When the oil runs out, will our future look more like the Jetsons or the Flintstones? With gas prices predicted to reach $7-10 per gallon by 2012, it is smart to prepare now. If you plan to replace your car before 2012, think about what kind of commitment you will make. A Dummer...er, I mean Hummer, with its 32 gallon tank will consume $300 of your hard earned dollars ($0.94/mile), but even my Prius won't look so smart filling up at a cost of $70-100 ($0.14/mile), so think outside the box and consider whether an alternative energy or electric vehicle would suit you before committing to more fossil fuels. Don't panic- liberate thyself!

Yes, I know, electric means a longer tailpipe, like, all the way to the power plant. It uses energy, but ditching the old combustion engine catapults them light years ahead in efficiency, with each mile costing about a penny. Besides, with enough persuasion from the public, power plants have the potential of being green, one day. There are a ton of concept cars and cars that used to be available until they were crushed by their makers because big oil waved its no-no finger, but I really want to focus on what's available (and affordable) for consumers today...right now.

Human-Hybrids: vehicles with peddle power!

Tennessee inventor, Jay Perdue, sees a paradox: 90% of the cars on the road have only one person in them while 90% of all people who own fitness equipment never use it. On his ExerTrike website, you can order an affordable custom ride powered by solar, plug-in electric, human, gasoline, or a "tri-hybrid" combination. You can even click to add options such as air conditioning. You make the call whether to have a free energy car that goes 40 mph for 30 miles on a charge, or a tri-hybrid that speeds along at 70 mph getting 150-300 mpg. Choose between something that looks like a trike, to an extra safe wider version with a windshield and body. This is an incredibly smart option for most people's daily driving needs and the web site offers many options. These are available now, from $2475 and up. Contact Jay Perdue (931) 289-2478 or order online.

Betterbikes.com sells a futuristic vehicle out of California (of course!) that looks like bicycle with a bubble around it. You can have your vehicle custom made based on your needs, or convert your own bike using their conversion kit. If you convert your own, make sure your bike has a comfy seat for miles of hurt-free riding! You have the option of using peddle power, or you can go 20 miles at 20mph just sitting on your duff. These bike-vehicles are a great option for those who want to have a fun, interactive commute with a dash of exercise. I absolutely love the side-by-side recumbent motorized bike for two people with room for a dog in the middle. Better bikes start around $10K and go up from there depending on your need for speed. Contact Brian Howell at brian.howell@comcast.net

Electric Vehicles

It was difficult finding an electric vehicle that hadn't been snuffed out besides the $100K Tesla Roadster. By the way, for those of you who think electric equals slow, this car beat the poop out of a Ferrari, a Porsche, and a 350 HP Corvette. By 2010, Tesla Motors will have a $60K sedan that seats five, but by that time, there will be a slew of options on the market...hopefully. There are plenty of electric cars just waiting to bust out of the gate, but, let's talk about what's available right now, shall we? Now then...

Prius owners! Convert! To a plug-in, that is, and get 100+ miles per gallon. At an upgrade cost of $10,400, I will personally wait for the price to come down a bit before driving my Prius to one of the six faraway (to me) installers, but hey, if you've got the dough and the gumption, this is an option NOW. Visit Hymotion's web site to learn more.

One cutie I've got my eye on is the fully electric plug-in Xebra, pictured above, by Zap Cars. This quiet little 4-passenger sedan on 3 wheels looks like it comes right out of the future. It has a max speed of 40 mpg and it will go up to 40 miles on a charge. 40 mph doesn't sound fast, but it blows away other EVs currently on the market. For 3 pennies per mile, would you be willing to slow down your pace and use the back streets looking incredibly stylish all the while? They even make a sweet little two-passenger truck that totes 300 lbs in the bed and dumps. Did I mention? They're available now! You may have to wait, but they are in production. Over 100,000 are on the road. Sedan is $11,200, and the truck is $12,400. Find a dealership near you, or start your own.

Within the next 4 years, if you are faced with the decision of what car to buy or where to move, please keep in mind the importance of preparing for very high gas prices. Don't move to the 'burbs. Don't be a gashole. Be armed with knowledge and foresight and make a stress free transition. The future is here.

More info:

www.pluginamerica.com Pro-electric vehicle activist group, get involved!

www.EVworld.com Keep up with the news about Electric vehicles

http://www.pluginamerica.org/links.shtm All you ever wanted to know about EVs- seriously!

http://www.evfinder.com/ Used EVs for sale

 http://www.electric-cars-are-for-girls.com/ find an electric car dealer