Steam Power

I would say easily less than ten years down the road, steam shall or should play a major role in hybrid automobiles.

Right now because of massive technological and engineering improvements, steam locomotives in the future will produce a 60% lower fuel consumption per passenger and a huge reduction in maintenance costs in comparison to advanced diesel or electric passenger trains. In 2000 a company was created to design these modern steam locomotives.

This means that because of the huge technological advancements, steam power would be feasible on a smaller scale such as in automobiles. The economy of scale would obviously have to be engineered, but with patience, it can be done.

For one these cars could be used on long trips, where the clear highway dictated the fuel consumption per passenger. But that would only be a start. Commuting could use the steam part of the engine, as we see the advent of auto driving sensors on highways and even if we don't, steam could regulate and be regulated in traffic just as the internal combustion engine is now.

Some think steam is not only passe, but never was. I think steam is going to ride the crest of the future!