Plug-in diesels show promise for Europe; why not here?
Given that Europe could tax vehicles based on CO2 emissions, the diesel hybrid is looking good overseas. A regular hybrid, either gas or diesel powered, won't cut the greenhouse gasses enough. You see, CO2 output is directly proportional to the fuel used. Since diesels get better fuel economy, plug-in diesel hybrids are getting more attention as the EU regulators consider policy changes. Diesels already account for more than half of new-vehicle sales in Europe. The big hurdle, of course, is making a business case for the new and expensive technology. PSA/Peugeot-Citroen says diesel PHEVs will work better than gas. (Shown is the diesel hybrid prototype of the Citroen C4). The next step is the EU decision followed by any incentives that will help speed up the manufacturers' development.
[Source: Tony Lewin / Automotive News via Autoweek]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
66coronet 8:57PM (1/22/2007)
PSA/Peugeot-Citroen could re-enter the US market with this vehicle and corner the market on plug in diesel hybrids. I was hoping chrysler would have been first since they had the ESX projects. Apparently they (management) just do not have the drive to offer this style of product. They have every oportunity with the VW 2.0L crd in 5 vehicles and the new hybrid transmission to make something happen.
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66coronet 8:54PM (1/22/2007)
http://www.topix.net/autos/dodge-sprinter
At least they are testing with the sprinter.
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Karkus 1:45PM (2/19/2007)
Yes, diesel is more efficient (typically ~30%). However, diesel is also more dense than gasoline, so you lose about half of that advantage when you compare CO2 emissions. So a diesel with the same MPG as a gasoline car actually has HIGHER CO2 emissions!
If you look at all the CO2 emissions of cars sold in the UK right now http://www.vcacarfueldata.org.uk/information/how-to-use-the-data-tables.asp#petrol
you will see that the midsize Prius actually has the lowest CO2 emission, lower than any of those tiny diesels out there. Soon, however, the VW Polo bluemotion (subcompact) clean diesel will take the top spot for lowest CO2 emissions.
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