Alternative vehicles, like alternative energy, are the way of the future — the move from traditional fueled vehicles such as diesel and gasoline, on which we’ve depended for years, to more environmentally friendly modes of transportation and fueling is inevitable, and is already being implemented. Popular alternative auto technologies on the road include hybrids, smart cars and plug-in vehicles.

The hardest part of the transition is not educating the public about the need to embrace the new world of sustainability - understanding the need to reduce carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions (we all get it) - it is breaking people of their silo-minded habits.

Everyone loves their car — how many times have you been stuck in traffic, creeping along, hearing vehicles puttering along, seeing them emit plumes of black smoke from tailpipes or smoke stacks, or seeing single-person after single-person vehicle?

Car-pooling is another initiative some have embraced since fuel prices began to skyrocket. However, we tend to be creatures of habit, familiarity and fans of comfort. A couple of people in my office car-pooled for awhile, but when fluctuating schedules required coming in early or staying late due to new project initiatives, sharing a car (and the costs) quickly became too much hassle.

What’s the hype about?

An interesting event, Altermobile Europe 2008, is scheduled to take place in Munich in November to help educate attendees (and you can bet we will be in attendance to update discussions along the way) about the importance - and dispel some rumors - of alternative vehicles and fuels and show they really are the wave of the future.

Manufacturers, journalists, think tanks, experts, professors and everyone in between as it relates to the auto industry will be on hand to discuss business models, fuel efficiency, sustainability initiatives and just learn about why it is so important we broaden our mind, think outside the box and really do our part to help save the environment and make the world a better place in which to live.

From the late-1700 steam-powered vehicle to gas to hybrids and electrics, the auto industry has continually been working to make better, more efficient transportation.

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 17th, 2008 at 3:11 pm and is filed under Transportation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.