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Originally Posted by NachtRitter
Folks come here for different reasons... fuel economy (using as little fuel as possible) is one, price economy (spending as little money for transportation) is another, ecological reasons (reduction of non-renewable resource use, and reduction of greenhouse and other non-desirable waste) is another. Biodiesel fits in there neatly, though I think few members are familiar enough with it to maintain a discussion.
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That's exactly it. I think we would have more biodiesel discussions if there were more small diesels around. The big diesel trucks aren't as appealing to frugal commuters, because even at a higher total efficiency, the gas mileage is mediocre. You'd be makin' a lot of biodiesel, too.
I would like to read a thread like, "Why I came to EcoModder". I think all the many reasons would be interesting to read about.
I am here to learn about maximum fuel economy, because the methods seen here are fascinating.
As far as price economy, that is almost a separate topic.
Assuming a normal rate of 20,000 miles per year, with gas @ $3.00/gal.
~The actual fuel cost difference between 50 and 75 MPG is $343 per year.
~The jump from 20 to 50MPG by driving a Metro = $2800 a year, no aeromods or hypermiling.
~I could lower that cost another $343 dollars by simply driving 5,000 miles less in a year.
Or if I make 500 gallons of 180 proof moonshine using cattails and switchgrass, I could drive around for almost nothing.
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The energy for electrics has to come from somewhere... Often from coal. An electric vehicle can use the energy just as inefficiently as a vehicle using any other kind of fuel as energy. So I can't entirely agree with that statement.
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All I meant was that most of the electric cars we see are lightweight aerodynamic marvels, getting the most out of each watt, since energy storage is limited. Gas engines with those aero bodies would get very good mileage.
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Just FYI - Biodiesel is not the same as veggie oil... it is derived from veggie oil, but it is not veggie oil.
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I knew that. Just seeing if you were paying attention.
