Veg- Continued...
Well,
until the perversion of political power by oil companies is ended, the only "non-fossil" solution will have to be addressed by the ingenuity of individuals. NO ONE with ties to the oil companies would make biodiesel available 'at the pumps' (vegetable-based diesel; burns 30%+ cleaner than traditional diesel, costs about .60/gall. US and is abundant. It DOES, however, use a very small amount of methanol {fossil-based} to convert vegetable oil to diesel, but is still very efficient.)
Hydrogen is NOT a solution (as the automakers big oil, & lawmakers would have you believe) but will be most likely the next evolution of fuels since it uses fossil fuel to create (or actually, stabilize) hydrogen. (Who do you think went for this route? hmm.. Lesser of several evils?)
Barring any huge jump in bio-chemical batteries (not foreseeable) electric cars have reached close to their max. potential, which has left us with 200+ miles between 4-8 HOURS of charge time....
I don't know anything about ethanol so I can't comment.
The vegetable oil system is great as you can still rely on 'the pumps' when necessary, but enjoy the benefits of purchasing (or acquiring the used "cheap/free" stuff) at will.
Look at your local "Smart & Final" (or whatever your state has for bulk restaurant equipment/supplies) as your new gas station!
Your 10-gallon can of corn oil can be deposited directly into your veg-tank IN the parking lot (don't blame me if someone gets pissed, though) and you're on your way. No need to 'stock up' or haul extra cans around. I think So. Cal.'s prices are still holding at $19 bucks, which isn't DIRT cheap at almost 2 dollars a gallon; but it IS cheaper, and you CAN thumb your finger to the man...
And demand IS increasing. Just google vegetable oil and see what you turn up.
Here's a decent middle-of-the-road assessment (albeit a little short) of the whole "veg-power" movement (I don't like the term 'veggie' either !) from Car & Driver.
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=4&article_id=7818&page_number=1
I think it still needs refinement (pardon the pun) but I don't see a lot of other options at this point. Anything that requires some sort of big business or government undertaking WILL be shutdown by those who stand to make money from oil, and unfortunately, that includes too many of our political leaders.
This has to be a revolt by the people to prevent certain businesses from TELLING us what we have to use to be mobile and HOW MUCH we're going to pay for it. That may mean an inconvenience for awhile....
(My 2cents)