Carpuccino Proves Car Can Run on Coffee, but It's Costly at 56 Expressos Per Mile

Carpuccino Proves Car Can Run on Coffee, but It's Costly at 56 Expressos Per Mile

The BBC science program "Bang Goes The Theory" has the answer to the question we've all been too afraid to ask: Can our cars be fueled by the same stuff - coffee - that turns over our own motors every morning?

With "Carpuccino" we have the answer. The converted 1988 Volkswagen Scirocco allows drivers to pour coffee granules directly into a gas cylinder attached to the car, where it is heated up and broken down into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. That gas is fed into the engine, where it burns and powers the vehicle.

There's only one problem: The Carpuccino goes through coffee like a herd of truck drivers, or approximately 56 espressos per mile. That's some pricey fuel. Click here for more details.

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.