Clean diesel versus hybrid technology: A stupid debate
The Axis of Diesel states, "Mercedes, GM and even Honda, are betting on a new breed of green diesels. The goal? To leave hybrids in the dust."
First, let's be clear. There is no comparison between clean diesel vehicles and hybrid cars. PERIOD. It's no different than comparing apples to oranges.
Second, hybrid vehicles can also use clean diesel technology. So, however efficient a clean diesel is, a clean diesel hybrid will be 20 to 30 percent more efficient. Hybrid technology is not dependent upon fuel, which is why Ford is working on the Reflex diesel hybrid and Peugeot on the C-Matisse diesel hybrid.
Yes, even European automakers are buying into hybrid technology.
----> Finish Reading Clean Diesel Vehicles Versus Hybrid Vehicles: A stupid debate
First, let's be clear. There is no comparison between clean diesel vehicles and hybrid cars. PERIOD. It's no different than comparing apples to oranges.
Second, hybrid vehicles can also use clean diesel technology. So, however efficient a clean diesel is, a clean diesel hybrid will be 20 to 30 percent more efficient. Hybrid technology is not dependent upon fuel, which is why Ford is working on the Reflex diesel hybrid and Peugeot on the C-Matisse diesel hybrid.
Yes, even European automakers are buying into hybrid technology.
----> Finish Reading Clean Diesel Vehicles Versus Hybrid Vehicles: A stupid debate
Labels: clean diesel, Ford, GM, Honda, Hybrid Vehicles
posted by Dahcredyns at
9:45 AM
1 Comments:
(Rest of Story)
Sure, it is true that in the short term, clean diesel cars can compete with gasoline hybrid cars in terms of performance, but hybrid technology is only just emerging. Within 3 years not only do Toyota and Honda believe that they can cut the weight of their hybrid powertrains in half, but the costs of hybrid technology as well. This means greater fuel efficiency at half the cost.
Consequently, in three years, a clean diesel hybrid could be sold for less than the current markup on today's gasoline powered hybrids. And, in three years, if gas prices are close to three dollars, a hybrid diesel will be a far better value than just a clean diesel vehicle.
More important, the gains that Toyota and Honda will make in the next 3 years are only the beginning. Just like computers, hybrid technology will continually achieve greater efficiency and cheaper costs. Additionally, hybrid technology is an excellent platform for the introduction of fuel cells into automobiles. As fuel cells are so expensive, smaller fuel cells could be used at first to help bring costs down, and that's extremely important.
Let's face it, a fuel cell vehicle costs almost $1 million today. On the other hand, a clean diesel plug-in hybrid that can achieve over 100 mpg costs less than $50,000. Also, such a clean diesel doesn't require the infrastructure costs of a brand new 'hydrogen highway'.
To frame a debate between clean diesel and hybrid vehicles is simply short-sighted and silly. Isn't it about time we strive for greatness and not profit-driven mediocrity? The technology needed to change the world exists RIGHT NOW. The real question is, 'Does the courage to change exist?'
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