Re: Alternative fuels?

["JS M" <jbiggs50@hotmail.com>]

After the OPEC embargo in the early 70's, my father converted a Chevy Monte 
Carlo to propane.  It was a dual fuel system which retained the existing 
gasoline tank and added a propane tank in the trunk.  The conversion was 
fairly easy and added a bunch of miles between fill-ups.  The Monte Carlo 
ran fine, especially on the highway, though propane decreased miles per 
gallon a little.  I understand that the latest technology in autos is based 
on "hybridization" where dual fuel systems or dual power sources are used.
Regarding fuel cells: I think the greatest advantage will be in decreasing 
the dependence on the existing electrical power grid.  Imagine placing a 
home on a piece of land without having to worry about stringing power to it. 
  If fuel cells become competitive with existing power there might be an 
even larger electrical power glut, decreasing the need for dams?
jm


>From: Bob Hoffmann <escape@alt-escape.com>
>To: <vision2020@moscow.com>
>Subject: Re: Alternative fuels?
>Date: Tue, 07 Dec 1999 21:00:13 -0800
>
>At 08:37 PM 12/07/1999 -0800, Shahab Mesbah wrote:
>>Dearest Friends,
>>
>>When I lived in Europe I saw many natural gas and Propane cars.
>>the efficiency is
>>higher and emmitions far lower than gasoline as well.
>
>It's my understanding that, in order to raise the number of miles traveled
>per "fill-up," natural gas cars must use additional fuel tanks.  These are
>often built into the trunk or hatch.  Of course, most car trips are taken
>by a single person (the driver), and don't use the space that would be
>converted to tank use, but many people would balk at eliminating such a
>large amount of their available compartment space.
>
>Of course, they would probably change their minds when the last oil wells
>start sucking fumes.
>
>
>Bob Hoffmann
>229 East C St., Suite B
>Moscow, ID  83843  USA
>Phone: (208) 883-0642
>Fax: 1-800-683-3799
>http://www.alt-escape.com
>

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