Why are we still using gasoline as a fuel source for automobiles?

PO2 Morton Scisco — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 13:53:14 -0500

Since the invention of the first automobile Jan 29, 1886, we as a society are still using gasoline. The telephone has had more advances in tech but still car using gas. Not even the mileage per gal has increased. What is up with that? No 100 mpg cars worth making? I seen water run an automobile on YouTube. Gas company fear change or people fear the Gas Companies?

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jan 22 at 2016 2:11 PM

PO3 David Fries — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 14:11:53 -0500

There are two simple reasons; lack of better technology, and lack of funding for said better technology. Electric cars would be great, but until there are batteries that can carry a car as far as gasoline can, with fast enough charging times, than people are going to choose gas.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 22 at 2016 2:19 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 14:19:31 -0500

Simply put.

It is currently the most "Cost effective" means of propelling a vehicle. When you add in the "Life time cost" of the vehicle, the cost of the fuel, the cost of parts, and the cost of disposal; internal combustion engines just beat anything else. There's really nothing else comparable. Not yet.

Electricity will eventually be a viable source, but current batteries only get us about 100 miles. Current fuel tanks get us 300-500 on average. And the cost of a "comparably sized vehicle" is half, and the recouping of your fuel costs will take the life of the vehicle.