Alternative Fuels

[CoreIssue]

We hear much about alternative fuels, today. Are they an option?

Fuel cells are so far away from being a viable technology they are not worth discussing.

Ethanol is makable, but costs way more than gas.

Electric cars have a lot of issues. Such as frequent recharge demands, cost a ton and the issues of environmental impacts on the production and disposal of batteries.

Hybrids sound good. But with the extra cost of the batteries and maintenance, more complex engines that means more places for problems, and such, they actually cost more overall than gas engines.

Then, again, the issues of battery production and disposal.

Also, the issue of the batteries being hidden in the passenger compartment. Meaning you are sitting on them and/or have them next to you. So, what happens if they leak or get busted in an accident?

What is the answser? Any ideas?

[Flames]

Alternative fuels are a possibility. But, I think vehicle manufacturer's can make much higher mileage vehicles. In fact, as fuel prices have gone up, mpg have dropped even on newer vehicles that were know for having high mileage (for example Toyota's). That makes me very suspicious!

[CoreIssue]

Alternative fuels are a possibility. But, I think vehicle manufacturer's can make much higher mileage vehicles. In fact, as fuel prices have gone up, mpg have dropped even on newer vehicles that were know for having high mileage (for example Toyota's). That makes me very suspicious!
I think a lot of that has to do with putting more steel in the cars and bigger engines.

People were going ot SUVs and such for safety.

Getting hit in the cars that didn't have to HP to get out of tight situations and light bodies that almost guaranteed injury or death in an accident reached a point where people put safety over MPG.

In example, at a red light a small car was behind me. Another small car rammed the one behind me, shoving it into me and me a few feet forward.

The front end of the last car was completely gone. Front and back of the middle gone as well. I didn't even get a scratch. The police told me to leave after taking my statement.

Even further, those small cars just don't have enough space to meet a lot of peoples needs. They sure don't mine.

But, I believe you are right. I believe they already know how to make cars that use so little fuel the oil companies would be hurt big time.