Why can't the automakers make cars that...
 

I have been thinking is it not possible for the automotive makers to create cars/suv/trucks that run on other types of fuel instead of gas.

I know that it would take a combination between the auto industry and science to create something. I think if they really wanted to they could. The key words are wanted to. Think of all the things that have been invented in the past 100+ years.

If I'm not mistaken, they have a few concept cars that run on hydrogen and other sorts of non oil-based fuel but I think it's years away from being put on the market.

I'm glad they are working on something. Because these gas prices are getting out of control in some areas. Hopefully the cars will be completely tested and out on the market in 2 years.

Thanks for the Information.

ZTAngel are those the same as the hybrid cars I've heard about?

I don't think they are. My boyfriend (Chemistry nerd) was talking about how he read an article about it in one of his journals. I'll see if he can find it for me.

Cars have been developed that can run on things like CNG (Compressed Natural Gas), Hydrogen, Biofuel, and I believe even water (should have paid more attention during this visiting lecture!!)

I think the basic fact comes down to that most of these are just concept, and even things that are more commonplace- like CNG- can never really take off because there are no reliable fueling places (ie, you can't get CNG on every major highway like gas). Another problem is the technology is very expensive. Even hybrid cars are more expensive. If money was no object, I'd love a Hybrid Escape. However, a regular Escape starts at about 18,000 (no frills). A hybrid starts aroun 30,000. I can't afford that right now.

I was wondering what a hybrid car was. Here's a link that explains it.
http://www.howstuffworks.com/hybrid-car.htm

Yesterday, hybrid cars sold out in S. Charlotte by 10 am. They said that there is a 30 day waiting period to get one.

I was talking to my dad about hybrids yesterday. The problem is, I haven't seen one that I didn't think was ugly. :p

My aunt has a hybrid. She said in 10 years she is going to have to replace the battery, which is about $10,000. That's like buying another car.

In the long run, I don't think it'd be worth it.

Hybrids and the supplies for them are going to be ridiculously expensive until they have a wider circulation. Every new machine or appliance is like that. I mean, I remember the days of $900 VCRs.

The thing that most people seem to forget that you only get that super gas mileage if you're doing city driving. If most of your driving is done on the highway in long commutes, you might as well save yourself thousands of dollars and get a regular car.

I took a class on biorenewable polymers and products. In some states, you have E-85, which is ethanol made from corn. Its a great idea, but the problem is that Mother Nature was too good, and we don't have the technology to convert bio materials (trees, grasses, plants, etc.) into the energy sources we need at a cost effective price. Basically, no one would make a profit, so no one wants to develop the technology.

I've also heard that ethanol produces more harmful by-products than the regular refinement process. I don't know how true this is -- it sounds like FUD perpetuated by the oil industry -- but it's something to consider.

Exactly, I think that is the main reason why there is not something else on the market to compete with gas.

( I remember the days of $900 VCRs)

a $900 vcr good god ..... hmmmm what's a vcr
gee whiz how old r u:D :D