Which form of renewable energy for transportation will win?

Question

So far I have heard reasons why each one (ethanol, hydrogen, solar, and whatever else) won't be able to replace oil. What do you guys think?

Answer 1

Electric cars are the wave of the future. New electric cars are increasing their range up to 300 miles on one charge. This will get better and better as new battery technologies get implemented.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells have limitations related to it's infrastructure. You have to retrofit all existing gas stations to hydrogen. Currently, the only economically viable way to produce hydrogen emits carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas.

Ethanol reduces your gas mileage compared to gas. The production of ethanol currently takes up huge amounts of corn from food stocks, raising the price of corn. Livestock who eat corn, as well as, many food items containing corn have increased in price due to ethanol production. The production process also emits smog producing chemicals, as well as, CO2.

Solar and wind are getting cheaper and cheaper, but are still more expensive to make electricity than burning coal. Nuclear power is cost competitive with coal, but has had the obvious safety issues. If these issues are addressed, nuclear may be a viable technology.

Answer 2

Hydroelectric is bad. The dams necessary cause a LOT of environmental damage by disrupting the water flow and the habitat or many species. Look up the Colorado River and the Hoover Dam to learn about one of the more controlled issues. There have been many hydroelectric projects, especially in the former USSR that completely destroyed an entire regions ecological system and commerce because of the rerouting of water. I don't like solar because of the chemicals it takes to produce the photovoltaic cells. Other than that it is on its way to becoming quite efficient and versatile. I haven't done much research on geothermal, but I think it takes way too much work and disruption of the local environment to be the best option. I like wind the best. I know that some people are worried about wind farms disrupting the flight patterns of migratory birds, and killing birds as well. Therefor, I think it is a great idea to build these farms out at sea, where there is far less bird traffic. So, I think we should primarily use wind power, with solar power being a supplemental option, especially for remote locations, as you can (or will be able to, soon) produce a lot of power on site with a single panel. There is also a lot of interesting research going on with solar power. Scientists are working on a photovoltaic film that could be adhered to car windows and could aid or take the place of a car battery.

Answer 3

Ethanol is all ready been endorsed by Bush, and a plan is in place (unfortunately). Hydrogen fueling stations are being placed from Canada to US on the main Interstate. So we will be dealing with both. Solar is not yet there for transportation, but for homes is, so no not soon. Either way, it is a tough road to hoe.... if you know what i mean!, and the "major oil" companies are working on plugging into the market as we chat. No matter what, something that is being locally, and politically driven, we will see a little of everything till the dust settles regarding efficiency of production. Truthfully, I think hydrogen will win, due to the cost of production, but you never know with big industry and such heavy hitters involved.

Answer 4

I just saw the movie "Who Killed the Electric Car". This gives an excellent answer to your question. I am assuming you want to know what tech will replace gas &/or deisal engine in cars.
The short answer to your question is electric. We have had the tech to replace the gas engine for some time.
As to the question of where will we get the energy to power the plug in cars, it could come from wind, solar, nuclear, geo-thermal, wave, and other emerging technologies. Fusion power looks promising, great strides are being made in this area now.

Answer 5

Kusheng is mostly correct. Electric transportation will win out, but I think that advances in solar panel technology and in battery technology will make solar-powered electric cars viable in the near future (about 10 years).

Answer 6

It will probably be a combination of Biodiesel from grasses or some other non-food plants, and Nuclear Power providing electricity for electric cars.

Answer 7

hyrdogen probably...all others (electric, ethanol, solar) still have a lot more problems than hydrogen does

Answer 8

I believe hydrogen will someday replace oil; it has the most potential.

Until then we need to really concentrate on converting to biodiesel and soy beans make the best of this product. Then we'd have something worthwhile to use for this otherwise useless, nasty-tasting plant.

Answer 9

none because at the moment the oil companies have to much of a grip on the market

Answer 10

solar b/c someday the Sun will die