Comments on: What will be powering our cars in the future?

By: Allpar Weblogs » Global Warming & Alternative Fuels : Part III

Allpar Weblogs » Global Warming & Alternative Fuels : Part III — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 07:25:34 +0000

[...] Previously I have written two blogs that have attempted to explain/understand why there is a need for Alternative Fuels and what where some of the pros and cons of each of the different technologies. The first blog was titled What Will be Powering Our Cars in the Future? and the second was called Alternative Forms of Energy : Part II in which I was a co-author with allpar member jstwe314. [...]

By: DieselBurner

DieselBurner — Sun, 04 Jun 2006 20:36:58 +0000

Well guys, I’m from a place called Europe where about 50% of the new cars are diesels and can use Biodiesel (mixed with normal diesel in different proportions) as an alternative source of energy, getting 35 to 55 mpg and a reduced effect on environment.

By: Allpar Weblogs » Alternative Forms of Energy : Part II

Allpar Weblogs » Alternative Forms of Energy : Part II — Tue, 30 May 2006 05:12:22 +0000

[...] I had previously written a blog entitled What Will be Powering Our Cars in the Future? and since them some people have asked me to produce/write a second blog exanding the on the ideas presented in the first blog. In this particular blog I will discuss in more detail certain aspects presented the previous blog as well as presenting new information like the pros and cons on the use of Ethanol based fuels. [...]

By: Curtis Redgap

Curtis Redgap — Tue, 14 Mar 2006 04:16:37 +0000

Believe you me, I am no chemist. Blew up a car battery once though…and not intentionally either. In any case, the stuff that is known as “E85″ is just a blend so the same sort of noxious (obnoxious?) elements associated with gasoline combustion are still present, catalytic convertor notwithstanding. I may be well misinformed, however, alcohol combusts into water vapor. OK, I said I wasn’t a chemist. Not even a well informed amatuer. The only thing I do know is that alcohol based fuels are readily more available, and can be made in quantities far greater than we have been lead to believe. Grass, newspaper, and other associated “wastes” around your own home grown still could produce about 200 gallons a week. That ought to be able to get you shooting out to the local grocer, with a quick pit stop at your friendly neighborhood tavern to pick up a little “lightening” for yourself to consume while watching alcohol powered NASCAR types going roundy-round at the track. Not as efficient you say as gasoline. Yes, you are right. Always something isn’t there? But, even if your 60 mpg hybrid Turtle Top Dancer gets 30 mpg, because alcohol doesn’t produce as much BTUs, you aren’t paying for the stuff you brewed at home. Ah ha! Now we begin to see a glimmer of big brother and big oil leering with evil eyes at your little ol’ still that you are not even sharing with anyone yet. No taxes. No profits. What are you? Anti-American!! Probably our American Farmers could produce enough say sugar beets, which are hardy and can grow about anywhere there is arable land, that we could build distilleries, create new jobs, and pump some life into the economy along the way, while slowly turned off that spigot from the far east. New research could probably develop fuels from this stuff that would power diesels and aircraft. It certainly would go a long way to energy independence, which in this world today, we truly need to be. OK, gone far enough off track here. Alcohol would be better for the atmosphere. Less nasty stuff, because in nature, alcohol, after a fashion is a naturually occurring substance. It might even help the economy.