26 replies to this topic

[kathie_san]

Quote

Imagine pulling up to a gas station, and rather than being offered the usual choice between regular or premium unleaded, the gas pump instead read "Chardonnay" or "Pinot Noir." Not for you, of course, but for your car!
Well, if one new experimental car, called the Lotus Exige 270E Tri-Fuel, ever catches on, this scenario may not be so far-fetched. The specialized Exige is capable of running on an ethanol fuel made from wine that isn't up to drinking grade, or whey, which is also a byproduct of the cheese or chocolate-making process. It was one of several new cars showcased last week at an eco-rally sponsored in part by the Prince of Wales's environmental initiative, Start, according to the Independent.

Even though wine and cheese may seem like alternative fuels better suited for those with a prince's salary, the concept cars nevertheless represent a growing diversity of choice available to car buyers of the future. Here's another proof that there are other greener alternatives than coal. Imagination is the limit!

[Hayden]

After reading this I think I'll grab something to eat. Made me hungry. Chardonnay or Pinot Noir at the pump. I'm picturing alcoholics begging for our fuel instead of loose change.  But yes many easier opportunities out their than oil. But greed is still leading where we source fuel and energy. :/

[artistry]

...Now this is seriously wild. An automobile that has a taste for wine and cheese. What in the world? I wonder what the cost would be for production of the fuel? This is the cat's meow. Wonder if the engine will have to undergo a periodic decloging of the system, with the cheese flowing through the pipes? Thanks for a great story. I can't stop laughing. I have to pass this on.

[zararina]

It is true that there are many possible alternative for fuel but it was usually more expensive. Just like this wine and cheese which you had mention that could just fit those who have a prince salary.  And just like solar energy that requires expensive solar panels in which very few could afford and at the same time interested in using it.

[Bababooey]

Any time a new technology is introduced, the price point always starts out high. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will only be a matter of time before cars using all manner of alternative fuel sources other than oil become affordable enough for the general population, so when it comes time to buy a new car, alternative-fuel autos will be a viable option for the average person.

[Don]

Funny, I'm hungry for some reason. I just can't imagine walking down the street and thinking to myself, "Hmmm... A nice Brie and Chardonney!" Of course, anything that's a bit off the wall for powering cars today seems to grab attention for the automaker building the thing, so more power to 'em!

[Eiza]

I love the ingenuity but I'm not certain how practical this concept is. I think that necessity is the mother of invention, trite but true. Real ingenuity in this are will come only when the price of oil becomes prohibitive for the majority of Americans or when our supply line is endangered.

[Green Thumb]

I must agree. It looks like income is more in their mind than helping out to save energy.

Once there was this article about water-powered car. Still I never heard that such car is being propagated. More so, the inventor’s discovery is taken as farce. Inventions of hybrid water power will most likely save the day and the government or technology department should have put more considerations on the matter. In this world, those who are most likely to make a good difference are set to be discouraged or put down. It’s a matter of proving these profit-oriented people that it’s not about being on top or having all this wealth but living and enjoying a really clean and good life. And that's what green living is all about.

[Monkey Doctor]

I'm sure that any alcohol will do the job. You can ferment pretty much anything organic with the addition of yeast and sugar. My local supermarket sells some very cheap vodka. Having tasted it I feel it would be better as fuel for my car than as a beverage!

[mommymumbles]

The thought of pulling into a gas station and ordering a glass or two of wine for the car just cracks me up. As funny as it sounds though, at least it shows we are trying to come up with alternatives, which I am thankful for. I have no doubt that soon enough we will no longer be dependent on gas. A few more years....

[JBMedia]

This was a very interesting article! When I first read the title, I was like "Who can afford that?" lol.

But I do agree, none the less it is showing how diversified markets are becoming and can become in the future.  It's really a great thing, especially for when people are finally making an effort to make more environmentally friendly products.

[Yoginitrish]

kathie_san, on 06 October 2011 - 08:20 AM, said:

Even though wine and cheese may seem like alternative fuels better suited for those with a prince's salary, the concept cars nevertheless represent a growing diversity of choice available to car buyers of the future.  Here's another proof that there are other greener alternatives than coal. Imagination is the limit!

Ha! Seriously--would poor (and thirsty!) college students begin using their parent's gas card for wine? Would we find drunks filling their mouths (instead of cars) for double credit card points? Is any wine really undrinkable?! LOL!

[godarna]

artistry, on 06 October 2011 - 08:02 PM, said:

...Now this is seriously wild. An automobile that has a taste for wine and cheese. What in the world? I wonder what the cost would be for production of the fuel? This is the cat's meow. Wonder if the engine will have to undergo a periodic decloging of the system, with the cheese flowing through the pipes? Thanks for a great story. I can't stop laughing. I have to pass this on.

It might be very handy to own a car like this. When you run out of wine and cheese during a party, you simply empty your car's fuel tank.

[mangobunny]

That's really crazy...but a rather pricey option. How about running it on coffee, tea, or juice?

[Alli]

That's pretty funny! Overall, I'm not especially a fan of using foodstuff as fuel. I do like the idea of experimenting with different potential fuel sources, though. This kind of car is certainly a creative showpiece for alternative energy, though!

[Germs]

Some sort of french car it seems.

Would be a pretty interesting novelty i suppose.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

Yoginitrish, on 12 October 2011 - 09:59 AM, said:

Ha! Seriously--would poor (and thirsty!) college students begin using their parent's gas card for wine? Would we find drunks filling their mouths (instead of cars) for double credit card points? Is any wine really undrinkable?! LOL!

Once, it's processed it wouldn't be any different than hemp, I would think. Builds a good rope but you
don't want to smoke it.
The cheese thing is bad though, imo. Lots of water for the cows to make the cheese. Stupid. Just build a car
that runs on sea water.

[sunny]

A great idea! This would change the state of the planet, significantly :)

[Germs]

sunny, on 18 November 2011 - 04:40 AM, said:

A great idea! This would change the state of the planet, significantly :)

You think? Wine and cheese are hardly the most fuel efficient methods of running a car.

[sunny]

It is a joke. The idea is proof that anything is possible - nothing more .