Alternative Fuels Final Exam Topics 2014Why hasn't the public seen these vehicles as the perfect solution to the carbon emissions problem we are facing?Favor: Use electric vehicles Plug-in vehicles instead of conventional gas can help reduce Canada and the United States' dependence on imported petroleum products. Most of the world's oil reserves are located in politically unstable or volatile countries. Canada and the United States rely heavily on foreign oil shipments, which creates price spikes and supply disruptions when foreign markets become unstable. Electric vehicles typically use less or no imported oil than conventional vehicles. Hybrid vehicles are capable of using electricity sources produced from domestic nuclear energy, coal, natural gas and renewable resources. This creates a sustainable energy source that is local, clean and cost-efficient. Electric vehicles achieve much better fuel economy and have lower fuel costs than conventional vehicles that burn fossil fuels. Electric vehicles can reduce fuel costs by comparing the price of conventional fuel to that of electricity because electricity is cheaper and cleaner than conventional fuel. Kilowatt hours and MPG are both metrics that are compared between the two energy sources. Today's electric vehicles can exceed 100 MPG and consume only 24-40 KWH. Electric vehicles typically achieve a range of 100 miles on a fully charged battery. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration, 100 miles is sufficient for more than 90 percent of all domestic vehicle trips in the United States. Electric vehicles have the ability to connect to the grid overnight at a fleet facility, residence, workplace, or public... middle of paper... In most countries, electricity reaches its peak of demand during the central hours of the day. This makes electricity more expensive during peak hours, so electricity produced by solar panels would be a more valuable option. With the proper storage methods, solar energy could provide a clean, alternative energy source that would focus on keeping the environment clean and natural. http://cleantechnica.com/2013/10/08/advantages-disadvantages-solar-power/Advantageshttp://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/156112/technology/different_methods_of_solar_power.html• How the technology works• What is it is the technology an alternative to?• Why do people consider it a better technology?• What problem is this technology designed to fix?• Your opinion on whether or not it will work• What infrastructure will be needed to implement this new way of doing things things?