a smaller footprint

Neil Young gets off the gas

The photo on the cover of Neil Young’s latest album, Chrome Dreams II, is the hood of his “baby”, a 1959 Lincoln Continental Mark IV. That car, a 19′ long 2 1/2 ton cruiser is currently in Wichita KS being converted to a hybrid electric vehicle. The gas guzzling engine is being replaced by a combination of electric motor and a biodiesel powered diesel engine. 100 MPG highway is expected after the conversion, at which time, Neil will head for Detroit, where “Linc Volt” will visit its original factory.

Linc Volt, “Re-Powering the American Dream” is a documentary currently in production at Neil’s “Shakey Pictures” studios. The documentary will include footage of his Fall 2007 drive from San Francisco to H-Line Conversions in Wichita and all the gas stops along the way, including interviews and reaction from folks he met en route.

There’s a bit of CNN video here.

Pre-trip, Neil stopped by google to check out the RechargeIT charging station.

He’s no stranger to biodiesel. During his 2003 “greendale” tour, I photographed his buses being refueled with biodeisel in Moline, IL. The entire tour fleet, buses and tractor trailers alike, were biodiesel powered. He also drives a biodiesel powered Hummer. Linc Volt will be different, incorporating an electric motor with instant torque. The setup, with the fuel engine capable of generating power for the electric motor, is not unlike a modern train engine.

Not everyone can drop an estimated $40k converting their car to a hybrid but it’s nice to know that those who can, to raise awareness, will.

But I have to admit, part of me thinks Neil also wants a mini-biodiesel-locomotive he can drive every day.

Long may you run, Linc Volt.

Entry Filed under: Activism, Global Warming