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Biofuels are produced by converting organic matter into fuel for powering our society. More often today, these biofuels are being used as an alternative energy source to the fossil fuels that we currently depend upon. Ethanol and derivatives of plants such as sugar cane, as well as vegetable and corn oils are all included in the aresenal of different biofuels. The International Energy Agency (IEA) tells us that ethanol could comprise up to 10 percent of the world’s usable gasoline by 2025, and up to 30 percent by 2050. Ethanol accounts for two percent of usage today.

However, we have a long way to go to refine these biofuels that we are researching and they become extremely economical and practical. Oregon State University did a study that proves this concept. We have yet to develop biofuels that are as energy efficient as gasoline made from petroleum. Energy efficiency is the measure of how much usable energy for our needed purposes is derived from a certain amount of input energy. (Nothing that mankind has ever used has derived more energy from output than from the needed input. In other words, the end product is what we use as alternative energy and needs to be more efficent than the effort used to produce it.)

The OSU study found corn-derived ethanol to be only 20% energy efficient while gasoline made from petroleum is 75% energy efficient and biodiesel fuel was recorded at 69% energy efficient. However, the study did turn up one positive: cellulose-derived ethanol was charted at 85% efficiency, which is even higher than that of the fantastically efficient nuclear energy. 

There are several nations which are seriously involved in the development of biofuels. Brazil happens to be the world’s biggest producer of ethanols derived from sugars. The country produces approximately three and a half billion gallons of ethanol per year. The United States, while being the world’s greatest oil-guzzler, is already the second largest producer of biofuels behind Brazil. The European Union’s biodiesel production capacity is now in excess of four million (British) tonnes - mostly derived from rapeseed oil; soybean oil and a marginal quantity of palm oil.

Recently, oil futures have been down on the New York Stock Exchange, as analysts from several different countries are predicting a surge in biofuel availability. This would offset the value of oil, dropping crude oil prices on the international market to somewhere around $40 per barrel. The Chicago Stock Exchange has a grain futures market which is starting to “steal” investment activity away from the oil futures in NY, as investors are definitely expecting better profitability to start coming from biofuels.

Indeed, it is predicted by a consensus of analysts that biofuels shall be supplying seven percent of the entire world’s transportation fuels by the year 2030. Demand for diesel and gasoline may slow down dramatically, says one energy markets analyst, if the government subsidizes firms distributing biofuels and further pushes to promote the use of eco-friendly fuel.

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One of the best ways to get great gas mileage out of your car is to start with a fuel efficient car to begin with. If you’re in the market for a new car, here’s a quick list of the top 10 most fuel efficient cars commonly sold in North America today. I’ve included their actual real-world gas-mileage (as reported by real-world drivers) because, especially for Hybrids, the sticker EPA mileage estimate is notoriously unrealistic.

10. Honda Civic EX (manual) (31 avg mpg)
Honda is one of the best manufacturers to successfully wring every ounce of energy out of a drop of gas. The Civic EX comes with a four-cylinder i-VTEC engine, 1.8-liter, 140-hp. Testing the manual 5-speed transmission yielded an average of 31 mpg. The Civic EX comes standard with 15-inch wheels, ABS brakes, and dual front and side impact airbags to earn five stars in crash tests. The base model starts with cruise control, remote entry, power locks and windows, a CD/MP3 player, with additional luxuries such as leather upholstery and power front seats added as you advance up the line.

9. Honda Fit Base, manual (32 avg mpg)
6. Honda Fit Sport (manual) (34 avg mpg)
While the Fit may look small, it does an excellent job of laying out interior design to maximize as much room for passengers and cargo as possible. With the rear seats folded down, the Fit has up to 41 cubic feet of cargo space. The manual version of the base model yielded an impressive average of 32 mpg. The Fit includes a high roof to accomodate tall drivers, and either in the city or on the highway it delivers excellent fuel economy. The base model includes 6 air bags (front, side and curtain), which combined with standard ABS and Electronic Brake Distribution, make this a very safety-conscious vehicle, earning a 5-star frontal crash safety rating from the NHTSA.

8. Nissan Altima Hybrid (32 avg mpg)
While the fuel economy stats for the Nissan Altima put it on par with small cars, the Altima is anything but small. The four-cylinder version has tremendous acceleration. The Altima Hybrid includes a 2.5-liter I4 engine, with 158-hp as well as a 40-hp electric motor. Being a true hybrid, the Altima can run on either gas, electric, or a combination. Battery power is renewed through braking and coasting. This car is definitely one to look at if you want something bigger than a compact and don’t want to waste any money on fuel. ABS and traction are standard, as well as stability control on the Hybrid. Intelligent key, automatic climate control, front/overhead displays, trip computer, one-touch windows, cruise control, eight cupholders, and tire status monitor keep you safe and comfortable while you’re being kind to the environment.

7. Toyota Yaris Sedan (33 avg mpg)
5. Toyota Yaris Base (manual) (34 avg mpg)
The Yaris is an exceptional blend of affordability and value, appearance, and excellent fuel economy. Owners say that it’s a lot of fun to drive, especially for an entry-level vehicle. The internal layout provides plenty of space for the driver and passengers. However, some drivers have reported that the location of the gauges is a bit awkward, and some of the compartments are hard to reach from the driver’s position. The Yaris sports a super fuel-efficient four-cylinder, 1.5 liter, 106 horsepower, double-overhead-cam engine. As tested, the Base sedan offers responsive handling, especially around town. Because the Yaris Base sedan is 20 inches longer than its cousin, the Yaris Hatchback, it rides smoother and offers more rear-seat space.

4. Toyota Camry Hybrid (34 avg mpg)
Adapting hybrid technology to one of the world’s best selling cars can only mean one thing: it’s here to stay. Differing from the Prius, the Camry’s appearance is much more the traditional Sedan-shape, and the driving experience follows suit. Its larger, 2.4 liter engine and tires, among other factors, mean the fuel economy is lower than the Prius, but better than regular Camrys. The hybrid is integrated so well that you can easily forget it’s a hybrid. Expect an average of 34 MPG from the Camry Hybrid, a 25 to 50% increase over typical mid-size sedans. Toyota achieves an overall good balance of power vs efficiency with the Camry Hybrid, delivering the level of performance expected of the Camry line. The Camry’s Hybrid Synergy Drive provides 187 horsepower, made up of two independent motors: a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine generates 147 horsepower, while a 40-horsepower electric motor yields the remainder of the power.

3. Honda Civic Hybrid (37 avg mpg)
The Civic Hybrid interior and driving experience is very similar to the regular Civic, so let’s get down to what sets it apart: the front-wheel drive sedan blends a 110-horsepower, 1.3-liter inline-four engine with an electric motor to generate far fewer emissions, and deliver an exceptional 37 (average) mpg in combined city and highway road tests. The electric motor alone provides 20 hp, 76 ft-lbs of torque. Breaking and coasting provide the regeneration necessary to charge the Hybrid batteries. A fuel cut-off activates when decelerating, and stopping/starting the gas engine automatically when stopped or in traffic further extends fuel economy. A CVT continuously variable transmission is offered only in the 2008 Civic Hybrid, for smoother shifting. Other changes in the Hybrid version and other Civic models include a slightly smaller trunk to accomodate the larger batteries (10 cubic foot less space), rear spoiler, and a few other safety features, including turn-signal lit mirrors.

2. Toyota Prius Touring (42 avg mpg)
1. Toyota Prius Base (44 avg mpg)
When it comes to Hybrid technology, the Prius is usually the first vehicle to come to most driver’s minds, and for good reason. Aside from just the fuel economy, the Prius is also a great car. The hatchback body and 60/40 folding rear seats make it configurable to carry fair amounts of every-day cargo, and the futuristic interior is a friendly change that only takes a few minutes to adjust to. Expect owner-tested fuel economy in the 40+ MPG range, which is pretty darn good for a car with plenty of room for passengers and even tall drivers.

The base model is an excellent choice for a comfortable and efficient vehicle that has a smooth ride both around town and on long trips. One minor complaint is that the 1.5 liter gas engine shudders a bit when starting or stopping at low speeds - which is handled automatically by Toyota’s Synergy drive. However, when you combine the gas motor with a 40 HP electric motor, the overall experience is low noise levels at nearly any speed. The seats are very comfortable with the interior easily accomodating 4 adults, complete with legroom for both front and rear seat passengers. Rear passengers sacrifice a little bit of headroom due to the Prius’s aerodynamic, fuel-saving shape.

Touring model: The Touring trim is the top-of-the-line selection for the 2008 Prius’s three available trim packages. It has a tightened, sportier suspension, larger (16-inch) wheels, and some nice changes to the exterior, including extra-bright headlights and a rear spoiler.

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