The sudden rise of gas prices has many Americans turning to mass transportation for the majority of their needs. In previously posted facts about hypermiling, the whole thing has more to do with driver discipline rather than the vehicle itself. With diesel going way above gas prices (which is quite unusual for gasoline is normally priced higher than diesel) big rig truckers and heavy machinery operators are feeling the crunch with many considering handing in the towel, for now that is. Heavy machinery that used to consume $400.00 of diesel a day now get the same amount for $700.00. Hybrids are alleviating some of the problems but not many can afford to purchase a newer more efficient vehicle. Besides, the environmental impact of green fuels (ethanol) are more than their weighted benefits.
People have formulated their own unique gas saving techniques such as collating all errands into one trip and taking it easy on the gas pedal. Gone are the days of hitting pedal to the metal and in with ease on the gas pedal for more fuel economy.
Cars have become more and more efficient as better engine technologies and lighter parts have been steadily finding its way into the market yet the sudden price increases have caught many off guard. Out with the V8’s and V6′ and in with the hybrids who may be the only option though a very costly one. Concepts like the one suggested by a previous post regarding a hybrid company which sells the car but leases the batteries might be a sound way to go. Gas prices would continue to go up as supply truly is dwindling, not because it is getting scarcer but because some of the biggest suppliers are experiencing conflicts like Iraq (some say it s the second largest producer of oil which is why many are interested in the troubled land). There might be no sight to an end to the high prices which affects all other goods for most rely on transportation at one time of the other.
The slowing economy, the increase in jobless people is prompting a re-think of the choices they make when it comes to choosing their next cars according. The ever increasing prices of oil and Gasoline which has hit a high $3.00 per gallon, is getting more and more people to consider getting either flex-fuel capable vehicles or other alternative fueled cars. These hybrids, which are now more common than you think thanks due to mass manufacturing of already, tested brands like the Toyota Prius and many others are gaining ground for they offer better fuel economy and have less impact on the environment. The other alternative fuels in current study and development are Methanol, Ethanol, Hydrogen and even the dirty old diesel engine is getting a second lease at life with people opting to go for them and alternative fueled cars rather than the gas guzzling cars of yesteryears. Diesel engines have been in use for quite some time but mainly in the mass transport industry such as trucking and hauling of freight to and from ports. They have their share of SUV’s and cars but if the current trend in gas prices shows no slowing down, there might be no other choice but to trade in that gas guzzler for a new diesel or alternative powered car.
Diesel is known to be a not so good performer in the environmental side of things but better and improved engine technology which has come out with cleaner, better and more fuel efficient diesel engines but it still has many issues that can be addressed by alternative fuelled cars. These hybrids on the other hand do have downsides such as battery lifecycle and emissions which can be comparable to current gas powered vehicles. They are slowly but surely getting better and they are sure to be seen more and more everyday, as people shift to better, more fuel efficient vehicles. The choice between gas, diesel and alternative fuelled vehicles has always been a choice of trade off’s between economy, environmental impact and other contributory factors. With the price of gas almost tripling in the last 5 years, the shift to cheaper alternatives (or the not so cheaper ones as with alternative fueled cars) in hopes of keeping the regular Joe on the road while maintaining an environmentally acceptable stance all of us should partake in. So it would only be time before we see more electrical charge stations, methanol and other alternative fuels being offered at the nearest gas station you stop at to fuel up.
