Do Only Fools Turn Food Crops Into Fuel?

Question

Especially When It Costs More Than A Gallon Price Of Gasoline To Produce? Is It Global Elitist Hood Winking?

Answer 1

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There are better solutions than ethanol, and they are ready today. I hope you're open to a creative idea. Here's an unexpected solution. Look at this car:
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http://phoenixmotorcars.com/models/fleet.html
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The Phoenix electric pickup truck - this completely gas-free vehicle, using new, advanced Altairnano batteries - can:

-Travel up to 250 miles per charge
-Carry 5 passengers plus cargo at 95mph.
-Charges batteries in as little as TEN MINUTES.
-Has batteries that last 250,000 miles (never need replacement.)
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It is being manufactured right now for fleet customers like PG&E. If sales go well, it will be made available to individuals next year. Cost is $45,000 for hand-built cars, and this cost will fall considerably when factory production becomes feasible.
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The electricity cost to drive an EV is only 1 to 2 cents per mile. I know this because I drive an electric car. Keep an eye on the Phoenix. And if you want to 'get your feet wet' in an EV without spending lots of money, it's possible to get an EV for as little as $5000. Here's a link:
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http://www.squidoo.com/cheap-electric-car
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Then you can SMILE as you drive past gas stations (like I do.)
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Answer 2

I assume they're hoping for a drop so it becomes profitable following the theory of economies of scale.
They are many other non-food crops that can be utilised as bio-fuel, including waste from food and industrial producers.

We should also bear in mind, that the US government may be effectively supporting a non-viable (in a global market place) and heavily (and controversially) subsidised corn/agricultural industry.

The actual problem is not so much the fuel- but the fact we're all still using this very inefficient engine design called the internal combustion motor which wastes most of its energy through heat, friction and vibration.

Conventional, proven low-tech engine systems such as steam and compressed air engines are actually far more efficient- and require fewer moving parts- turning 50%+ of energy input into motion- rather than 25-35% for a conventional petrol engine.

Efficiency and conservation should drive the alternative energy market first, rather than attempt to duplicate an oil economy with a bio-oil economy.

Answer 3

I'll agree that it's proposterous propaganda. There are far better alternatives from electric cars, to cars that run on water.
the water molecules are seperated into oxygen and hydrogen gases through electrosis and both vapors are feed into an ICE engine as fuels. There is also 'Solid Hydogen'. A chunk the size of a baseball will power a car for a year, and costs about a dollar to produce, and if stored in a cars frame, can power a car for a lifetime. But then the greedy oil barons couldn't fleece you for a commodity by seeling you fuel everyday. They want to sell you some type of fuel on a regular basis, be it liquid hydrogen, hydrogen gas, gasoline, ethanol, bio-fuels, etc. Thnx Dave (15 Years of Energy Research)

Answer 4

Yes! The ethanol con is a repeat from the 70's. It's costs more per acre in fuel to harvest and produce than it reaps. It's a straight up con on the general public, and a ploy to imply we're doing something to combat oil consumption. If there is a drout anytime soon, or anytime period, not only will this ploy be history, but more people will die of starvation. The food we could have stored, will be gas tank memories to contemplate as we starve. 25,000 die per day of starvation, and we're turning food into fuel? Someone is a MADMAN! Refuse to purchase it!!!

Answer 5

I heard, not sure if this is fact and don't feel like looking it up so I'm just spreading rumors here--so anyway I heard that the price of Corn was going up because of this new fuel and 3rd world countries were starting to not be able to afford the corn to eat--is that good?? Fuel for car of Fuel for people which is more important. Just my rumor till I look it up--seems true and it came for a good source.

Answer 6

It would be much more sustainable to do switch grass. Most of the big gas companies all already invested in the corn production. Canada is the leader in switch grass research right now! There is some kind of conspiracy with the combustible engine and liquid fuels.

Answer 7

No, the United States has the ability to produce enough food to feed the whole world, we throw about half of it away too

Answer 8

ethanol gas is very good for our environment. it uses less natural resources and we can grow and grow and grow it. its more expensive now because not many people are buying into it. it would cost alot of money to convert an entire economy to ethonal.

Answer 9

When the price of oil doubles, then who is the fool?

Answer 10

I can't help to think that I would rather burn it in a car than to feed that crap to my kids.... High fructose whatever and polywhatthefuck seems to be in everything! They can burn it all!