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From toy to road: Barbie Dream Camper with engine challenges high gas prices

27.05.2026 18:00 1 min 1 source
la Repubblica ITA
From toy to road: Barbie Dream Camper with engine challenges high gas prices
© la Repubblica

Mali Hightower, a resident of Georgia (USA), converted a Power Wheels Barbie Dream Camper toy into a functional vehicle for short trips, using an engine from an old pressure washer. This comes amid rising gas prices in the US, where average fuel costs have exceeded pre-crisis levels by 33%, and electric vehicles remain unaffordable for many. Hightower left her 1996 Mercedes-Benz parked due to a $90 fill-up cost. The story highlights issues of sustainable mobility access and inadequate public transport.

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From toy to road: Barbie Dream Camper with engine challenges high gas prices

27.05.2026 la Repubblica ITA

🇺🇸 United States — fuel prices

Updated: 23.05.2026

Diesel

$1.51 /l

€1.29 · £1.12/l

56 of 120

cheaper than 54% of countries

Petrol

$1.19 /l

€1.03 · £0.89/l

36 of 118

cheaper than 70% of countries

Popular route

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Fuel cost

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