Alternatives to petrol

[Edbear]

The drug/cancer thread is starting to discuss this issue so probably better to have its own thread.

With the advent of electric bikes and hybrid technology, maybe we can discuss the pros and cons of it.

While most development is centered on cars, there are several bike manufacturers building electric bikes now

One area I do like to see them in is trials. Traditionally the realm of the two -stroke engine, electric makes complete sense. Road bikes are a different case and needs much more battery life yet.

[Oakie]

Hydrogen. I saw on TV just a few nights ago that hydrogen fuelled cars are becoming available in the US and that initially, the hydrogen is free. Performance and 'tank' range is good with the only problem being a lack of fuel stations that sell hydrogen. Can't think why the petrol stations wouldn't sell an alternative to petrol! It'll come eventually though.

[Katman]

It's been well known for many years that oil companies have been buying up patents for alternative energy and hiding them away where they never see the light of day.

[Voltaire]

Oil and Car Company conspiracy theory enter stage left..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patent_...NiMH_batteries

[vtec]

Electric bikes are already awesome. Range isn't too bad. 160 km easy. More range than my UZ125.

Check out the Zero SR: http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/zero-s/sr.php

Cons for me are largely the price, $20k+, and secondly the weight. 188kg. But for a commuter the weight wouldn't matter too much. Most bikes are similar weight. I just like lighter.

[Motu]

Can't think why the petrol stations wouldn't sell an alternative to petrol!

They've been there, done that - and a lot still do LPG.

[Yow Ling]

Methane Hydrates, should put off the electric cars for a hundred years or so

[jasonu]

It's been believed for many years by conspiracy theorists and tin foil hat wearers that oil companies have been buying up patents for alternative energy and hiding them away where they never see the light of day.

Fixed it for ya.

[Katman]

Fixed it for ya.

Knock yourself out.

http://www.theorionproject.org/en/suppressed.html

http://www.examiner.com/article/oil-...car-production

[Edbear]

I think it will be gradual. While you can get enough range from batteries for some daily commuting they still take time to recharge. I have been serously considering the Outlander PHEV as it would save me about $500 per month in fuel based on my normal routine and still beat the Kizashi on a long drive by about 1,1/2lt per 100km.

And they are using LiFePO4 batteries I believe.

[Katman]

It has also been known for decades that the internal combustion engine is inherantly very thermally inefficient.

The oil companies are determined to ride the wave as far as they can though.

[Edbear]

I think it will be gradual. While you can get enough range from batteries for some daily commuting they still take time to recharge. I have been serously considering the Outlander PHEV as it would save me about $500 per month in fuel based on my normal routine and still beat the Kizashi on a long drive by about 1,1/2lt per 100km.

And they are using LiFePO4 batteries I believe.

[Edbear]

It has also been known for decades that the internal combustion engine is inherantly very thermally inefficient.

The oil companies are determined to ride the wave as far as they can though.

While oil is plentiful and cheap there's not a big incentive.

[Katman]

While oil is plentiful and cheap there's not a big incentive.

There's plenty of incentive - just not for the oil companies.

They are only interested in raping the Earth of any further oil deposits in order to make whatever money they can before their bubble bursts.

[Flip]

There's plenty of incentive - just not for the oil companies.

They are only interested in raping the Earth of any further oil deposits in order to make whatever money they can before their bubble bursts.

Tin foil hat wearing hippies have been saying for the last 40 years.