Future alternative transport modes

20 June 2007 · Staff

There is little doubt that the Country should continue to investigate alternative transport modes and develop a long term fuel strategy. Fossil fuel (oil) resources have a limited future and while experts tend to argue about the volume of oil resources remaining, it is accepted that these resources are finite and in as little as sixty years, fuel oils may be becoming a rare commodity.

The international community is pouring substantial resources into the development of electric and alternate fuelled vehicles in response to societal pressure for pollution reduction and future proofing our transport systems. The electric car project of Pandect Prototypes is one of the local initiatives that could provide a step forward in creating an economic alternative to the conventional car.

Other future transport power sources will appear on the scene. It is possible that the car of the future could be powered by flywheels, steam or turbine engined. For instance Canterbury University is involved in a development project on an external combustion engine called a Stirling Cycle engine.

Twenty years ago a steam powered car, called “Gvang”, was developed in Australia in 1972 in the form of the Gvang Steam Car. The demonstration car was designed for a top speed of 200mph for an Land Speed Record attempt.

Engine – Lightweight flash steam engine.
Power 300 – 400 bhp
Torque not specified
Brakes- Girling 11 inch
weight 13.5 hundred weight
Length 163.5 inches
width 65 inches
height 38 inches
wheelbase 113 inches
track 54 inches
Wheels 9 inch
Tyres Firestone

Over the next decade technological improvements in the transport industry will have a “watch this space” look about it as the search for alternate transport modes builds.

There are a number of factors that would mitigate against the introduction of electric vehicles. Their high life cycle cost, higher primary energy consumption, higher national emission levels, limited (current) flexibility in seating arrangements, limited operational range and special recharging provisions necessary.

On the positive side, exhaust emissions of any EVs would be nil, and citizens are likely to become more aware of the issues surrounding use of fossil fuel and transportation.

In today’s environment the conventionally powered car with its improving thermal engine efficiency combined with unleaded fuel and catalytic converter continues to be the most economic solution to the Countries transport needs. Over time we can expect to see further reductions in fuel consumptions and exhaust emission levels as new technology is applied to these vehicles.