Its 2000 all over again...

[Ace_777]

Me and my Dad went to the supermarket today...cars were stretched out for miles waiting to sip that expensive fuel.

We have 3 cars and right they are topped up with fuel. But I'm really pushing my dad for a car which runs on electricty or fuel cell or propane. I was wondering what alternatives do we have ?! Also can they go as fast as petrol powered cars ?.

[Hagar]

I forecast this happening in another thread. They don't seem to realise that even if there is a protest it will achieve absolutely nothing. The only people they're inconveniencing are the general public & ordinary employees like themselves. Exactly the same as in 2000.

About the only real alternative to petrol or diesel right now is LPG or propane. Conversion can be expensive & supply is limited. You might have problems finding somewhere to get it. LPG is sold mainly by ordinary filling stations so you would still have to queue for it with other motorists. I think it's best to stick with petrol/diesel for the foreseeable future. Either that or get a push-bike.

[Craig.]

Of course the idiots rushing out to fill up everything they own which runs on petrol, dont realise that it runs the supply down quicker, and pushes prices up quicker.
Apparently though we are paying less duty than in 2000

[notloste]

Here are two alternatives I know of that you might want to look into.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/ngv.htm

http://www.greasecar.com/

Or, of course, there's the bicycle.  As efficient as a 900mpg car, runs on a renewable fuel source, great exercise, and in some cases - actually faster than a car.  Not to mention the cost.

[Ivan]

LPG is for cooking...

Says someone from a country where half the cars are diesel powered

[Bazza]

On this side of the Pacific Ocean, LPG is starting to be seriously looked at by the people who's livelyhood depends on cost per mile (or Kilometre.)   Like taxis etc...?

We've been there before and it's happening again.

If it ever transpires that the general masses see CARS as transport, as opposed to status symbols, some rationality may again help towards solving the problem.

This afternoon I drove from my suburb, towards the city, in a semi- "grid-locked" situation.     All around me were V8 tanks, 4 Wheel drive Off Road monsters, and turbo-charged rockets, all doing 28 miles per hour.     The guy in front of me was driving a 1000 c.c. Suzuki.     Who is kidding who.....?

There is a school nearby, everyone picks their little darlings up nowadays as they can't be expected to walk a halfmile home because someone invented paedophiles.      Do you want a quess at the nature of the vehicles parked outside the school....?   You got it.

So we're getting thru the fuel pretty well really - I mean it's everyones right to drive whatever they like, right....?     I mean you'll never see me in one of those Japanese cars....?

Well, I'm starting to think my 2000 cc Honda is getting a bit hungry at current prices.

Happy Motoring, I'm afraid the old days are gone.

[H]

Some comparisons have been made during past years per fuel consumption:

The shape of the vehicle made a greater difference at higher speeds, notwithstanding the vehicle's size.
A large car with a two barrel carberator fared rather poorly; with a four barrel carberator the same vehicle fared much better at higher cruising speeds (undoubtedly due to the smaller venturies in use once speed was attained: pushing down hard on the accellerator opens the larger venturies and really sucked up fuel).

Aside from that, there is a limited amount of fossil fuel; it will all eventually run out. Alternative propulsion will be necessary -- technically, already is.

[HawkerTempest5]

We have 3 cars and right they are topped up with fuel. But I'm really pushing my dad for a car which runs on electricty or fuel cell or propane.

I think the first thing you need to ask is do you need three cars?

[ozzy72]

Exactly Roger, and importantly are places within walking distance? I walk most places, the only time I use the car is to go out of town or if we're doing a REALLY big shop (about once a month) otherwise I use my little legs. Keeps me fit and health and means I've got a tan long before anyone else in the staffroom

[Hagar]

Indeed. It's very easy to become lazy & jump in the car without thinking. When we had this problem in 2000 I simply stopped using the car. Being retired it doesn't matter much to me whether I do something now or next week. I've said many times that if the public transport system in this country was more efficient & reliable (thanks for nothing Dr Beeching ) I would sell the car & done with.

The only thing I really need my car for is visiting my family & going to air displays. I've been looking into doing this by train. The big shows like Duxford & Biggin Hill very often have special arrangements with the rail companies where you can get an all-in ticket including transport to the airfield. Even Shoreham had a free shuttle bus from the railway station this year. One of my friends tried it & said it was excellent - with the added bonus of no hassle getting in & out of the show. I really think this is the way to go.

[MattNW]

My solution: 1982 Kawasaki KZ750 in excellent condition. MPG somewhere around 45-50 when I'm not running the guts out of it.  ;D

[Craig.]

My solution, two legs  ;)

[Katahu]

My solution: Get a bike and rig it with a electric motor. For shelter, retrofit the bike with an umbrella. Done.

[H]

My solution: Get a bike and rig it with a electric motor. For shelter, retrofit the bike with an umbrella. Done.

This was mentioned before -- and I still haven't found an extension cord long enough. I can string along a number of them but some little turkey will yank them apart and steal off with one or more .  ;D

[ozzy72]

H you need the U-Boat solution, giant banks of lead acid batteries, just be sure all riding is downhill as with that weight on the back trying to pull a wheelie distance record uphill will result in concussion as you slide backwards off the seat and into the tarmac