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Got Manure? The latest funky fuel that makes your car go

I’ve already covered urine as an alternative fuel source, now here’s one that is udderly unbelieveable! Western Washington University’s Vehicle Research Institute in Bellingham has a lot of 40 plus vehicles that were built from scratch. There is one vehicle in particular, a Viking 32, which the institute’s program director Eric Leonhardt says is the world’s first plug-in hybrid car powered by biogas, or fuel derived from cow manure.

According to published United Nations reports, raising cattle generates more greenhouse gases globally than driving cars. The manure is gathered, then put through a composting system. It is processed through a refinery, then filtered to methane. By the time the 110 undergrads who currently attend the program get their hands on the waste, it has been transformed to a clear, odorless gas. What’s so great about using biomethane from cow manure instead of gas is that it is a renewable source of energy. The Vehicle Research Institute has determined that each cow can produce enough manure to make an average car run for about 15 miles or so.

Bottoms up!

--Car Chick
 

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Autos Examiner

Ruth Manuel-Logan was born with Matchbox cars in each hand. Ruth feels, that countless women-folk share her passion for cars too. Who really...

Comments

  • Tony 2 years ago
    Report Abuse

    I can believe it. If a black cow can eat green grass and produce with milk. Anything is possible. We need all the help we can get. Dont MOO it.

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