-
visits the Detroit Auto Show to illustrate that, in order to
attract buyers, cars have become even bigger and more powerful.
-
travels to the AltWheels Festival in Boston to look at some of
the alternative-energy vehicles currently available.
explains how petroleum is turned into gasoline.
-
notes that the current U.S. infrastructure supports the delivery
of gasoline, making it difficult for an alternative energy
source to take hold.
-
presents efforts in Iceland to convert to hydrogen vehicles.
illustrates how hydrogen fuel cells work.
-
explains how Iceland produces hydrogen, which, despite being the
most abundant element in the universe, does not exist naturally
in pure form.
-
reports on efforts to make ethanol a viable alternative fuel
source.
-
looks at research to produce ethanol from cellulosic biomass,
the woody structure that supports plants.
-
details work being done at MIT's Sloan Automotive Laboratory to
increase the efficiency of combustion engines.
considers the impact of regulation on fuel economy.
-
looks at the Hypercar, a vehicle made of lightweight but strong
composite carbon fiber.
-
surveys current energy-efficient cars on the market, including
standard hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles that
are powered by energy derived from sources other than petroleum.
-
considers what needs to happen if alternative vehicles are to
become commonplace.
