Alternative fuels not forgotten

Though the automotive industry is focused to a large extent on electric drivetrains, research continues on alternative fuels.

Finite fossil-fuel reserves are focusing many minds in the automotive industry and spurring on the search for alternatives. Two years ago, interest in alternative fuels seemed to be growing, and many manufacturers appeared to be investing heavily in related internal-combustion engine (ICE) technology. U.S and European governments were among those to set mandated targets for the adoption of biofuels.

Although attention has been focused lately on electric drivetrains, the power density and efficiency of the ICE means that it's too good a thing to give up at the moment. How viable are alternative fuels to an industry that has undergone many upheavals and changes in the past two years?