Alternative Fuel Sources

Using alternative fuel sources is not just a matter of environmental responsibility--it's going to become a necessity---like it or not.  Although most of us are in denial, the fossil fuels which form the backbone of our world economy are dwindling quite rapidly, even as we go about our daily lives in our cars.

But the cost and complexity of getting an alternative fuel car going have kept most sane people driving gas guzzlers.

Although few Americans use an alternative fuel source to commute, those who do are soon going to be at an advantage. If your alternative fuel source is your feet, whether through walking or bike riding, you are already at an advantage, taking care of your body and using transportation that is essentially free. However, even if you can't get around solely on your feet, it makes sense to start planning your life around alternate fuel sources now, before things go any farther. 

 And the use of hybrid electric cars, for instance, will stretch what little fossil fuels are remaining.

Once the big oil crash happens, it will be a hardship on those who are unprepared to use an alternative fuel source. There will be a run on biodiesel vehicles, causing skyrocketing prices, and shortages. In addition, many areas will probably won't be adequately equipped to work with an alternative fuel source. Where are the bio-diesel fuel stations?  People will have become so hooked to the convenience of their gas powered vehicles, that they will not be able to really cope anyway. At least until a suitable replacement for the masses is produced---and produced in massive numbers.

But if you plan your life around an alternative fuel source, you will have no trouble adjusting.

Don't forget that electricity is here to stay--no matter what else happens.  If you live in an area where public transportation is already in place, and runs on electric vehicles, the chance is that your local economy will suffer far less damage from the fuel bust. The public transit, driven by an alternative fuel source, will be able to pick up the extra passengers who have been forced to suddenly give up their cars, and there will be minimal inconvenience.

 If you have an electric vehicle, you will similarly be in a good position, as electricity will always be a good way to make use of an alternative fuel source. No matter how bad the fuel crises gets, there is just no way that the government would let the national power grid collapse; that is, as long as there's an alternative to fossil fuels to run the electric power plants!  Because remember, electricity in and of itself is NOT a fuel source; it must be produced.  Nuclear fusion reactors are one answer--but that's a whole other subject.

In any case, electricity makes a lot of sense, as far as how to power cars.

As a matter of fact, if hydrogen fuel cell cars become a mass-production reality, it's likely that many cars will be all-electric.  Otherwise, advances in battery technology will make for electricity being the main alternative power source--but not fuel source--of the future.

Next page, The All-Electric Car...

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