Is There a Steam Car in Our Future?

In the quest for alternative energy sources, the old steam engine is rarely mentioned, why? It's the original source of power that launched the industrial revolution. The golden age of steam lasted from the 1700's to the early 1900's. In steam locomotives we crossed the country, on steamships we cruised along our rivers and crossed the world. The Stanley Steamer was the best selling car in America from 1896 to 1905, and set a world speed record in 1906.

About that time, the Doble brothers began building their own design, which they improved into the 1920's. On the outside it looked like all other cars, under the hood it was entirely different, but less than 40 were built, it's 5000 pound weight and luxury car price not helping. The main problem has been designing a steam engine which is compact and efficient, and light enough so it could power a small car. Engineers are at work and It will take lots of testing and public relations to convince the public that the steam engine has arrived, or rather returned. That could delay the steam car well into the future, as no automobile company has announced plans to pursue development, but that could change if there is another oil disruption.