15 Forgotten Fuel Innovations That Promised to Change Driving

Over the decades of American car culture, innovators, politicians, and entrepreneurs set out on ambitious quests for alternative fuels in the hopes of reinventing the way America drives. From turbine engines and methanol fueling stations to hydrogen combustion, battery swap-out networks, biodiesel fueling stations, and solar-powered concepts, each innovation was born out of a period of American optimism and energy concern. The demos amazed the masses, the fleets tested the new technologies, and the press coverage fueled visions of a revolution. However, the lack of infrastructure, uncertain oil prices, the expense, lack of consumer interest, and the fast-paced evolution of competing technologies held the adoption back. Many of these projects were technically sound but economically precarious.

1. Chrysler Turbine Car

Chrysler displayed a car in the early 1960s that sounded as if it were a jet plane warming up. The Chrysler Turbine Car featured a gas turbine engine, which was different from the conventional piston engine. It could run on diesel fuel, leaded gas, kerosene, and even perfume in a demonstration. The engineers thought that the gas turbine engine would reduce vibrations and eliminate the need for cooling systems and complex transmissions. The car handled well and was quiet on the highways. Fifty-five bronze-colored prototypes were driven across the United States as part of a public test. Families got to drive them and then mailed back their feedback, as if they were living in the future. However, the gas turbine engine did not perform well in city driving. There was a significant reduction in fuel efficiency at low speeds, and the engines seemed to take a long time to respond to the throttle.

2. General Motors EV1

In the 1990s, General Motors produced a sleek electric car that resembled a vehicle from the future. The EV1 could move solely by using batteries and did not have a tailpipe to release emissions. The car accelerated very quickly and was very quiet as it cruised through California and Arizona. The original versions of the EV1 came with lead-acid batteries, but the newer versions came with nickel-metal-hydride batteries. Consumers leased these vehicles and enjoyed their smooth ride and low maintenance needs. Charging stations began to pop up in cities. It seemed as though gasoline-powered vehicles finally had some competition. However, the EV1 was only available for leasing and not for purchasing. Range anxiety and the lack of charging stations prevented many from purchasing the vehicle, and oil prices remained low, so there was no great need to make a change.

3. California Methanol Fuel Program

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, methanol appeared to be a promising substitute for gasoline. It can be produced from natural gas, coal, or biomass. California conducted large-scale trials of flexible fuel vehicles that could run on M85 (85% methanol and 15% gasoline). The main car manufacturers produced special models of sedans and minivans for the program. Some gas stations installed methanol pumps in certain regions. It was considered a viable transition fuel to a cleaner future. However, methanol faced significant difficulties: it is corrosive and requires modifications to fueling infrastructure, it is difficult to start in low temperatures, and it has lower energy density than gasoline, which affects driving range.

4. Ford Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine Program

In the first years of the 2000s, Ford examined hydrogen with an altered internal combustion engine, but not fuel cells. They created hydrogen-powered versions of the Ford Crown Victoria and E Series vans. These vehicles consumed compressed hydrogen gas in a conventional engine. Engineers expected this to allow Ford’s typical production processes while reducing carbon emissions. Test fleets operated in government and research collaborations throughout the United States. These vehicles primarily emitted water vapor, with trace amounts of nitrogen oxides. Advocates thought hydrogen combustion could serve as a bridge to a carbon-neutral world. However, hydrogen had significant infrastructure challenges. The storage tanks required high-pressure equipment and robust materials.

5. General Motors HyWire Fuel Cell Concept

In 2002, General Motors unveiled the HyWire concept car. It could run on hydrogen fuel cells to produce electricity. The entire propulsion system would fit into a flat, skateboard-like body. The steering and braking systems would use electronic controls, not the old mechanical systems. The designers envisioned a future where various car bodies could be mounted on the same fuel cell platform. The HyWire made appearances at auto shows and technology exhibitions all over the United States. It represented freedom from gasoline and conventional engine designs. Most people believed that hydrogen fuel cells would soon reign supreme on American roads. However, the hydrogen economy required massive investment. It was expensive to produce, store, and transport hydrogen. Also, fuel cell stacks were still very expensive to produce in mass quantities.

6. Biodiesel: The Early 2000s Boom for Cars

In the early 2000s, biodiesel was touted as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional diesel fuel. It is made from vegetable oil, animal fat, or recycled waste oil used for cooking. The belief was that it would have fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional diesel fuel. Americans tried out biodiesel blends like B20 in diesel-powered trucks and sedans. Some Volkswagens claimed that their diesel-powered engines would run on biodiesel under certain circumstances. The proponents of biodiesel claimed that it could be used in conventional diesel engines with minimal modifications. It was seen as practical, viable, and patriotic because of its connection to American farming. However, the excitement about biodiesel was short-lived. The main problem with biodiesel was that it would thicken in cold weather. There was also an issue with fuel quality that led to problems with engine warranties.

7. Compressed Natural Gas Passenger Car Push

In the 1990s and early 2000s, compressed natural gas (CNG) emerged as a cleaner domestic fuel choice. There were gasoline cars like the Honda Civic GX that came with CNG versions for Americans. CNG was cleaner than gasoline and produced fewer emissions that caused smog. It was also preferred by car fleets for taxis and urban vehicles. Advocates cited abundant natural gas resources in the United States. Refueling was cheaper on a mileage basis in most regions. It seemed like a genuine bridge between gasoline and a cleaner future. However, there were obvious challenges for CNG-powered passenger cars. The high-pressure containers occupied trunk space and were heavier. Refueling stations were few in most regions.

8. Propane Autogas Revival Efforts

Propane, or liquefied petroleum gas, fueled farm equipment and forklifts for several decades. During the 1970s energy crisis, individuals began considering the use of propane to power passenger vehicles. Conversion kits were developed that enabled gasoline engines to operate on propane. Propane was a cleaner-burning fuel than gasoline and did not leave as many carbon deposits. During periods of high oil prices, propane experienced a resurgence as a viable alternative fuel source for American motorists. Government vehicles and school buses were tested for autogas systems. It was touted as a cheap and abundant fuel source in much of the country. However, additional tanks and components were required for propane conversions. Additionally, propane had a lower energy density, which reduced the range of the vehicle compared to gasoline.

9. E85 Flex Fuel Expansion Wave

During the mid-2000s, E85 fuel received a great deal of publicity. E85 fuel consists of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. It was intended to reduce oil imports and help corn farmers in America. Automobile manufacturers built a number of flex-fuel cars that could run on E85 fuel or gasoline. Sports on tailgates featured flex-fuel engines. Politicians touted ethanol as a renewable resource grown in the American heartland. When gas prices were high, E85 fuel appeared to be a cost-effective alternative at the gas pump. It seemed patriotic and sensible. However, economic realities complicated this scenario. Ethanol contains fewer miles per gallon than gasoline. In some areas, the price of E85 fuel did not offset this disadvantage.

10. Saturn Vue Green Line BAS Hybrid

In 2007, GM began the Saturn Vue Green Line with a Belt Alternator Starter hybrid system. This is a mild hybrid, not a full hybrid. It came with a small electric motor that assisted with acceleration and allowed the engine to turn off when stopped. The Vue Green Line appeared like a typical compact SUV, which was attractive to down-to-earth American consumers. It offered improved mileage compared to the gasoline-powered model. For a brief period, mild hybrid technology appeared to be the simple solution to improve fuel economy across the country. However, the improvement in fuel economy was not substantial compared to full hybrids such as the Toyota Prius. There was little difference in how it was handled, except for the engine turn-off feature. When gasoline prices fluctuated, consumers were less eager to purchase.

11. Chevrolet Silverado Two Mode Hybrid

In 2009, Chevrolet introduced the Silverado Two Mode Hybrid. This vehicle pairs a powerful V8 engine with an intelligent hybrid system. The hybrid system allows the vehicle to operate on electric power alone at low speeds and to utilize improved fuel economy on the highway. The Silverado was designed for truck owners who require a lot of towing power but also want to conserve fuel. The designers of this truck ensured that the vehicle remained powerful while reducing fuel consumption during urban driving. This concept proved that hybrids can be effective in large trucks rather than small vehicles. However, the hybrid system is quite complex, which increases its price.

12. Mazda Hydrogen Rotary RX 8 Demonstrations

Mazda was interested in hydrogen and used their special rotary engine. In the mid-2000s, they showed hydrogen-powered RX 8 sports cars. The rotary engine enabled the design of separate gas intake systems for gasoline and hydrogen. The driver could switch between the two fuels, which was convenient when hydrogen was difficult to access. The demonstration models operated in some fleet tests and promotion events. The concept combined a racing heritage with a cleaner-burning fuel. Enthusiasts appreciated the innovation of combining hydrogen with a light sports car. However, hydrogen storage was space-consuming and expensive. There were also a few public refueling points. The operation of the car on hydrogen was different from gasoline, and production was limited by high costs.

13. Better Place Battery Swap Network

Better Place had a vision to make electric cars convenient in the late 2000s. Rather than waiting to recharge, owners could swap a used battery for a charged one in minutes. Better Place partnered with car manufacturers and installed automatic swap stations. A car owner would drive into a bay, and robots would remove the spent battery from below and replace it with a new one. The vision was to be as convenient as filling up a gas-powered car. The initial trials showed how fast and precise it was. Those who supported the plan believed it would prevent car owners from worrying about running out of power and would hasten the arrival of electric cars in the US. However, the battery had to be standardized, and it required a lot of investment to get started. Car manufacturers were hesitant to standardize batteries.

14. Dimethyl Ether Diesel Substitute Trials

Dimethyl ether, or DME, was considered a potential substitute for diesel. It burns well and releases fewer particulates. In the United States, scientists tested DME in engines that were altered from conventional diesel configurations. It can be made from natural gas or biomass. This provides flexibility in the source of the fuel. Tests in heavy-duty vehicles showed promising combustion characteristics. Supporters described it as a means to reduce pollution without sacrificing compression ignition. It appears to be highly technical and feasible with current engine designs with some modifications. However, DME requires dedicated fuel systems due to its low lubricity and unique storage properties. There were no commercial distribution channels established. The need for it was lessened by the development of clean diesel technology and the emergence of electrification.

15. Solar Assisted Vehicle Experiments of the 1980s

In the 1980s, there was a series of experimental American cars featuring solar panels stuck right on their roofs and hoods. Designers and do-it-yourself enthusiasts had a vision of cars that could drink solar energy, whether parked in the shade or driving on the highway. The first models used solar energy to charge batteries or power additional systems, not as a replacement for gas tanks but as a relief. The atmosphere resonated with a sense of uncertain fuel availability, and the reports in the media often featured sleek solar-powered cars driving through deserts and long roads. The idea represented a sort of oil independence, a utopian combination of mobility and clean energy. However, the numbers did not work out in their favor.

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• Driving
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• fuel innovations
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