Preparing for the oil bust: electric planes?
Sep 30, 2013 | 11:14 am
#17
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Sep 30, 2013 | 1:21 pm
#18
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Some science fiction predicts a future in which air travel is by dirigible, typically solar (but fuel cells would seem to be an option, too). Seems more plausible to me than electric airplanes.
Sep 30, 2013 | 2:30 pm
#19
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dirigibility
I can't see airships being much good for anything in future but short haul freight in awkward terrain or built-up areas. Oh, and advertising and birds-eye camera views.
I can't see airships being much good for anything in future but short haul freight in awkward terrain or built-up areas. Oh, and advertising and birds-eye camera views.
Sep 30, 2013 | 4:22 pm
#21
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Oil is still way cheaper than any alternative, and most importantly for transport, extremely portable.
It's always good to see blue-sky thinking but the biggest changes in transport are more likely to result from developments like the Google car than new energy sources.
It's always good to see blue-sky thinking but the biggest changes in transport are more likely to result from developments like the Google car than new energy sources.
Sep 30, 2013 | 5:01 pm
#22
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I've been reading "Transport Revolutions" by Richard Gilbert and Anthony Perl. The authors (who are certainly reputable) are convinced that oil production will drop significantly in the next few decades, requiring that transportation shift away from oil-based fuel and towards electric grid-based power (e.g., railroads, not aviation).
Gilbert and Perl "reputable"??
There is still plenty of oil to be discovered.
New Brazilian oil discovery may be biggest find of the year
Let's see what happens with the North Pole. I'm sure there is black juice under them icecap
Sep 30, 2013 | 5:22 pm
#23
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There will never be 'electric airplanes.' Long after I'm dead we'll probably see some kind of anti-gravity vehicle powered by Mr. Fusion...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCjsUxbNmIs#t=1m10s
...but in the interim, rising fuel prices will eventually turn air travel back to the realm of the wealthy and high-speed electric train travel will fill the gap.
Problem is that requires foresight from today's politicians.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCjsUxbNmIs#t=1m10s
...but in the interim, rising fuel prices will eventually turn air travel back to the realm of the wealthy and high-speed electric train travel will fill the gap.
Problem is that requires foresight from today's politicians.
Oct 1, 2013 | 2:16 pm
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Oct 1, 2013 | 2:39 pm
#26
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Nah. Wing-in-ground aircraft. Nothing like doing 650km while you're 25 metres above the ocean. If someone wants to get fancy they can resurrect the coal dust powered jet engine to go with it.
Oct 2, 2013 | 12:00 am
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Oct 2, 2013 | 3:40 pm
#29
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I think we're stuck with Jet A for a while.
Oct 2, 2013 | 3:55 pm
#30
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I suggest you return the book where you bough it from and ask for a refund.
Gilbert and Perl "reputable"??
There is still plenty of oil to be discovered.
https://www.google.com/search?q=oil+...brazil&tbm=nws
Let's see what happens with the North Pole. I'm sure there is black juice under them icecap
Gilbert and Perl "reputable"??
There is still plenty of oil to be discovered.
https://www.google.com/search?q=oil+...brazil&tbm=nws
Let's see what happens with the North Pole. I'm sure there is black juice under them icecap
My theory is that ground based transport will slowly convert to be electric based (expect to see hybrid cars becoming far more mainstream in the next few decades) leaving plenty of oil left for aviation. Bio-fuels will presumably be far more advanced and commercially viable by then as well.