Electric Vehicles:
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===Hybrids===
===Hybrids===
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This seems like an obvious choice -- at first. Fuel economy comparable to that of a motorcycle combined with the cargo capacity and protection of an automobile? What could be the problem? The problem is, even nowadays, it can be incredibly difficult to find a mechanic or parts for a hybrid in rural areas, and sometimes cities. even in mega-large dealerships that sell hybrids, only about 2 to 5 of them out of say, 30, would have any training on repairing hybrids, and that's with all the necessary specialty tools available to them. Imagine how hard it would be to do so when the world is falling apart. In addition, despite their reputation, the fuel economy on most mid-size sedan and CUV hybrids are comparable to that of a conventional compact car -- most of these vehicles are simply regular cars that had electric motors incorporated in order to cash in on the hybrid craze. Hybrids like the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight/ Accord hybrid that get over 50 mpg are the exception, not the rule. Also, hybrids,due to the dual gas/ electric system they have, are extremely sensitive to driving habits. MPG can vary by as much as 5-8 miles per gallon/ Finally, the battery pack can take up valuable trunk space. Don't be tempted into using a hybrid as your primary survival vehicle. If fuel economy is your main concern, then use a motorcycle or a normal compact car instead. If you still want a hybrid as your primary vehicle, then the Toyota Prius or Honda Accord hybrid would be recommended as they both have great mileage, the Prius has things like solar air conditioning, and the Accord has a large amount of trunk space for a car it's size. It is also strongly recommended that people avoid CUV/ SUV hybrids if they plan on taking any rough or damaged roads, as hybrids systems, especially ones using fibre optic cable, can be very delicate and won't stand up to much abuse
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This seems like an obvious choice -- at first. Fuel economy comparable to that of a motorcycle combined with the cargo capacity and protection of an automobile? What could be the problem? The problem is, even nowadays, it can be incredibly difficult to find a mechanic or parts for a hybrid in rural areas, and sometimes cities. even in mega-large dealerships that sell hybrids, only about 2 to 5 of them out of say, 30, would have any training on repairing hybrids, and that's with all the necessary specialty tools available to them. Imagine how hard it would be to do so when the world is falling apart. In addition, despite their reputation, the fuel economy on most mid-size sedan and CUV hybrids are comparable to that of a conventional compact car -- most of these vehicles are simply regular cars that had electric motors incorporated in order to cash in on the hybrid craze. Hybrids like the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight/ Accord hybrid that get over 50 mpg are the exception, not the rule. Also, hybrids,due to the dual gas/ electric system they have, are extremely sensitive to driving habits. MPG can vary by as much as 5-8 miles per gallon/ Finally, the battery pack can take up valuable trunk space. Don't be tempted into using a hybrid as your primary survival vehicle. If fuel economy is your main concern, then use a motorcycle or a normal compact car instead. If you still want a hybrid as your primary vehicle, then the Toyota Prius or Honda Accord hybrid would be recommended as they both have great mileage, the Prius has things like solar air conditioning, and the Accord has a large amount of trunk space for a car it's size. It is also strongly recommended that people avoid CUV/ SUV hybrids if they plan on taking any rough or damaged roads, as hybrids systems, especially ones using fibre optic cable, can be very delicate and won't stand up to much abuse.
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lectric Vehicles
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=== Electric Vehicles ===
===Electric Vehicles===
===Electric Vehicles===
Electric vehicles are good for a one time use, but other than that, forget about them. Other than exceptionally good mileage (over 100 mpgE in most cases) and being virtually silent on the road (no engine noise), they are pretty much going to be better off as scrap once the apocalypse hits. They take over five hours to charge, and that's if you have the electricity to spare, or any at all. Unlike gasoline, which can last up to two years unattended in gas stations and car gas tanks and still be usable, once electricity is gone, it's gone. Some of them also need a specialized plug in order to charge them, which might not be available, and thanks to the fact that they are battery powered, they have less passenger and cargo room than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. Parts are also a major concern, because if you break down in one of those, good luck finding a replacement part, or something even rarer, somebody who actually knows how to repair an electric car (they are specialists, and they are few and far between even before the apocalypse). Unless you happen to have one on hand and charged fully when the apocalypse hits, then don't even bother. Examples include the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, and any vehicle made by Tesla .
Electric vehicles are good for a one time use, but other than that, forget about them. Other than exceptionally good mileage (over 100 mpgE in most cases) and being virtually silent on the road (no engine noise), they are pretty much going to be better off as scrap once the apocalypse hits. They take over five hours to charge, and that's if you have the electricity to spare, or any at all. Unlike gasoline, which can last up to two years unattended in gas stations and car gas tanks and still be usable, once electricity is gone, it's gone. Some of them also need a specialized plug in order to charge them, which might not be available, and thanks to the fact that they are battery powered, they have less passenger and cargo room than conventional gasoline or diesel vehicles. Parts are also a major concern, because if you break down in one of those, good luck finding a replacement part, or something even rarer, somebody who actually knows how to repair an electric car (they are specialists, and they are few and far between even before the apocalypse). Unless you happen to have one on hand and charged fully when the apocalypse hits, then don't even bother. Examples include the Chevrolet Volt, Nissan Leaf, BMW i3, and any vehicle made by Tesla .
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[[File:2015-mercedes-benz-sprinter-4x4.jpg|thumb|220x220px|A 2015 4X4 Mercedes Benz five passenger cargo van ]]
[[File:2015-mercedes-benz-sprinter-4x4.jpg|thumb|220x220px|A 2015 4X4 Mercedes Benz five passenger cargo van ]]
buses, delivery vans etc. Since they are all built on the same platforms, they will be described together. Full-size vans are larger than minivans, and are often built on truck platforms (minivans, meanwhile, are usually
buses, delivery vans etc. Since they are all built on the same platforms, they will be described together. Full-size vans are larger than minivans, and are often built on truck platforms (minivans, meanwhile, are usually
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[[File:Ford.jpg|thumb|202px|The very common Ford Econoline van.]] car-based). They are usually more bare-bones than their smaller counterparts, although some vans, known as conversion vans, have been customized with myriad luxuries. Two major problems come up with full-size vans. The first is poor fuel economy, which is typically in the mid-teens to low twenties. Another big issue with these vehicles is their tendency to roll over easily, owing to their increased height as opposed to the pickup trucks whose platforms they are built on. A tight turn taken to fast, or even a large zombie swarm on one side of the van, could cause a nasty rollover. With these problems in mind, it may be a better idea to use a pickup truck for transporting large amounts of supplies or an SUV for people that can't be moved with a minivan. However, it is also due to the truck platform they are based on that they have a high amount of durability. Older examples that can still be found by the millions on North American roadways are the Ford E-Series, also known as the Club Wagon and Econoline (Production ended 2014, avg mpg 10-13/ 13-16, 10000 lb tow capacity), The Dodge Ram Van (Production ended 2002, 7600-8600 tow capacity) and the old VW Microbus (production for North America ended mid 90's). There are two vans that fall in between the catagory's of full-sized and minivan. The Chevy Astro/ GMC Safari (ended 2005, 5000 lb tow capacity) and the Ford Aerostar (ended 1997, 4500 tow capacity) are basically full-sized minivans. They have a unibody frame (like a minivan) with a front subframe (Like a full sized van/ truck). They get around the same gas mileage as other full size vans, but won't flip near as easily and can hold the same amount of people as a minivan while still retaining most of the off road and towing ability's as full sized vans. Due to the fact that full sized vans are based off of their truck counterparts, they also have the ground clearance and durability to drive off road if needed.
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[[File:Ford.jpg|thumb|202px|The very common Ford Econoline van.]] car-based). They are usually more bare-bones than their smaller counterparts, although some vans, known as conversion vans, have been customized with myriad luxuries. Two major problems come up with full-size vans. The first is poor fuel economy, which is typically in the mid-teens to low twenties. Another big issue with these vehicles is their tendency to roll over easily, owing to their increased height as opposed to the pickup trucks whose platforms they are built on. A tight turn taken to fast, or even a large enough zombie swarm on one side of the van, could cause a nasty rollover. With these problems in mind, it may be a better idea to use a pickup truck for transporting large amounts of supplies or an SUV for people that can't be moved with a minivan. However, it is also due to the truck platform they are based on that they have a high amount of durability, as well as, any cargo would definitely be safer and kept in better condition inside a cargo van than exposed to the elements via the bed of a pickup. Older examples that can still be found by the millions on North American roadways are the Ford E-Series, also known as the Club Wagon and Econoline (Production ended 2014, avg mpg 10-13/ 13-16, 10000 lb tow capacity), The Dodge Ram Van (Production ended 2002, 7600-8600 tow capacity) and the old VW Microbus (production for North America ended mid 90's). There are two vans that fall in between the catagory's of full-sized and minivan. The Chevy Astro/ GMC Safari (ended 2005, 5000 lb tow capacity) and the Ford Aerostar (ended 1997, 4500 tow capacity) are basically full-sized minivans. They have a unibody frame (like a minivan) with a front subframe (Like a full sized van/ truck). They get around the same gas mileage as other full size vans, but won't flip near as easily and can hold the same amount of people as a minivan while still retaining most of the off road and towing ability's as full sized vans. Due to the fact that full sized vans are based off of their truck counterparts, they also have the ground clearance and durability to drive off road if needed.
[[File:Nissan NV200 cargo.jpg|thumb|220x220px|A 2011 Nissan NV200, a compact cargo van ]]
[[File:Nissan NV200 cargo.jpg|thumb|220x220px|A 2011 Nissan NV200, a compact cargo van ]]
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Recently, much newer and redesigned vans have come into play, and are based off of both older RWD, fullsized vans and smaller, FWD compact passenger vans. These vans can come in a variety of lengths ( short, standard, and extended) and heights (low roof, mid roof, and high roof) which can be mixed and matched, so there are lots of varieties to consider. Examples include the Ford Transit Connect (compact, FWD cargo or 7 person passenger van, 22/30 mpg), the Ford Transit (full sized, RWD, cargo or 8-15 person passenger van, 14/19 mpg gas, 18/25 diesel, 7500 lb tow rating), Ram Promaster (full sized, FWD, cargo, gas mpg not rated, 18/26 diesel, 5100 lb towing capacity), Ram Promaster City (compact, FWD, cargo or 5 person
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Recently, much newer and redesigned vans have come into play, and are based off of both older RWD, fullsized vans and smaller, FWD compact passenger vans. These vans can come in a variety of lengths ( short, standard, and extended) and heights (low roof, mid roof, and high roof) which can be mixed and matched, so there are lots of varieties to consider. Examples include the Ford Transit Connect (compact, FWD cargo or 7 person passenger van, 22/30 mpg, 2000 lb tow capacity), the Ford Transit (full sized, RWD, cargo or 8-15 person passenger van, 14/19 mpg gas, 18/25 diesel, 7500 lb tow rating), Ram Promaster (full sized, FWD, cargo, gas mpg not rated, 18/26 diesel, 5100 lb towing capacity), Ram Promaster City (compact, FWD, cargo or 5 person
[[File:2012-chevrolet-express-passenger.jpg|thumb|220x220px|2012 Chevrolet Express 1500 passenger van, standard length for 12 person capacity. No all wheel drive on this one. 6.0 litre V8 and 6.6 litre diesel V8 available on 2500/ 3500 standard and extended length versions ]]
[[File:2012-chevrolet-express-passenger.jpg|thumb|220x220px|2012 Chevrolet Express 1500 passenger van, standard length for 12 person capacity. No all wheel drive on this one. 6.0 litre V8 and 6.6 litre diesel V8 available on 2500/ 3500 standard and extended length versions ]]
passenger van, 21/ 29 mpg), the Nissan NV200 (compact, FWD, cargo or 5 person passenger van, 24/ 25 mpg), Nissan NV Cargo (full sized, RWD, mpg not rated, 7000 lb (V6)/ 9500 lb (V8) towing capacity), the Nissan NV Passenger (full sized, RWD, 12 person capacity, 13/16 mpg 6200 lb (V6)/ 8200 lb (V8) tow capacity), the Mercedes Benz Sprinter (full sized, RWD w/ opt. 4X4 system, cargo or 12 person passenger van, gas mpg not rated, 18/26 diesel,), Chevrolet City Express (compact, FWD, cargo, 24/26 mpg). Finally, Chevrolet is still producing it's dependable Chevrolet Express/ GMC Savana vans, the last of the full sized old style vans still in production. (full sized, RWD w/ opt. AWD, cargo or 12-15 person passenger van, 11/ 17 mpg gas, diesel mpg not rated, 6200-9900 lb towing capacity depending on engine and body options). *Please note that the AWD system is only available on the standard body 1500 passenger van*. Also, all makes (Ford, Nissan, etc) of full sized vans come in 1500, 2500, and 3500 versions, which stands for 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and 1 ton. The higher the tonnage, the more payload (supplies, people, etc) and towing capacity the vehicle will have, along with heaver duty suspension and brakes. Keep in mind that most of these vehicles are not just for pavement, but not complete off roaders as well. AWD (All Wheel Drive) or 4x4 (Can change from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive) is recommended (only the Mercedes Benz sprinter van and the Chevy Express have those options). Full sized vans also (depending on the engine and tonnage) have the towing ability and capacity of their truck counterparts, making them extremely suitable for trailer hauling. As well as, if you are in a survival group of 8-15 people, then it would be much more efficient, fuel wise, to use one passenger van to transport everybody than two or three separate vehicles.
passenger van, 21/ 29 mpg), the Nissan NV200 (compact, FWD, cargo or 5 person passenger van, 24/ 25 mpg), Nissan NV Cargo (full sized, RWD, mpg not rated, 7000 lb (V6)/ 9500 lb (V8) towing capacity), the Nissan NV Passenger (full sized, RWD, 12 person capacity, 13/16 mpg 6200 lb (V6)/ 8200 lb (V8) tow capacity), the Mercedes Benz Sprinter (full sized, RWD w/ opt. 4X4 system, cargo or 12 person passenger van, gas mpg not rated, 18/26 diesel,), Chevrolet City Express (compact, FWD, cargo, 24/26 mpg). Finally, Chevrolet is still producing it's dependable Chevrolet Express/ GMC Savana vans, the last of the full sized old style vans still in production. (full sized, RWD w/ opt. AWD, cargo or 12-15 person passenger van, 11/ 17 mpg gas, diesel mpg not rated, 6200-9900 lb towing capacity depending on engine and body options). *Please note that the AWD system is only available on the standard body 1500 passenger van*. Also, all makes (Ford, Nissan, etc) of full sized vans come in 1500, 2500, and 3500 versions, which stands for 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, and 1 ton. The higher the tonnage, the more payload (supplies, people, etc) and towing capacity the vehicle will have, along with heaver duty suspension and brakes. Keep in mind that most of these vehicles are not just for pavement, but not complete off roaders as well. AWD (All Wheel Drive) or 4x4 (Can change from 2 wheel drive to 4 wheel drive) is recommended (only the Mercedes Benz sprinter van and the Chevy Express have those options). Full sized vans also (depending on the engine and tonnage) have the towing ability and capacity of their truck counterparts, making them extremely suitable for trailer hauling. As well as, if you are in a survival group of 8-15 people, then it would be much more efficient, fuel wise, to use one passenger van to transport everybody than two or three separate vehicles.