Alternative fuel

Alternative fuels have assumed prominence because of soaring oil prices and the sudden realisation that fossil fuels may only last for another 40 years or so.

Fuel cell technology might be too early for now, while the hybrid engine is still a tad too expensive to become a mass-market product in Thailand.

Gasohol seems to be the appropriate alternative fuel for the time being. Gasohol, or E10, is gasoline mixed with ethanol making it cheaper than premium 95 by 1.50 baht.

However, local ethanol production cannot meet demand which is why it has to be imported. The failure to convince motorists about E10 is why Ford suffered as the government deferred is decision to lower excise tax from 30% to 20% for E10-capable engines.

Natural gas vehicle (NGV) technology is also being promoted as an alternative fuel, while bio-diesel also made the headlines for a while.