Greener cars could slash US pollution by 2050: study

Greener cars that use alternative fuels could help the United States slash its greenhouse gas emissions from everyday driving a full 80 per cent by 2050, according to a scientific study out today.

That could lead to a more than 10 per cent cut in overall US pollution into the atmosphere, with consumer-driven cars and small trucks currently responsible for 17 per cent of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions, said the study.

Sticker shock could turn off many consumers, with such vehicles costing several thousand dollars more than today's prices. Still, the long-term benefits would outweigh the early costs, said the report by the National Academy of Sciences.

The study envisions cars and small trucks of the future that drive a stunning 100 miles per gallon, way over the 25 miles per gallon that they did on average in 2005.

More efficient vehicle technologies -- like lighter, more aerodynamic designs -- could be combined with alternative power sources such as biofuel, electricity or hydrogen,

reducing petroleum use in 2050 by 80 per cent as well, it said.

There is no single solution in view, but fuels under consideration include corn-grain ethanol and biodiesel, which are already being produced in commercial quantities. Natural gas was ruled out because its greenhouse gas emissions were too high.

The study also pointed to "much greater potential" in fuel from wood waste, wheat straw and switchgrass, known as biofuel from lignocellulosic biomass.

"This 'drop-in' fuel is designed to be a direct replacement for gasoline and could lead to large reductions in both petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions," it said.

The study examined hybrid electric, plug-in electric and battery electric vehicles already on the market including the Toyota Prius and Chevrolet Volt, as well as hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles like the Mercedes F-Cell, scheduled for

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