Hybrid petrol/electric cars are expensive to produce, with Toyota subsidising each Prius to the tune of $30,000.
Who needs petrol?
Alternatives to the petrol or diesel internal combustion engine for vehicles are not a new idea – in fact the first car in Queensland used a steam engine. Steam powered vehicles were relatively quiet, did not require gear changing and could work on cheap or even free fuel. However their dependence on a constant supply of clean water made their use difficult in many parts of Queensland.
Petrol shortages during World War 2, though not as severe as those in Europe, led some Queenslanders to experiment with producer gas vehicles, where solid fuels like wood, charcoal or coal were turned into gas in a special ‘gas works’ attached to the vehicle. The gas was then fed to a slightly modified petrol engine. Though cheap to run, these were not great for quick getaway – before starting the engine you had to light the fire!
Last updated: 1st February 2012
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