I'm new to dkos, for the most part, and this is my first diary. ok, so lets talk about veggiecars and alternative energy.
what i want to address, instead of the myriad of developing technologies, is the currently available crop of solutions to our energy crisis. Specifically, I'd like to look only at automobiles(biodiesel) and just a few certain ideas. As a disclaimer, there are DOZENS of ideas in development for alternative fuels(magnegas, Richard Branson's biobetunol, etc etc) THe LA WEEKLY even ran a front-pager about veggiecars and electric cars, both existing and availble technologies. I ll provide links at the end. So I'd like to discuss my car, only, even though I am aware of the myriad ideas being investigated. However, if you are a pessimist who believes we need a SILVER BULLET to solve our transportation problem, then I can't help you. Also, I do not have time nor desire to explore all the needed models of mass transportation. What I want to discuss is HERE and NOW, and is part of the already-existing infrastructure that our inefficient system employs.
Lately, what with the Chevron ads on dkos, there has been recent debate over alternative fuels. Many act as if owning a car is a necessary evil, and one that impels the car owner to accept necessary evil beliefs. I do not subscribe to the idea that we are all dependent on the oil companies for lack of a better way. We are dependent for historical, economic, and political forces that will not change until the oil runs out in 35-45 years, if even that soon. So while crude prices rise, while Big Oil locks up its contracts in iraq(www.alternet.org ,joshua holland article yesterday)and the world burns...let us find solutions, ok?
It is not one solution, but instead there will be many. Veggicars are an old idea getting new life in the last two years. If you check out www.lovecraftbiofuels.com, then you will get a better idea, but I will summarize as best as I can. Even though we are discussing an energy source that can ultimatey power only 2% of our current automobile fleet, that does not mean it can't expand. Big Oil, of course, would love for you to believe otherwise, those crazy bastards.
I sold my gas guzzler and took the chance many did not want to take: I bought a diesel mercedes benz(1978) and converted it to run on vegetable oil. Now, I can use any combination of new veggie oil(non hydrogenated), filtered recycled veg oil, biodiesel, and/or regular diesel. it doesnt matter.
Why do this, you ask?
according to california smog tests, I have been able to take one of the dirtiest passenger sedans on the road(70s diesel)
, which btw is not required to smog test, and turn it into an extra-clean car. My emissions are now lower than 3/4 of the new cars on the road, and emits zero pollutants except Nitrous Oxides(far less dangerous than sulfur, which is found in all diesel fuel). Plus, I recycle a waste product that is carbon neutral, since plants must be grown to get the carbon-emitting oil that is used for fuel.
Rudolf Diesel actually designed the diesel engine to run on all kinds of fuels, not just the dirtiest one(diesel). he used peanut oil at the world expo where he debuted his invention. Now, we learned in the 30s-50s that straight veggie oil will clog up the fuel lines in most car/trucks, and especially commercial vehicles. But by mixing veggie oil with diesel, you can acheive a cleaner, better performance fuel with no danger to your engine (80-90 percent diesel, 10-20 veggie oil). But by converting your car, which several companies are now able to do, you can run your car on straight veggie oil, without clogging or performance issues(other than the old ass car you are using).
in fact, due to the lower compression of vegoil, my 1978 has
increased in horsepower, and the engine noise has subsided significantly as well. at www.lovecraftbiofuels.com, there are numerous customer testimonials, including mine(user quikjl, if you actually read this and look) that attest to both the advantages and disadvantages of veggieoil
disadvantage: you have to collect your own waste oil if you dont want to buy it.
advatantage: I DO collect veggie oil from college campuses, and run my car for FREE! yes that right FREE. all over california.
if you live in california, you should really check this out. if you are mechanically inclined, you can order a conversion kit and DIY, punk-style.
this is not for the LAZY at heat, or the GREEDY at heart, or the stupid SKEPTICS at heat.
if you're gonna pay thousands for some fuckin "hyrbid" (dont get me started on those) then you could probably afford to do this. and if you are like me, and cant afford a Prius, then you should definitely check this out.
if anyone actually reads this and posts comments, i will respond.
LINKS
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www.lovecraftbiofuels.com
www.kicktheoilhabit.org
www.greasecar.com
http://www.lovecraftbiofuels.com/...