The automobile industry is going through revolutionary changes. The standard petroleum gasoline fueled engine has some new competition from gas-electric hybrids, electric vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, natural gas vehicles and even some automobiles that get some of their power from the sun. Alternative fuel vehicles produce less harmful emissions and are better for the environment. Many of these fuels can be derived from renew-able resources. Hybrid vehicles such as ones that are powered by a combination of gasoline combustion engines and electric motors are becoming more common. Other vehicles that are in development are powered by fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, propane, and hydrogen fuel cells.

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3 Stars. Recommended. - Video Librarian. The Toyota Prius and the Ford Escape Hybrid and just two of the vehicles mentioned in this short overview of innovative passenger cars currently available or being developed that feature alternative power sources instead of the traditional internal combustion engine. This entry from the Show Me Science Advanced series points out that as we approach a point of peak oil extraction, the need to reduce our reliance on nonrenewable resources increases, as does the necessity of cutting back emissions while complying with stricter government regulations and mandates. Viewers will learn about several alternative fuel technologies including hydrogen fuel cells, electric plug-ins, gas-electric hybrids and natural gas - exploring both the advantages and current obstacles faced in bringing the technology to market. While acknowledging that these new cars won't "fix our current concerns overnight," the program points out that they are "a step in the right direction." - Video Librarian.

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