Isn't it about time car makers got their fingers out?

Question

and found some alterative to petrol and diesel that really does it's job properly.
I hear so much about these alternative fuels and the millions that are being spent on R&D but nothing really constructive ever seems to come of it.

I welcome your opinions as to why this is so

Answer 1

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We'll never get what we need from the government or the carmakers. This is not a problem they really want to solve. In fact, look what has been developed with no help, tax money or subsidies whatsoever:
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http://phoenixmotorcars.com/models/fleet.html
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The Phoenix electric pickup truck - using new, advanced Altairnano batteries (based on research from MIT) - 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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Yes, it is a real car, being built right now for fleet use by companies like PG&E. So why, do you suppose, our media, government, and carmakers are being so quiet about this vehicle and the technology behind it?
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Answer 2

I'm not sure the ball is in the auto makers court at this point. They've put technology out there that allows a car to run on flex fuels and alternative fuels and work continues on fuel cell technology and hybrid and electric. Someone has to step up and become a supplier now. A distribution system needs to be built but profitable demand doesn't exist just yet. Profit in record numbers is still being made by the oil companies so they don't really have an incentive to go out and invest billions in a distribution and refining system for biodiesel or alcohol based fuel. Its also still more cost effective to use oil based fuel. Paradigms have to shift first.

Answer 3

I agree. The most they have come up with is next to nothing compared to a few private efforts like the one that says used cooking oil even oil from traps in resturants will run cars.
Took loads of rocket science to figure that one.

Personally, unless given government money it seems like the car makers simply do not care.

--That Cheeky Lad

Answer 4

It's the old "chicken and egg" syndrome: do you make the cars and assume that the public will buy them, or wait until the public demands them and then make them to meet demand?

No automaker in America is going to risk the bottom line on a car that consumers won't buy. They are just too financially unstable right now, which is why it's being left to the Japanese manufacturers. They can afford to take the risk.

Answer 5

Because they're all in it together and they make far too much money off of us via the cost of petrol and diesel to seriously start to think of viable alternatives.

Answer 6

Technology has been developed for vehicles to run on liquid petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) as well as for various petrol-electric hybrids.
The lack of infrastructure at petrol stations makes it impossible to supply them in the near future and what's the cost going to be.

Answer 7

Because the world is run by the oil companies who don't want that technology available to consumers

Answer 8

Those cars are on the market now. BUT people have not bought them much.I saw a electric car on the toyota car lot.IT also burns ethenol.

Answer 9

They could try Coco Cola

Answer 10

I concur