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.
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?'
posted by Dahcredyns at 8:08 PM 1 comments
