Most liked posts in thread: The demise of the car

Cheap gas and US consumer sentiment toward burnin' it is a very dangerous situation for our automakers. The 2008 implosion of the industry was in part due to our addiction to big, crappy SUVs that Detroit could make very cheaply. Whether we like it or not, good automakers will take the long view and continue to develop the electric people movers. We don't have to like it, but it's the future. Here's the crazy part: Millennials and their spawn don't care. The latest iThingy is what's capturing their imagination. There are a few hold-outs, like my two boys, who are car crazy (I wonder where thay got that?). America's car obsession is slowly dying, but as long as I can have my karz, I don't care.

 

I think those who are poo-pooing electric cars have never driven a properly sorted one, like a Tesla. The instant torque is addicting, along with the quiet smooth flow of power. As for not being any fun, you haven't driven electric go-karts! They are way more fun than the stinking putt putt karts - way more - faster too!

However, I think the demise of the gasoline engine car is way past my lifetime, and will probably outlive the rest of the folks on this board too. The supply of fuel will be regulated to match the demand, and when the demand spikes, so will drilling and the search for alternatives.

It ain't over yet, so enjoy it while you can and stop worrying about it!

 

The real answer....

The real answer is a methane extraction system built into the drives seat. Free clean burning fart propulsion. Today's gas stations could be turned converted to chili parlors so refueling would still be available should the need arise. Don't laugh this could work. Why this morning along I've produced enough clean methane to drive to Chicago. Pull my finger for passing power.

 

Great picture!

 

Tesla makes a nice but still way to expensive.

I do like how Dodge is giving the middle finger to everyone in government with the (3) 707 Hp Hellcats. Challenger, Charger and new Cherokee

I will still never buy a Dodge / Mopar car ever.

 

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUKolh8Q9hA"]The Fart Car - YouTube[/ame]

 

Little did I know how advanced my idea was. Once again late to the party.

 

https://www.teslamotors.com/gigafactory

The tech is coming. I got to ride in a Tesla last year. They are awesome.
Also, the new Tesla is down at 35k. The further along the technology gets the cheaper the cost to consumers.
Confirmed: The $35,000 Tesla Model III Will Be Unveiled in March 2016

 

Hydrogen is predominantly made from oil, using energy from coal fired plants........it's hardly "green".

The BMW I-3 also runs only on it's batteries and electric motors, with an optional 'range extender" 2 cylinder gasoline engine that runs a genset to keep the batts charged enough to drive....it adds about 200 miles, but you still need to charge the batteries at some point.

I think the most green way to do a car is solar charging stations, or solar charged batteries that you can swap easily.

But none of this bothers me in the least, it's not the end of cars, or even the end of cars as we know them - it's just a different propulsion system, that's all.

 

I understand where you're coming from but the burning of fossil fuels is going to end whether you like it or not. There's quite a few alternatives out there. I don't think petrol burning cars will be made illegal, but I do think that in our lifetime that the use of them will be limited further down the road. Also, with as many folks out there who lack common sense behind the wheel, a self driving car will greatly reduce the number of accidents and traffic jams on the road ways. If all the traffic is orchestrated in an organized/synchronized matter the human element will be less likely to F it up. I believe that is a good thing. Not so much in the country but in cities for sure. ATL traffic is a nightmare and it's mostly due to people driving like idiots.

 

DITTO! ^^^

 

I'd need a 500 mile range to ever consider one. That won't happen in my lifetime so I'll just burn gas. Thanks to all the electric car drivers who are saving gas for me to burn.

 

I'm just glad I won't be around to see all this.

 

Don't worry...some kid that knows how to use a smart phone will 'volt' it up. Hey man, I'm running 36 volts at each wheel.