Story: Energy supply and use

Coal gas for cars, 1940s

During the Second World War several thousand cars were converted to run on coal gas or on charcoal-burning gas producers. The government waived a mileage tax for converted cars, eager to reduce petrol use. There was another advantage in conversion: petrol was strictly rationed until June 1950.

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Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: Surface shelters. National Film Unit, 1942

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How to cite this page:

Megan Cook, 'Energy supply and use - Coal and coal gas', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/21458/coal-gas-for-cars-1940s (accessed 18 April 2024)

Story by Megan Cook, published 11 Mar 2010