Let's say the goal is really to lower emissions in the world.
After giving it some thoughts, I think that a car that runs on steam would produce the lowest emissions. It can be powered by anything that burns, but as it is powered by unpressurized fuel in a sealed chamber, the combusted fuel is fully burned, unlike fuel combustion under pressure like a modern petrol or diesel car.
The steam motor would also be more durable as it won't need any lubricant, because the water in the pistons lubricates it. That would be a closed water system, so the water (steam) is re-used using a condensor.
The result: way lower emissions by a car that is used autonomous.
Electric cars were never meant to reduce emissions, it is meant to lose the autonomous part.
After giving it some thoughts, I think that a car that runs on steam would produce the lowest emissions. It can be powered by anything that burns, but as it is powered by unpressurized fuel in a sealed chamber, the combusted fuel is fully burned, unlike fuel combustion under pressure like a modern petrol or diesel car.
The steam motor would also be more durable as it won't need any lubricant, because the water in the pistons lubricates it. That would be a closed water system, so the water (steam) is re-used using a condensor.
The result: way lower emissions by a car that is used autonomous.
Electric cars were never meant to reduce emissions, it is meant to lose the autonomous part.
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