Cheap oil means cheaper gas means fewer green cars?
It might be the auto and energy question of the decade: what effect do gas prices have on green car habits and green car technology? Automakers are investing billions in gas-free propulsion sources and sales figures show that consumers are more than eager to go along with these advanced powertrains. At least, consumers who want to get the most out of $3.50-a-gallon gas were. But what happens when gas gets cheap(er)? Recently, we had posts about the possible return of $1.15 gas as well as customers' attitudes about high gas prices. The current situation lies somewhere in between, and when crude prices dropped to below $60 a barrel Monday they brought the average price of gasoline down to $2.38 a gallon in the United States. Some energy analysts told the AP that it's headed even further south, to around $2 a gallon. In light of this, some OPEC members have hinted at a production cut if prices stay below $60 a barrel. The future is uncertain. Do you know what you'll be driving?Related:
[Source: AP via Yahoo! News, thanks to Ann]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Leroy Brown 4:07PM (9/26/2006)
I think the high prices of recent years have taught many of us that the future is uncertain. Even if gas drops way down to unthinkable levels, people will remember $3+ / gallon, and hopefully use their heads. I know I will.
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Cliff Etzel 4:33PM (9/26/2006)
That question seemed to be on my mind quite a bit after reading quotes from OPEC reps stating that oil is at a "fair" price now. What would be great is for people to remember $3.00+/gal gas and still purchase a green vehicle. Even if gas does drop below $2.00, it would be nice to know you can fill your tank for around $20.00 and have it last 2 weeks due to the improved gas mileage of this new technology..
But most americans are too short sighted.. the ad push on TV recently for luxury SUV's is already starting again... And they'll probably forget all too quickly...
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Mark_H 12:58AM (9/27/2006)
I think gasoline will be our fuel of choice, by far, for a long time yet to come. A lot of the alternative fuels have major hurdles yet to cross and are nowhere near ready for prime time. I would be happy to see more attention paid to uh,, PZEV vehicles. Partial zero emissions is the term, I think. From what little I've heard of these, they are quite amazing. Aren't all Ford Focus' PZEV?
It would be a start.
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Jake 3:02AM (9/27/2006)
"The future is uncertain. Do you know what you'll be driving?"
A boat?
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