"Most alternative energy sources can be viewed as “niche” sources, but not as a complete replacement for fossil fuels. And policy-makers and decision-makers must consider a host of factors when determining the best resources to pursue: energy density; availability; whether to generate fuel or only generate electricity; government subsidies to make the venture viable; impact on the food supply chain; and much more.

Oil will be difficult — if not impossible — to replace in its entirety. The end result would be a world much different than today."

http://www.todaysengineer.org/2005/Jul/alternatives.asp

The author of this article makes it sound like having only electricity as an output is bad.

Check out http://www.acpropulsion.com/

This guy is making some crazy electric car prototypes.

Some specs on the tZero all elctric sports car.
300 Mile driving range at 60 mph
0-60 in 3.4 seconds
can get a full charge in one hour

The main concern of a lot of people who study the energy issue is not that alternative technologies don't exist, but that they aren't being implemented quickly enough.

The main concern of a lot of people who study the energy issue is not that alternative technologies don't exist, but that they aren't being implemented quickly enough.

What technologies aren't being implemented quickly enough?

The main concern of a lot of people who study the energy issue is not that alternative technologies don't exist, but that they aren't being implemented quickly enough.

8. Does AC Propulsion plan to build any other electric vehicles?

AC Propulsion studying a plan to manufacture safety-certified electric vehicle conversions and sell them to retail and fleet customers. The conversions will be based on the Scion xA and xB, the new sport compact vehicles built by Toyota. A base model, and a premium model with a larger battery will be developed. The base model will outperform the Toyota RAV4 EV and is expected to sell for about the same price. First production is planned in 2005.

9. Why the Scion?

Not everyone likes the looks of the Scions. One critic says “yes, they have the look of the future, but right now they’re ugly”. But, from the perspective of our plan to build EV conversions and make money doing so, we have not found a better vehicle to start with. The gasoline Scion costs less than $15,000 well-equipped and weighs less than 2400 pounds. The xB is huge inside. The xA has a sporty, aggressive stance. The xA and xB are built on the same platform so development costs are reduced. The xB in particular appeals to fleets. They are Toyotas but they don’t look like it. To get the best range and performance in an EV with the broadest appeal and the lowest price, the Scion has the looks of a winner.

What technologies aren't being implemented quickly enough?


All of them, basically.


Here's a link that might answer some questions.

http://www.mnforsustain.org/oil_peaking_of_world_oil_production_study_hirsch.h tm