Question: "With oil shortages and so much discussion about air pollution, is anyone looking into alternatives to gasoline-powered vehicles?"
Answer: The cost of petroleum imports, pollution, and health problems are all reasons for the recent developments in alternatively powered vehicles. Gasoline-powered cars contribute 20 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S. The hypercar, a combination of ultralight materials, and a low drag, aerodynamic body, is proposed to travel 300 miles per gallon. Electric vehicles (battery powered) can range as much as 130 miles before needing to be recharged. The 1998 Honda VTEC engine meets the standards of being an ultra low emission vehicle. Hybrids have also been developed that use two power sources instead of just one.