Fossil Fuels Vs. Power For Combustion Engines

The United States is one of the centerpieces for industry throughout the entire world. Throughout history, the U.S. has developed new machines and new sources of energy that made industry thrive, not only in the U.S. but in other countries as well. But what exactly made it possible for industry to thrive like it does today? For an industry to grow a source of energy must be used to power special tools and machines. As time passed, different sources of energy began to appear and help current industries become what they are today. Although many sources of energy have been discovered by the U.S., they have chosen the use of fossil fuels as their main source of energy. Fossil fuels have been used to provide power for combustion engines, …show more content…
Manufacturers need to build engines on the lowest cost value, and they have to sell the engines at a high enough price to gain profit. Also, manufactures will consider the cost to replace or repair engines, if they ever break down. While manufacturers are thinking about these limitations and problems, consumers have to think about their price range and whether or not they could afford the product. In the case of hybrid or electric vehicles, purchasing a vehicle with a regular combustion engine might be the best choice. Hybrid and electric vehicles get most of their energy from batteries that power the engine. This process requires absolutely no combustion of any material. However, as the battery keeps being used there is a chance that the battery dies, or leaks acidic fluids. This process begins to steadily increase in the first ten years of constant use. The cost to replace these batteries could be pretty expensive. On average the cost to replace these batteries could be around a thousand dollars or more depending the model of the battery or the car (Bui,et al). These expenses could eventually add up cost a consumer thousands of dollars. Furthermore, the cost of hybrid cars are not as consumer friendly than many think it is. On average, in 2004, the middle classed citizen made about $24,000 on the lower end of the scale (“A Portrait Of America's Middle Class”). In comparison, hybrid and electric vehicles cost around $17,400 to $26,000. The cost of a top grade hybrid vehicle is about $2,000 above the average annual income. This may not seem like a big price difference. However, if you think about it in the eyes of a consumer a hybrid car is more expensive than their annual income. Even if a consumer buys a more affordable version of the vehicle it still costs more than half of their annual income. At this rate of income, it