- Jul 29, 2006
Episode 2; in which I respond about fuel-efficient cars
General Motors makes a small VAN which gets
40+MPG (better than the average small car or hybrid in the US) which costs under $5,000.
Of course, it is only sold in China...
Kawasaki makes a motorcycle which gets between 60 and 70 MPG (The EX250R) - which also can go 0-60 in under 6 seconds and tops out at 100MPH - which costs $3,000.
These vehicles are substantially SIMPLER than most cars, with no hybrid systems, no turbochargers, not even fuel injection. What the two have in common is light weight, and low power.
The average US family is 3-4 people, so there is no reason a three or four person "clown car" would not fit the needs of most Americans. Besides for that most US households have 2 vehicles, and the average trip is less than two people (driver and passenger) so a motorcycle, scooter, or ultra small car could be a families' commute vehicle, with a secondary car for weekend trips.
The GM Sunshine |
Kawasaki makes a motorcycle which gets between 60 and 70 MPG (The EX250R) - which also can go 0-60 in under 6 seconds and tops out at 100MPH - which costs $3,000.
These vehicles are substantially SIMPLER than most cars, with no hybrid systems, no turbochargers, not even fuel injection. What the two have in common is light weight, and low power.
The average US family is 3-4 people, so there is no reason a three or four person "clown car" would not fit the needs of most Americans. Besides for that most US households have 2 vehicles, and the average trip is less than two people (driver and passenger) so a motorcycle, scooter, or ultra small car could be a families' commute vehicle, with a secondary car for weekend trips.
The only way for America to break its
dependence on foreign oil will be for us to realize the difference between
luxury and necessity. We may need to pick the kids up after school, but
we don't need to do it in a 6000lb 200hp car that gets 25mpg.
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