced dependence on foreign oil.

Most of the world's oil reserves are concentrated in the Middle East. Since most advanced fuels are available in the U.S. from U.S. sources, switching to advanced fuels can limit how much money is transferred offshore to support our domestic energy demands.

Government incentives.

The U.S. Department of Energy allows you to search its database of federal and state laws and incentive programs related to advanced-fuel vehicles. Learn more at www.afdc.energy.gov/laws/

Learn more about federal and state tax incentives for purchasing advanced-fuel vehicles at www.fueleconomy.gov

Blueprint for sustainability.

“From exciting wireless communications projects to our efforts to strengthen our financial position and reduce our environmental impact, Ford is deeply committed to sustainability. New technologies and a more open, collaborative approach are helping us achieve breakthroughs we could only dream of, and we are eager to go further. It is an exciting time for us as we continue on our journey to build great products, a strong business and a better world.”
- William Clay Ford Jr.

Excerpted from http://corporate.ford.com/microsites/sustainability-report-2013-14/review-letter-ford

Advantage

CNG is an extremely clean-burning fuel that significantly reduces CO, CO₂ and NOx compared to its gasoline counterpart. CNG is typically less expensive than gasoline and the fuel price is also less volatile. CNG has an octane rating of 130 and has the potential to optimize the engine’s thermodynamic efficiency by utilizing a higher compression ratio.

Consideration

CNG has slightly less energy than gasoline per unit volume. CNG at 3,600 PSI occupies about 3.5 times the volume as gasoline does for the equivalent amount of energy and therefore requires a larger fuel tank to maintain the same range. Refueling time and infrastructure are also considerations.

Propane is nontoxic and cannot get into the water table if there is a leak in the storage container. From an economic perspective, propane is an effective advanced to conventional transportation fuels when capital cost (vehicle and infrastructure), operation and maintenance are all taken into consideration.

Advantage

Power, acceleration, payload and cruise speed are unchanged compared to an equivalent vehicle fueled by gasoline. Propane has a high octane rating of 104, in between compressed natural gas (CNG) at 130 and unleaded gasoline at 87.

Consideration

Because of the low vapor pressure of propane, in extremely cold conditions, starting vapor injection systems could be an issue. Propane Autogas has fewer BTU’s than gasoline, which may result in an mpg loss compare to gasoline.

·  100% biodiesel is referred to as B100

·  20% biodiesel is labeled B20

·  5% biodiesel is labeled B5

·  2% biodiesel is labeled B2

All Ford diesels are capable of running on any blend of biodiesel up to and including B20.

Advantage

Biodiesel (B20) burns cleaner than petrodiesel, with reduced emissions.

Consideration

Biodiesel (B20) may be more expensive than petrodiesel and in low temperatures may require a special additive or fuel tank heater to flow properly.

Advantage

Ethanol / E85 is clean-burning and substantially reduces CO and CO₂
emissions. Compared to gasoline, E85 has a higher octane rating, provides
the same or more horsepower, and burns cooler. Corn and other cellulosic
plant sources are readily available.

Consideration

Ethanol / E85 produces less energy by volume than gasoline. One gallon
of gasoline is the equivalent of 1.3 gallons of E85 used to travel
the same distance. Due to the increased volume required and the fact
that alcohol is corrosive, fuel system components must be upgraded.