I have to disagree on the Tesla front. The hardware is nothing new but the true genius of Tesla is the software and the flexibility to do significant upgrades over-the-air. The hardware is merely like the blank canvas and the software is the paint that brings it to life.

The turbine idea is a great concept, definitely more flexible than EVs and would be much more practical if the infrastructure breaks down. I am aware of the diesel/electric locomotives, I wish the US would utilize these more for transportation. I've always been fascinated by trains.

The Escorts were good cars and the diesel engines can have amazing efficiency! I had a 1986 Honda CRX HF (gasoline) that averaged around 45mpgs. It was so small and light though and didn't have many of the safety features today's cars have (which add significant weight) but it was an amazing car to drive. The weight distribution was nearly perfect.