Jeff Wysaski
Forget electric cars. Forget hydrogen fuel cells. And, gosh darn it, forget about those gas-guzzling hybrid vehicles. If you want a mode of transportation that helps you save the planet AND look cool while doing it, then you’ve got to go to the world of fiction to find it. As evidence, here are nine of the most awesome fictional modes of transportation that don’t need gas:
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9. Hoverboard
Fuel source: Magnets?
As seen in: Back to the Future 2
If you’re sick of eating gravel every time your skateboard hits a crack in the concrete, then this is the alternative-fuel vehicle for you. Simply step on, push your foot, and you’re off to the races.
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8. Invisible Jet
Fuel source: Gravitron particles
As seen in: Wonder Woman
An invisible airplane that is undetectable to radar and requires absolutely zero jet fuel? Yeah, that’s a pretty rad way to get around. Plus, if you get tired of the invisible airplane look, it can also transform into any other type of vehicle on earth – from a car or boat to, presumably, a Segway scooter.
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7. Pneumatic Tubes
Fuel Source: Compressed air
As seen in: Futurama
According to Futurama, the Tube Transport System is a free mode of public transportation that immediately zips you off to wherever you want to go. With tunnels that cut through the air, water and underground, this is clearly the quickest and smartest way to move large volumes of people.
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6. Moving Castle
Fuel source: Fire demon
As seen in: Howl’s Moving Castle
If you’ve ever packed up a U-Haul truck to move across town, then you’ll instantly realize the enormous benefit of scuttling around town in a flying castle. With ability to take your home with you wherever you go, you’d never have to pay for another hotel, moving van or suitcase again. Plus, if you don’t like those new neighbors you’ve sidled up next to, then you can just take off and find a new neighborhood to live in.
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5. Flying Broomsticks
Fuel source: Magic
As seen in: Harry Potter
Forget sitting in traffic and huffing gas fumes, a flying broomstick grants you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. And with top speeds that probably rival that of today’s automobiles, you could easily cut your commute in half. Strap on a padded seat for added comfort, and you’ve also got yourself a ride good enough to take you on cross-country trips.
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4. A Unicorn
Fuel source: Hugs
As seen in: My dreams
I think we can all agree that riding around on the top of a magical unicorn would be pretty sweet. According to my dreams, these mythical creatures can gallop at high speeds, run on top of rainbows and shoot face-melting lasers out of their eyes. Add in the ability to name your unicorn something cool like Persephone, and you’ve got yourself one super sweet ride.
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3. Transporter
Fuel source: Electricity?*
As seen in: Star Trek
Presumably operating off the power of the USS Enterprise, transporters are devices that allow you to dematerialize in one place, and rematerialize in another. According to the show, it has been proven as the “safest way to travel.” And with a range of 40,000 kilometers, there’s enough distance in these suckers to get you pretty much anywhere you want to go.
*Correct me if I’m wrong, Star Trek fans.
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2. Star Wars Walkers
Fuel source: Fuel cells
As seen in: Star Wars
Unlike landspeeders and other planet-based Star Wars vehicles that rely on traditional combustion engines, the AT-AT and AT-ST Walkers functioned on fuel cells. Both these modes of transport benefit from exceptional exterior armor and blaster weaponry. With the ability to carry 40 stormtroopers, the AT-AT is the future’s badass alternative to city buses. For your personal commute to the office, you’ll want to invest in the 2-seater AT-ST.
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1. Iron Man’s Suit
Fuel source: beta particle absorption, solar converters, electrical batteries
As seen in: Iron Man
With the ability to withstand bullet blasts, rockets, torpedoes and other forms of damage, Tony Stark’s iron suit is oodles more safe than your average minivan. Add in its supreme versatility of being able to fly, ‘swim’ underwater and soar through outer space, and the Iron Man suit is a family-friendly vehicle that both moms and kids can agree on.
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